Taylor Swift Turns Heads in Pale Blue Gown at 2026 Academy Museum Gala

The pop superstar also debuted "The Fate of Ophelia" live and performed other hits at the event. Taylor Swift at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 17, 2026 in Los Angeles. Michael Buckner/WWD Trending on Billboard Taylor Swift dazzled on the red carpet at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala. The 36-year-old pop superstar turned heads in a custom Dior gown designed by Jonathan Anderson as she posed for photographers at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ sixth annual fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday (Oct. 17). Swift accessorized with diamond jewelry by Chopard, including earrings featuring 32.40 carats of diamonds set in platinum, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Later in the evening, Swift took the stage in a sparkling midnight-blue gown to perform “The Fate of Ophelia” live for the first time. The track, from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 14-time Grammy winner also performed “I Knew It, I Knew You,” her original song from the Toy Story 5 soundtrack, along with hits “Blank Space” and “Love Story.” “It’s an insane, unprecedented honor to introduce a cherished member of our little Toy Story 5 family,” Conan O’Brien said when introducing her. “She’s John, Paul, George and Ringo all in one.” The singer is currently campaigning for “I Knew It, I Knew You” in the best original song category at the upcoming Oscars. Swift’s private concert at this year’s Academy Museum Gala was announced earlier in the month. The event honored Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and filmmaker-composer John Carpenter. Gala co-chairs Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw were also in attendance. Other notable guests included Theron, Jacob Elordi and Sabrina Carpenter. The A-list fundraiser raised more than $14 million to support the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs and public screenings, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Saturday’s performance marked Swift’s first public performance since her August appearance at the Grammy Museum, where she played a mash-up of her songs and spoke with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. about her music. Swift attended the Academy Museum Gala alone as her husband, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, prepared for the team’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday (Oct. 18). Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Sign Up