Taylor Swift sings at Academy Museum Gala in navy Ralph Lauren gown
Taylor Swift performed onstage at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures gala in Los Angeles on Oct. 18, 2026, wearing a strapless, sparkling navy blue gown by Ralph Lauren.
The pop superstar arrived earlier that evening on the red carpet in a beaded, bow‑trimmed blue Dior ballgown, a look described as reminiscent of Cinderella, before changing into the Ralph Lauren dress for her performance.
During the set, Swift delivered the first live rendition of her chart‑topping single “The Fate of Ophelia,” followed by fan‑favorite hits “Love Story,” “Blank Space,” and her Toy Story 5 soundtrack song “I Knew It, I Knew You.” She also performed her 2025 “Life of a Showgirl” single, accompanied by backup singers and saxophonists.
The gala, now in its sixth year, honored filmmaker and composer John Carpenter, Oscar nominee Colman Domingo and Oscar winner Charlize Theron. Co‑chairs of the event included Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, and the host committee featured names such as Jessica Alba, Judd Apatow, Leslie Mann, Kirsten Dunst and Chrissy Teigen.
Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma praised Swift, calling her “an extraordinary talent whose work resonates around the world,” and noted that her performance helped close a night celebrating cinema while supporting the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs and public screenings.
Swift accessorized the Ralph Lauren gown with Cartier jewelry, black heels and her signature red lip, while her hair was styled in loose curls. The semi‑sheer tulle skirt of the dress showcased her legs, adding to the striking visual impact.
The event’s proceeds support the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate film history, and the star‑studded crowd, which included Charlize Theron, John Legend, Rami Malek and many others, highlighted the cultural crossover between Hollywood and the music industry.
Swift departed the gala solo, as husband Travis Kelce was in Missouri for a Kansas City Chiefs game, and the Academy Museum announced future gala dates later this year.
