The 2025 Academy Museum Gala transformed Los Angeles into a beacon of high fashion and cinematic celebration on October 18th, marking its fifth annual iteration. This prestigious event, known for drawing Hollywood’s elite, not only honors significant contributions to the art of film but also serves as a vital fundraiser, generating over $12 million this year to support the museum’s exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programming. As stars graced the distinctive blue carpet, the fashion headlines were dominated by bold statements and timeless elegance, with particular buzz surrounding the striking ensembles of Kim Kardashian, Jenna Ortega, and Selena Gomez.
A Night of Film, Philanthropy, and Fashion
The Academy Museum Gala has rapidly become a cornerstone event, often compared to the Met Gala for its high-profile attendance and significant fashion moments. This year’s gala paid tribute to influential figures in the film industry, including honorees Penélope Cruz, who received the Icon Award, and Bruce Springsteen, celebrated with the inaugural Legacy Award, who also treated guests to a live performance. The event, co-chaired by industry heavyweights such as Jon M. Chu, Viola Davis, and Robert Downey Jr., celebrated the intersection of cinema and style, creating an unparalleled spectacle that generated considerable news and excitement. The sheer hype surrounding the event ensured a flurry of trending fashion discourse across Hollywood and beyond.
Kim Kardashian’s Unrecognizable Metamorphosis
Kim Kardashian once again captured global attention with a daring and transformative look from Maison Margiela’s Fall 2025 Couture collection. The reality mogul stepped out in a nude-toned, strapless, corseted gown featuring draped sleeves and an inverted V-waistline. What truly set her apart, however, was a full face-covering mask and matching hair covering, rendering her almost unrecognizable and sparking widespread conversation. This avant-garde ensemble, complete with a statement choker adorned with crystals and green gems, evoked memories of her iconic masked appearance at the 2021 Met Gala. The look was a bold departure from her usual style, showcasing a commitment to avant-garde fashion statements.
Jenna Ortega: A Fusion of Art and Futurism
Jenna Ortega continued to cement her status as a fashion chameleon with a striking and artistic gown from Grace Ling’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The “Wednesday” star wore a futuristic ensemble that featured a sculptural, leaf-shaped silver breastplate, which artfully revealed a hint of sideboob, paired with a flowing chocolate-brown silk skirt. This avant-garde creation, described as both sculptural and biomorphic, highlighted Ortega’s penchant for bold, boundary-pushing fashion choices, resonating with her “gothic darling” persona and a taste for the unexpected. Her unique styling, complete with dramatic eye makeup and a sleek hairstyle, perfectly complemented the experimental design.
Selena Gomez Channels Old Hollywood Glamour
Selena Gomez, making her first red carpet appearance since her marriage to Benny Blanco, opted for timeless elegance with a custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown. The “Rare Beauty” founder exuded classic Hollywood charm in a sumptuous black velvet strapless gown, intricately embellished with rhinestones along the neckline. Her look was thoughtfully completed with a structured tuxedo jacket draped over her shoulders and dazzling chandelier diamond earrings, embodying the era’s sophisticated aesthetic. Blanco, by her side, complemented her timeless style in a classic black suit, underscoring their debut as a married couple on a major Hollywood stage.
A Night of Trending Hollywood Style
Beyond these standout moments, the 2025 Academy Museum Gala showcased a plethora of other fashion-forward looks. Stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Sydney Sweeney stunned in Giorgio Armani Privé, while Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber sported designs from The Row and Schiaparelli, respectively. Zoë Kravitz embraced dramatic volume in Saint Laurent, and Demi Moore presented an elegant figure in Prada. The news of these breathtaking ensembles quickly circulated, highlighting the gala’s status as a premier event for observing current fashion trends and the creative spirit of Hollywood designers.
The 2025 Academy Museum Gala was more than just a fundraising event; it was a vibrant testament to the enduring power of cinema and its symbiotic relationship with fashion. The unforgettable looks, from Kardashian’s masked mystery to Ortega’s artistic vision and Gomez’s classic glamour, cemented the gala’s reputation as a must-watch event on the hollywood calendar, generating significant hype and news for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
