Inside The 5th Annual Academy Museum Gala—Hollywood's Most Private Big Night Out
The Academy Museum Gala has all the star power, industry attendance, and allure of the Academy Awards themselves—with one major difference. It all goes down behind closed doors, without television crews or so much as a livestream.
On Saturday evening, the Renzo Piano-designed Academy Museum—the largest of its kind dedicated to the art of movie-making—played backdrop to the fifth annual Academy Gala. Celebrating the four-year anniversary of the definitive cinema-related cultural institution, Wilshire Boulevard was lit up with Hollywood s brightest stars as they decamped from SUVs and made their way inside the buzzy event.
Post cocktail hour, guests took their seats for the program, which served to honor four industry heavyweights. Clad in iridescent Chanel, Penélope Cruz was presented with the Icon Award by her longtime friend Zoe Saldaña. For her big moment, the Spanish actress light-reflective gown—hand-embroidered with sequins, pendants, glass crystals jewels, and clear beads over the course of 630 hours—was a fitting and captivating choice.
Over dinner, prepared by guest chef Nancy Silverton and Wolfgang Puck Catering, the recognition continued. The Vantage Award, which uplifts emerging talent with a global cultural impact, was presented by Jon M. Chu to actor, comedian Bowen Yang—who will perhaps reveal a little more from inside the glamorous A list night on an upcoming episode of Las Culturistas. Director Walter Salles was also presented with one of the trophies; a flex in the form of a Haas Brothers-designed 24-karat gold-covered statuette.
Bruce Springsteen, whose documentary aired this time last year, received the inaugural Legacy Award. The accolade was presented by Martin Scorsese, before a lifelong fan, in the form of none other than George Clooney, was later called up to stage to announce a surprise performance by Springsteen. The Boss closed out the night with a set including Streets of Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Land of Hope and Dreams.
In the fashion stakes, the affair set the tone for what to expect from the awards season red carpet. Think: After The Hunt s Ayo Edebiri in Chanel, Demi Moore in Prada, Zoe Saldana and Charli XCX in Saint Laurent, Eva Longoria in Elie Saab, and Kaia Gerber in Sarah Burton s Givenchy. Zoey Deutch even took a scarlet-hued custom couture gown by Zac Posen for Gap out for a spin. Naomi Watts, Elle Fanning, Tessa Thompson, and Rachel Sennott all brightened things up, wearing technicolor runway looks from Pierpaolo Piccioli s Balenciaga Spring Summer 2026 collection. Enjoying the scene, Hailey Bieber in sculpted Schiaparelli and Kendall Jenner in understated The Row giggled over martinis.
A glowing newlywed Selena Gomez, Olivia Rodrigo, Sydney Sweeney (fresh off a plane from the London Film Festival) and Dakota Fanning were among the many names resplendent in Armani. The label also dressed supermodel Carolyn Murphy and actor Will Arnett, who arrived hand-in-hand looking loved-up after making their debut as a couple this week.
Turning heads, Skims founder Kim Kardashian arrived in an on-brand hue of nude. The multi-hyphenate, who s set her own sights on acting with her recent role in All s Fair, was guided through the museum by assistants, given that her Maison Margiela Couture gown was styled with the accompanying vision-obscuring veil from the runway look.
The night, presented once more by founding partner Rolex, served to raise a staggering $12 million for the museum s initiatives, including education, screenings, K-12 programs, and access initiatives in local Los Angeles.
Photo: Hunter Abrams1/84Kirsten Dunst, Bowen Yang, Channing Tatum
