The 2025 Academy Museum Gala once again cemented its status as the “Met Gala of the West,” drawing Hollywood’s elite to celebrate cinematic excellence and, of course, showcase groundbreaking fashion. From avant-garde statements to timeless elegance, the red carpet was a canvas of creativity, generating buzz and sparking passionate discussions among fashion enthusiasts and classic film fans.
The 5th Annual Academy Museum Gala, held in Los Angeles, was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a grand spectacle of style. This year’s event honored several luminaries, including Bowen Yang with the Vantage Award, Penélope Cruz with the Icon Award, Walter Salles with the Luminary Award, and Bruce Springsteen, who received the Legacy Award and delivered a memorable performance. Yet, for many, the true stars of the evening were the audacious and elegant ensembles that graced the red carpet.
As industry insiders noted, this gala served as a crucial second round for designer debuts seen during recent runway seasons, translating high fashion into unforgettable celebrity moments. The interplay between celebrated designers and their ambassadors provided a compelling narrative of sartorial triumph and, occasionally, perplexing choices.
Louis Vuitton’s Vision: Structure, Sophistication, and a Hint of Futurism
Under the direction of Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton dressed several ambassadors and friends of the house, delivering looks that ranged from quietly commanding to strikingly modern. The brand consistently pushed boundaries while maintaining its signature blend of luxury and innovation.
Chase Infiniti: A Rising Star’s Defining Moment
Perhaps the most talked-about Louis Vuitton look of the night belonged to Chase Infiniti. Her silk taffeta gown, dyed a vibrant green with overstitched pleating, featured a sculpted bodice that perfectly balanced structure and softness. This elegant, directional, and quietly commanding ensemble led many to speculate if she is an ambassador-in-waiting for the luxury house, a sentiment echoed across fan communities. She was styled by the acclaimed duo Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald.
Ava DuVernay: Regal and Radiantly Futuristic
Ava DuVernay continued her streak of extraordinary red carpet moments in a scrumptious black velvet off-the-shoulder column gown from Louis Vuitton. The sculpted red satin neckline provided a powerful, futuristic contrast against the rich texture of the velvet, creating another commanding look for the director and Nicolas Ghesquière. Her ensemble was exquisitely accessorized with David Webb jewels.
The Haim Sisters: Diverse Takes on LV Glamour
The Haim sisters presented a varied vision of Louis Vuitton elegance:
- Este Haim opted for “quiet luxury” in a black compact crêpe jersey gown with a paneled car-wash skirt. Styled with black leather pumps, diamond stud earrings, and a white gold and diamond ear cuff from the Louis Vuitton Fine Jewelry collection, her look was sleek and sophisticated, though some found it a little muted for the brand.
- Alana Haim’s column gown featured a beautiful black embroidered lace overlay. While the lace hit the right note, the silver base underneath was a point of contention, with many wishing it had been black to avoid a dated, archival feel. LV Diamonds fine jewelry earrings completed her look.
- Danielle Haim brought “rock ‘n’ roll refinement” in a black leather Louis Vuitton gown adorned with silver stones and crystal glass tube embroidery. Paired with black satin pumps and pieces from the Louis Vuitton fine jewelry collection, she offered an edgy yet elegant take on evening glamour.
Menswear Highlights: Jaden Smith and Jeremy Allen White
The men of Louis Vuitton also made impactful statements. Jaden Smith surprised many with a “refreshingly drama-free” double-breasted tuxedo, paired with an LV Night Lavaliere shirt, black LV Beaubourg loafers, and a white LV Petite Malle clutch. It was hailed as one of his most polished and mature appearances to date. Jeremy Allen White kept things classic in an LV tuxedo styled with an LV yellow gold Tambour watch, proving that simple and sharp can be refreshingly unfussy, even with subtle details like cowboy collar tips. His look was styled by Jamie Mizrahi.
Conversely, Renate Reinsve’s Louis Vuitton look, while modern and moody in silver and black, was critiqued for its exaggerated collar and placket, which disrupted the sleek lines of her gown and seemed to pull it back a few decades. Odessa Young’s strapless pinky-sand silk satin gown was also deemed a “wrong hue,” washing her out and doing her complexion no favors.
