Inside the Academy Museum Gala: Hollywood Celebrates, Raises $14 Million

Hollywood’s biggest end‑of‑year party took place on Saturday at the sixth annual Academy Museum of Motion Pictures gala. The black‑tie event marked the museum’s anniversary and generated more than $14 million for its exhibitions, education programs and public initiatives.

The night was co‑chaired by Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, and was presented in partnership with Rolex. The guest list read like a condensed year of premieres, with Ana de Armas, Jacob Elordi, Sabrina Carpenter and Colin Farrell among the early arrivals. A lively cluster of Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and a vintage Balenciaga‑clad Kim Kardashian added to the buzz, while Sarah Paulson, dressed in custom Ferragamo, arrived arm‑in‑arm with designer Maximilian Davis. Veteran and emerging stars mingled throughout, from Hunter Schafer, Rosé and Connor Storrie to Pamela Anderson and Pierce Brosnan.

Amy Homma, director and president of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection, opened the program with a look back at the institution’s first five years. Trustee Olivier de Givenchy followed with a celebratory toast. Jamie Lee Curtis then took the stage, reflecting on the lasting appeal of horror and highlighting the museum’s newest exhibition, “The Horror Show.” She introduced Robert Rodriguez, who presented the Luminary Award to filmmaker and composer John Carpenter, best known for “Halloween.”

Sigourney Weaver presented the Icon Award to Academy Award‑winning actress Charlize Theron. After dinner, which was prepared by guest chef Antonia Lofaso and Wolfgang Puck Catering, Judd Apatow introduced Tom Ford, who handed the Vantage Award to the ever‑stylish Colman Domingo.

The evening’s entertainment climax arrived when Conan O’Brien introduced pop star Taylor Swift. Swift performed a set of her biggest hits, closing the gala on a high note. Like her July wedding, she once again chose Dior for her look, adding a final touch of glamour to the night.