Taylor Swift, Charlize Theron and More Stars Arrive to the 2026 Academy Museum Gala - WWD

During AEW WrestleDream 2026, Renee Paquette came out to make an announcement of the newest member of the deep roster. A large metronome appeared before the lights went down. The theme "Soviet March" played and a logo appeared before the name Ilja Dragunov popped up and the crowd went wild. An extremely excited Dragunov appeared in a suit and he began conducting from the ramp. Dragunov circled the outside of the ring as Excalibur said, "Russian born, German raised. Ilja Dragunov is All Elite! The most intense wrestler to ever step foot in the squared circle. A man who took Europe by storm has now arrived in AEW. " Dragunov conducted from the ropes as pyro went off at the top of the ramp. He continued conducting from other corners before blowing a kiss, then conducted some more as he backed up the ramp.

October 17, 2026Photo: Getty ImagesThis evening, the 2026 Academy Museum Gala—now in its sixth year running—gathered an A-list crowd to celebrate and advance the museum's mission to “celebrate and preserve cinema.”Co-chaired by Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw, the special evening naturally brought together an impressive list of Hollywood heavyweights—including the special honorees of the night, which included Charlize Theron, the recipient of the Icon Award; Luminary Award winner John Carpenter; and Colman Domingo, who took home the Vantage Award. Oh, and Taylor Swift was also in the house, delivering a special performance. Before the main event kicked off, however, the glitzy Academy Gala red carpet saw all of these A-listers bring out their finest evening attire for the night. (A similar vibe to last year’s carpet.) The best-dressed stars of the night? It was those who leaned into classic Hollywood glamour—with a twist. Highlights included actor Naomi Ackie, who kicked off the red carpet in a fabulous purple Balenciaga strapless gown—complete with a tiered, voluminous silhouette.

Taylor Swift has made her grand entrance on the Academy Museum red carpet, where she joined a fleet of A-list actors for an evening of fundraising for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Her look? A strapless ice blue gown with an oversized bow at the bodice and exaggerated hips. Honestly, one of her best looks maybe ever? Gilbert Flores//Getty ImagesEmma McIntyre/Oscars//Getty ImagesFrazer Harrison//Getty ImagesTaylor is confirmed to be performing at the gala, and while her set list is under wraps, there’s speculation she could sing her Toy Story 5 single “I Knew It, I Knew You” (especially amid Oscar buzz for the song)—and she was also overheard sound-checking “Blank Space.”Amy Homma, director and president of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection, released a statement on the performance, saying, “Taylor is an extraordinary talent whose work resonates around the world.

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