Academy Museum Gala 2026: The Final Red Carpet Looks
Here is a roundup of the notable looks from Saturday night’s 2026 Academy Museum Gala.
Black And White Elegance
As much as the colour combination is striking, Adria Arjona’s Rasario gown had me at that sculpted neckline. With the white shawl falling from her arms, there’s something wonderfully Old Hollywood about the look, although the execution feels contemporary. One of my favourites from this group and from the night overall.
A Garden In Bloom
Amandla Stenberg embraced the romantic side of the Zimmermann Spring 2027 collection. With an abundance of florals, butterflies and ruffles, the overall effect is charming. The nude sandals were a sensible choice, but I think she needed her hair up here.
Seeing Red
Brittany Snow’s shimmering red Max Mara Resort 2027 slip dress has a distinctly ’90s feel. I love the simplicity of the silhouette, which allows that gorgeous shade of red to speak for itself.
Leather With Attitude
Cara Delevingne has enough gown credits in the bank to pull off this Givenchy by Sarah Burton Spring 2027 bustier and twisted-trouser look. In fact, it’s a welcome alternative to the evening gowns, and Cara has exactly the right attitude to carry it off at this event.
White With A Flourish
In every picture I’ve seen of Eiza González in this beautiful Ralph Lauren Spring 2026 gown, the drape has been billowing in the wind. If I wore a gown this beautiful, I would travel with a wind machine too. I mean, the dress is stunning enough on its own, but the flowing fabric adds another layer of romance. Aquazzura sandals and David Yurman jewellery completed the look.
A New Balmain Chapter
Elizabeth Debicki has always given us quiet luxury, but this custom Balmain by Antonin Tron gown is a bit too one-note for me, even with the knotted detail. Sabyasachi morganite and diamond drop earrings and Femme flat shoes completed the look.
Red Alert
Yes, this body-conscious silhouette is a go-to for Emily Ratajkowski, but there’s no denying how striking this red Burç Akyol Spring 2027 dress is. I really appreciate the relative simplicity of the design.
A Touch Of Shine
Hannah Waddingham will always give you a high-glamour moment, and this custom Akris gown is no exception. I love the liquid-metal effect and the way the fabric drapes across her figure. The retro-inspired hairstyle adds another layer of glamour, making this a particularly elegant outing for her.
Purple Reign
Issa Rae can always be relied upon to deliver a welcome burst of colour, and this custom Aisté Hong gown is no exception as this shade of purple is glorious on her. Her Kwiat Ashoka diamond earrings, bracelet and ring were beautiful finishing touches.
Rethink Pink
I’m so disappointed for Jennifer Hudson, as this Pamella Roland Resort 2024 gown might be a vibrant shade of pink, but it’s incredibly unflattering on her. The proportions aren’t doing her any favours. The design also feels rather dated.
A Teal Surprise
Joey King’s custom Miu Miu gown came in an inspired shade of teal satin, but it’s the length I’m most impressed by. The black tulle gloves worked perfectly with that ruffled neckline, while the Bvlgari diamond necklace and Serpenti bracelet completed her look. This is the best Miu Miu look I’ve seen in some time.
Keeping It Simple
Karlie Kloss is usually the minimalist, and I have a feeling that last year this Alaïa dress would have been nothing more than a black satin gown. However, she’s been having a bit more fun with fashion this year, so that feathered detail at the hips is a welcome addition. Cartier jewellery and Gianvito Rossi Sofia ballerinas completed the look.
Layering
I would have liked Laura Harrier’s Mugler look much more without the ivory neckline, which makes it feel as though she’s layered a dress over a bikini top. The rest of the gown has everything I would expect from Mugler, but that one detail is difficult for me to overlook.
Vintage Gold
Olivia Munn chose vintage Bob Mackie, and while the intricate gold pattern is interesting, the dress looks too big for her. I think this could have been a much stronger vintage moment. David Webb jewellery completed the look.
Texture Takes Over
Whitney Peak wore Diotima, and this is one of the more interesting black gowns of the evening. I love the exaggerated silhouette and the contrast between the shaggy texture and the intricate openwork at the waist. It’s an unusual combination, but that’s precisely why I find it so appealing.
Silver Lining
Yara Shahidi wore Miu Miu, and I’m drawn to the sculptural peplum and metallic finish. The silver fabric gives the gown a futuristic quality, and I don’t feel that much more was needed in the styling department. The dress has enough character to stand on its own.
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