The Best Dressed Stars From the 2026 Academy Museum Gala

This evening, the 2026 Academy Museum GalaGalaA formal fundraising or celebratory event known for black-tie dress, high-fashion red-carpet looks, and elaborate dinners. Galas let designers dress public figures in statement gowns and tuxedos, and they oftenGo to Gala Glossary—now in its sixth year running—gathered an A-list crowd to celebrate and advance the museum’s mission to “celebrate and preserve cinema.”

Co-chaired by Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw, the special evening naturally brought together an impressive list of Hollywood heavyweights—including the special honorees of the night, which included Charlize Theron, the recipient of the IconIconA figure whose personal style is influential, memorable, and enduring, shaping how generations dress and think about beauty. Style icons range from actors and musicians to designers and models, andGo to Icon Glossary Award; Luminary Award winner John Carpenter; and Colman Domingo, who took home the Vantage Award. Oh, and Taylor Swift was also in the house, delivering a special performance.

Before the main event kicked off, however, the glitzy Academy GalaGalaA formal fundraising or celebratory event known for black-tie dress, high-fashion red-carpet looks, and elaborate dinners. Galas let designers dress public figures in statement gowns and tuxedos, and they oftenGo to Gala Glossary red carpet saw all of these A-listers bring out their finest evening attire for the night. (A similar vibe to last year’s carpet.) The best-dressed stars of the night? It was those who leaned into classic Hollywood glamour—with a twist.

Highlights included actor Naomi Ackie, who kicked off the red carpetRed CarpetThe ceremonial walkway at premieres, award shows, and galas where public figures pose for photographers in their most carefully chosen looks. Red-carpet fashion launches trends, fuels designer visibility, and generatesGo to Red Carpet Glossary in a fabulous purple Balenciaga strapless gown—complete with a tiered, voluminous silhouette. Other stars went more sleek and streamlined, like Maya Hawke in her crystal bejeweled Prada column gown, or Mia Goth in her slinky black sequin Dior dress.

Below, see more of Vogue’s best dressed stars from the 2026 Academy Museum GalaGalaA formal fundraising or celebratory event known for black-tie dress, high-fashion red-carpet looks, and elaborate dinners. Galas let designers dress public figures in statement gowns and tuxedos, and they oftenGo to Gala Glossary, as they arrive in real time. And be sure to vote on who you thought was best dressed.

This article was originally published on Vogue.com. 

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