The Academy Museum Gala’s homage to three Hollywood icons brought the best of cinema and fashion to the red carpet in Los Angeles on Saturday night. Now in its fourth year, the fundraiser–co-chaired in part by Salma Hayek Pinault, Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, and Tyler Perry–raised over $11 million for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to support its filmmaking exhibitions and local community initiatives.
Honoring Rita Moreno, Paul Mescal, and Quentin Tarantino for their contributions to film, the gala’s highly coveted guestlist included Amy Adams, Kylie Jenner and Netflix chief Ted Sarandos.
Longoria kicked off the evening’s programming, introducing Director and President of the Academy Museum, Amy Homma, who welcomed the guests and introduced the first presenter of the night, three-time Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg. Spielberg presented the Icon Award to EGOT legend Moreno and spoke about their collaboration on his most recent West Side Story (and Rita’s Puerto Rican cooking).
After the dinner service, Colman Domingo returned guests to their seats by introducing the next presenter, four-time Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan, who presented friend and recent co-star, Oscar-nominated actor Mescal with the Vantage Award. Paul apologized to fellow honoree Moreno for his young age, which she had joked about earlier, and spoke about his love of filmmakers. The Luminary Award was presented by Pulp Fiction star John Travolta, who thanked its recipient, Tarantino, for helping revive his career in the 90s by casting him in the legendary film.
During his acceptance speech, Tarantino announced the donation of his first handwritten draft of the script for Pulp Fiction to the museum. Before the night was over, Ariana Grande closed out the evening with a heartfelt introduction to co-star Cynthia Erivo, who treated guests to a surprise musical performance, singing “I’m Here” from The Color Purple, Diana Ross’s “Home” from The Wiz (1978)” “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz (1939), and Prince’s “Purple Rain.” After every song, Grande stood up to cheer her fellow co-star in the upcoming Wicked musical.
There were so many stars and notable guests that keeping anyone in their seats was hard. Pamela Anderson and Demi Moore were seen talking on the way to dinner while the cast of Emilia Pérez, including Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón, hurried together to their table to watch Mescal accept his award. At the end of the night, guests made their way downstairs to their cars and limos, excited to be a part of a night that celebrates cinema. The gala was presented in partnership with Rolex.
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