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‘Michael’ Star Jaafar Jackson Keeps It Sharp in Black Velvet at the Academy Museum Gala as ‘Michael’ Fever Rolls On

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Few actors have had a year like Jaafar Jackson’s. After landing the lead in a biopic about his late uncle, he has spent 2026 moving from premieres to galas as one of Hollywood’s breakout stars. Each appearance has doubled as a fashion moment, and the Academy Museum Gala was the latest.

His film career started with a bang. ‘Michael’, directed by Antoine Fuqua, was released on April 24, 2026, and opened to $97.2 million domestically. It went on to become the first biopic to pass $1 billion worldwide and finished its theatrical run at about $1.029 billion, making it the highest-grossing biopic on record.

That success has kept Jackson in the spotlight ever since. When he arrived at the 6th annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Los Angeles, he did so in a polished black velvet tuxedo that kept things classic. The look was clean, confident and perfectly suited to a night built around film.

Jackson’s outfit centered on a black velvet double-breasted dinner jacket with satin peak lapels. The velvet has a subtle ribbed texture that catches the light without being flashy. He paired it with a crisp white dress shirt, a black bow tie and straight-leg black trousers.

Small details pulled it together. A tiny white pin sat on the lapel, and polished black shoes finished the look. The silhouette was relaxed and well-tailored, with one hand tucked casually at his waist as he posed in front of the curtains.

Velvet is becoming his signature. At the 2026 Met Gala on May 4, Jackson made his debut in a black velvet Polo Ralph Lauren suit with gold detailing, a black bow tie, red socks and black ballet-style shoes. He told Vogue’s livestream that the outfit stayed in the world of his uncle Michael Jackson’s style.

He described the Met Gala look as timeless and said it felt intentional, even though it came together somewhat last-minute amid the film’s release. The Academy Museum Gala version dropped the gold and the red socks, but kept the velvet and the bow tie. It’s a more understated take on the same idea.

The evening also had a link to the film. Colman Domingo, who plays Joseph Jackson in ‘Michael’, was one of the gala’s honorees, receiving the Vantage Award. Charlize Theron received the Icon Award and John Carpenter the Luminary Award.

Domingo and Jackson had already appeared together at the Met Gala, where the ‘Michael’ cast, including Nia Long and Laura Harrier, stepped out with classic, refined looks. Their joint appearance there stressed timeless silhouettes and careful tailoring over spectacle. Seeing the film’s world intersect with the museum’s gala felt like a natural continuation.

Jackson wasn’t the only guest in the fabric. Celebrity stylist Law Roach arrived in a black velvet suit with silver embroidery at the shoulder, topped with a feathered headpiece with a beaded crown. Jessica Biel chose a black velvet gown with a thigh-high slit and feather detailing.

Against that backdrop, Jackson’s version stood out for its restraint. In a night packed with sculptural couture, a well-fitted tuxedo offered a calm counterpoint. It also showed how a classic formula can still read as fresh.

The film’s story isn’t over. Lionsgate confirmed on May 21 that a sequel is in development, and Lionsgate executive Adam Fogelson has said there is plenty of story still to tell. The sequel doesn’t have a release date, though one report suggested it could arrive in late 2027 or 2028.

‘Michael’ also made its way to digital on June 9 and began streaming on Starz on Aug. 10. Critics were mixed on the film, though many praised Jackson’s performance. For an actor whose first major screen role became a worldwide phenomenon, the red carpet is proving to be an easy second act.

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The Academy Museum Gala is often called the Met Gala of the West, and it lands right after the worldwide fashion weeks. The evening raised more than $14 million for the museum’s exhibitions, public screenings and education programs. Taylor Swift also performed, closing out the night.

Jackson’s tuxedo didn’t try to compete with the gowns and headpieces around him. It simply looked sharp, which was exactly the point.

What do you think of Jaafar Jackson’s black velvet tuxedo at the Academy Museum Gala 2026?

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