Academy Museum Announces 2026 Gala Honorees and Upcoming Programming

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will hold its sixth annual fundraising gala on October 17. The evening, presented with founding partner Rolex, will honor three artists: filmmaker John Carpenter (Luminary Award), actor-playwright Colman Domingo (Vantage Award), and actress Charlize Theron (Icon Award). The event is co-chaired by Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw.

The Wrap

• On August 22, Theron will join the museum’s Teen Council for a conversation preceding a screening of *Mad Max: Fury Road* (2015).

Deadline Hollywood

• On September 26, Carpenter will host three nights of screenings of his films, including *Halloween* (1978), as part of the museum’s new large-scale exhibition “The Horror Show.”

The Wrap

Academy Museum director and president Amy Homma emphasized that the gala celebrates artists whose work shapes cinema’s cultural impact worldwide. She noted that the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and public screenings rely on donor generosity and highlighted the partnership with Rolex and the support of the co-chairs.

Variety Magazine

The gala’s host committee features a broad roster of industry talent, including Jessica Alba, Judd Apatow, Leslie Mann, Jon M. Chu, Kirsten Dunst, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Rami Malek, Demi Moore, Olivia Munn, Questlove, Seth Rogen, Lauren Miller Rogen, and Teyana Taylor, among others.

Variety Magazine

• “The Academy Museum Gala is a celebration of the artists and storytellers whose work continues to shape the cultural impact of cinema around the world. For our sixth annual Gala, we are honored to recognize John Carpenter, Colman Domingo, and Charlize Theron, whose extraordinary careers exemplify the creativity, innovation, and excellence that continues to move the industry forward.” — Amy Homma, director and president

Variety Magazine

• “The Academy Museum Gala is a celebration of the artists and storytellers whose work continues to shape the cultural impact of cinema around the world,” — Academy Museum Director

Deadline Hollywood

The gala’s proceeds will fund the museum’s core mission: preserving cinema history, presenting world-class exhibitions, and expanding educational opportunities for diverse audiences. Honoring Carpenter, Domingo, and Theron underscores the museum’s focus on creators who have expanded filmmaking possibilities, challenged dominant narratives, and achieved global cultural influence.

Variety Magazine