Chanel’s Evolving Narrative: Blazy’s Influence
The Chanel presence at the gala, curated by Matthieu Blazy, marked a defining moment for the brand’s new era. Five celebrities, including four Chanel ambassadors, showcased looks that ranged from understated elegance to challenging proportions.
As reported by Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), the collection showcased a blend of classic Chanel codes with modern interpretations.
Ayo Edebiri: The Face of Chanel’s Evolution
Ayo Edebiri continued to be the Chanel ambassador to watch, perfectly embodying the transitional chapter under Matthieu Blazy’s direction. Her Chanel Spring 2026 look, with its 1920s undertones, initially felt casual but ultimately resonated with low-key refinement and undeniable chicness, defining her as a compelling muse.
Penélope Cruz: Timeless Glamour, Reimagined
Penélope Cruz, honored with the Icon Award, leaned into timeless glamour. Her blush chiffon Chanel dress, embroidered with glass crystals, transparent beads, and shimmering sequins, was undeniably beautiful. It was seen as a positive step for a partnership that has often felt subdued, with Chanel High Jewelry providing the perfect finishing touch.
Lupita Nyong’o and Riley Keough: Quiet Confidence and Playful Texture
Lupita Nyong’o made her first red carpet appearance as a Chanel ambassador in the Blazy era, exuding quiet confidence in a black lace gown. While some missed her signature vibrant colors, her radiance shone through. Riley Keough delighted with a silk dress detailed with playful pom-pom-like accents, striking a balance between whimsy and refinement that characterized Blazy’s best work.
Kristen Wiig: A Proportional Puzzle
Kristen Wiig’s Chanel Spring 2026 skirt, with its layered, drop-waist illusion, generated debate. Many felt it added unnecessary bulk and that the proportions were simply off. The black pumps, in particular, seemed disconnected from the crisp palette, though her statement necklace was a strong note in an otherwise unharmonious look.
Beyond the Powerhouses: Diverse Designer Statements
The 2025 Academy Museum Gala saw a rich tapestry of designers, from established luxury houses to emerging talents, each vying for attention on the star-studded red carpet. This breadth of choice underscored Hollywood’s role as the ultimate stage for fashion, as detailed by Elle in their comprehensive fashion review.
Hailey Bieber and Elle Fanning: Schiaparelli and Balenciaga Statements
Hailey Bieber turned heads in Schiaparelli SS25 Couture, a choice that emphasized bold artistry. Meanwhile, Elle Fanning embraced Balenciaga, showcasing the brand’s unique vision with striking jewelry from Cartier. Her appearance included a distinct red fluffy detail that sparked conversation, with some playfully suggesting it resembled a character from Monsters Inc.
Charli XCX: Channeling Her Inner Madonna
Charli XCX delivered a high-energy look in Saint Laurent, channeling Madonna’s iconic Ray of Light era. Her dark, energetic ensemble perfectly suited her rock-pop persona, earning her a spot among the night’s best-dressed.
Kim Kardashian: The Polarizing Spectacle
True to form, Kim Kardashian delivered the night’s most polarizing and predictable moment in a full face-covering Maison Margiela corset gown. Accompanied by a heavy spinel gemstone necklace and matching rings, her choice sparked widespread debate. Some questioned if she forgot her makeup or took fashion tips from Ye, while others playfully speculated about a Louvre robbery, given her masked appearance and abundant jewels. This look solidified her reputation for fashion that consistently generates chatter, as noted by various celebrity news outlets like The Hollywood Reporter.
Jeremy Strong: The Red-Hot Statement
Jeremy Strong made a bold and arresting choice with a bright red suit by Loro Piana, featuring knife-point pleats. The striking color and sharp tailoring made it an unforgettable look, though he came prepared for its brilliance with dark glasses. This ensemble was a true departure and a conversation starter, generating strong reactions from fans and fashion critics alike.
Maude Apatow: The ‘Spiral Motion Illusion’
Maude Apatow’s Prada gown garnered attention for its unique “Spiral Motion Illusion” design. While the cut fit a conventional hourglass silhouette without being overly gaudy, the dress was so mesmerizing that it was playfully described as potentially overwhelming or anxiety-inducing for viewers. She completed her look with exquisite earrings and a necklace by Cartier.
