Colman Domingo, Charlize Theron and John Carpenter to Be Honored at 2026 Academy Museum Gala
Colman Domingo, Charlize Theron and legendary filmmaker John Carpenter take center stage at the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala, set for Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Colman Domingo, photo by Raul Romo
Held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the star-studded fundraiser has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most anticipated social and philanthropic events — bringing together leaders in film, fashion and entertainment while raising millions to support the museum’s work.
This year, Theron will receive the Icon Award, recognizing an artist whose career has made a significant global impact. Carpenter will receive the Luminary Award, honoring his singular contributions to the art of filmmaking, while Domingo will receive the Vantage Award, which recognizes an artist helping to challenge dominant narratives around cinema.
The evening will be co-chaired by Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw and Robert Rodriguez, with a host committee packed with recognizable names, including Questlove, Demi Moore, Teyana Taylor, Seth Rogen, Lauren Miller Rogen, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Regina Hall, Jessica Alba, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann.
The Academy Museum is the world's largest museum dedicated to the arts, sciences and artists of moviemaking. Its mission is to advance the understanding, celebration and preservation of cinema through accessible exhibitions, screenings, programs, initiatives and collections, while presenting the history and impact of film through diverse perspectives.
Money raised through the gala helps make that mission possible. According to the museum, proceeds support its world-class exhibitions, educational opportunities and public screenings while helping keep the museum accessible to visitors of all ages.
The 2025 Academy Museum Gala raised more than $12 million for the institution, following a 2024 event that raised more than $11 million.
This year’s gala is presented by Rolex, the museum's exclusive presenting partner and a founding supporter of the Academy Museum. Rolex has maintained a longstanding relationship with the institution and the broader Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The honorees are also extending their participation beyond gala night. Theron is scheduled to participate in a conversation with the Academy Museum’s Teen Council alongside a screening of Mad Max: Fury Road, while Carpenter will take part in a series of screenings of his work tied to the museum's new exhibition, The Horror Show.
For an event often compared to the West Coast’s answer to the Met Gala, the Academy Museum Gala has found a formula that pairs Hollywood star power and high fashion with meaningful investment in film history, education and public access.
Event Details:
Academy Museum Gala
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90036
Presented by: Rolex
Tickets: Public ticket-purchase information for the 2026 gala has not yet been posted by the Academy Museum. Visit the official Academy Museum Gala announcement for event information and future updates.