Academy Museum Gala 2023: Red Carpet Fashion Highlights

Star Power and Generosity Shine at the Academy Museum’s Fifth Annual Gala

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ fifth annual fundraising gala, held Saturday at its Wilshire Boulevard campus, drew a constellation of stars and raised significant funds for the institution’s vital programs. The event, which first launched in 2021 following the museum’s highly anticipated opening, saw an impressive turnout including Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Demi Moore, Elle Fanning, and Dakota Fanning, with some reports noting Kardashian’s appearance was particularly unrecognizable.

A Night of Honors and Philanthropy

The annual gala serves as a crucial fundraising event for the Academy Museum, directly supporting its exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programming. Last year’s event proved remarkably successful, collecting over $11 million in donations while honoring Quentin Tarantino, Paul Mescal, and Rita Moreno. This year’s gala continued that tradition of generosity, recognizing significant contributions to the world of cinema.

Honorees for 2024 included actor Penélope Cruz, director Walter Salles, comedian Bowen Yang, and music icon Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen, receiving the inaugural Legacy Award, not only attended but also delivered a live performance, captivating the audience. A forthcoming biopic starring Jeremy Allen White – known for his role in “The Bear” – will chronicle Springsteen’s life and is slated for release on October 24th.

Both Springsteen and Cruz, celebrated Academy Award winners, represent the pinnacle of artistic achievement. Springsteen earned his Oscar for the original song “Streets of Philadelphia,” penned for Tom Hanks’ 1993 drama Philadelphia, while Cruz was recognized for her performance in Pedro Almodóvar’s 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

International Recognition and Emerging Voices

The gala also spotlighted the work of director Walter Salles, who was presented with the Luminary Award for innovative filmmaking. Salles’ 2023 film, I’m Still Here, marked a historic moment for Brazilian cinema, earning the nation its first Academy Award for international film. Fernanda Torres also received a nomination for her role in the 2024 film.

Comedian Bowen Yang received the Vantage Award, a distinction given to those who “honor an artist or scholar who has helped to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema.” Yang, a celebrated figure on Saturday Night Live and host of the Las Culturistas podcast, is also set to reprise his role in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked: For Good, scheduled for release on November 21st.

A Fashionable Affair

Attendees embraced the evening’s glamour, making bold statements with their attire. Jenna Ortega showcased a futuristic look in a Grace Ling halter top, while Rachel Zegler evoked Old Hollywood elegance in Tamara Ralph Couture. Olivia Rodrigo opted for vintage Giorgio Armani Privé, and Eva Longoria stunned in Elie Saab.

Here are some of the best looks from the evening, captured by Los Angeles Times photographer Eric Thayer:

• Jeremy Allen White (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Jenna Ortega (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Amanda Seyfried (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Zoe Kravitz (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Penelope Cruz (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• George Clooney (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Kirsten Dunst (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Eddie Redmayne (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Bruce Springsteen and Martin Scorsese (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Zoey Deutch (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Demi Moore (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Charli XCX (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Michelle Monaghan (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Elle Fanning (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Addison Rae (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Channing Tatum (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Rachel Zegler (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Cara Delevingne (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Jeremy Strong (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Dakota Fanning (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Mikey Madison (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Laura Dern (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Sydney Sweeney (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Joey King (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Alison Brie and Dave Franco (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Kate Hudson (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Billy Crudup and Naomi Watts (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Jennifer Hudson (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Leslie Bibb (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
• Eva Longoria (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

The Academy Museum’s annual gala continues to be a powerful demonstration of the film industry’s commitment to both artistic excellence and philanthropic support, ensuring the preservation and celebration of cinematic history for generations to come.