Cara Delevingne: A Study in Halves
Cara Delevingne’s Tamara Ralph outfit was a study in contrasts, described as “halfway classy and halfway ‘what on earth is that thing?'” The lower half was a glitzy yet sensible number, but the trouble began above the waist. Delevingne reportedly turned her back to photographers to showcase what appeared to be forest fungi crisscrossing her back and a rose-like appendage behind her neck. She completed the look with towering heels and Chopard jewelry, ensuring her ensemble was anything but conventional.
Michelle Monaghan: The Floral Fantasy (or Allergy Inducer?)
Michelle Monaghan ventured into “fairy tale land” with a gown from Carolina Herrera’s 2025/2026 Spring Collection. Described as inspired by “giant floral floats,” the dress was so abundantly floral that one playful critic suggested it should have come with antihistamines. Monaghan rounded off her look with conservative jewelry from Tiffany & Co., and some astute observers even noted it had pockets.
Zoë Kravitz and Zoe Saldaña: Voluminous Visions
Both Zoë Kravitz and Zoe Saldaña wore voluminous Saint Laurent gowns that invited discussion. Zoë Kravitz’s dress, in a color reminiscent of “decaying leaves at the bottom of a stagnant body of water,” was critiqued by the Daily Mail for “hiding her fantastic figure” and overwhelming her with ruffles and puffed fabrics, drawing comparisons to “proverbial missing curtains.” Zoe Saldaña also appeared in a voluminous Saint Laurent piece. While both dresses shared a dramatic silhouette, their execution and reception varied, highlighting the fine line between avant-garde and overpowering.
Naomi Watts and Taylour Paige: Interpretations of the Avant-Garde
Naomi Watts sported a visually intriguing Balenciaga gown. While seemingly plain and flowing above the knees, the area below was described as a “magical contraption out of the movie Avatar,” coupled with a smile and pose that added to its surreal effect. Taylour Paige wore a Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2008 ready-to-wear piece that featured a lace bodice resembling a “Cold War era bikini” and redundant bolts of black lace, leaving little to the imagination and generating considerable discussion about its design.
Other Notable Appearances and Underrated Elegance
The 2025 Academy Museum Gala was a night of diverse sartorial expressions. Beyond the major fashion houses, numerous celebrities graced the red carpet in memorable ensembles:
- Greta Lee brought renewed old-Hollywood glamour in Christian Dior, a look hailed as a “marriage made in heaven.”
- Demi Moore wore a striking Prada gown, showcasing the brand’s contemporary elegance.
- Tessa Thompson opted for Balenciaga SS26 RTW, adorned with Shay jewelry.
- Jenna Ortega stepped out in a creation by Grace Ling SS26 RTW.
- Monica Barbaro showcased a flowing white Dior ensemble, possibly a two-piece, featuring black bows and white floral bouquets, complemented by De Beers jewelry.
- Joey King and Quinta Brunson both chose elegant pieces from Carolina Herrera.
- Selena Gomez captivated in Armani Privé with exquisite De Beers jewelry.
- Emily Ratajkowski made an appearance in Jean Paul Gaultier SS26 RTW, accessorized with Briony Raymond jewelry.
- Amanda Seyfried looked stunning in Prada, accented with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
- Cristin Milioti wore Lanvin, bringing a touch of Parisian chic.
- Kaia Gerber appeared in a custom Givenchy look, highlighting her model-off-duty aesthetic transformed for the red carpet.
Other attendees who contributed to the night’s visual spectacle included Zoey Deutch, Viola Davis, Eva Longoria, Addison Rae, Rachel Zegler, Anna Kendrick, Laura Harrier, Olivia Wilde, Kate Hudson, Olivia Rodrigo, Laura Dern, Mikey Madison, Da’vine Joy Randolph, Logan Lerman, Grace Van Patten, Christina Ricci, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Rebecca Hall. Each brought their unique style to the forefront, further enriching the dynamic fashion landscape of the 2025 Academy Museum Gala.
The 2025 Academy Museum Gala was a testament to the enduring power of fashion as a form of artistic expression, a platform for statement-making, and a vibrant field for fan discussion. As Hollywood continues to evolve, so too does its red carpet, offering endless inspiration and conversation for film and fashion enthusiasts alike.
