‘Animals’ Star Kerry Washington (49) Wraps Herself in Silver at the Academy Museum Gala, and the Bows Are Doing the Heavy Lifting

Some stars treat a gala as just another carpet, but Kerry Washington has turned the Academy Museum Gala into a recurring fashion showcase. Year after year, her looks at the event have drawn attention for their polish and precision. Kerry Washington’s Academy Museum Gala look this year continues that streak with a metallic gown full of surprising details.

The event has also played a role in her fashion story off the carpet. She first connected with designer Jonathan Simkhai at an Academy Museum Gala, a meeting that led to her Met Gala look. Her history at the fundraiser runs deep.

The sixth annual gala took place on October 17 in Los Angeles, honoring Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and John Carpenter, with Taylor Swift set to perform. Washington arrived in a shimmering silver gown with embellishment from neckline to hem, a halter neckline finished with a delicate bow, and a matching bow cinching the waist.

Kerry Washington dazzles at the Academy Museum Gala. https://t.co/7X5D6MJcNX

— The XO Show ™ (@latenightxoshow) October 18, 2026

Beneath the waist bow, a structured peplum gives the gown its shape before it flows into a fitted, floor-length skirt. The embroidery is dense and intricate, with sequins catching the light in swirling patterns, and the neckline and waist bows give the whole look a playful, almost gift-wrapped feel.

She kept the accessories minimal, with a sparkling silver clutch and drop earrings. Her hair was sleek and polished, which let the gown take center stage. In the carpet photos, she stands against soft, draped curtains with a relaxed smile, and the cool metallic palette looks crisp and modern.

Kerry Washington shines in silver at the Academy Museum Gala https://t.co/Zgo1L7hUnO

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 18, 2026

Her previous gala looks make a fun comparison. At the 2024 event, she wore a black-and-white high-low gown with larger-than-life florals from Carolina Herrera’s spring 2025 collection, paired with Aquazzura ankle-strap pumps. At last year’s gala, she chose a black silk column gown with a fully beaded bodice from Armani’s spring 2013 collection.

Black, white and now silver make for a consistent through line. Each year she picks a different texture but keeps the silhouette elegant, which is what gives her carpet appearances their reputation for polish.

Kerry Washington stuns at the Academy Museum Gala 😍✨ https://t.co/jQTWJ6IYP5

— Kerry Washington Updates (@KerryWUpdates) October 18, 2026

Her 2026 has been packed with standout moments. At her BAFTAs debut in February, she wore a custom midnight-blue Prada gown with sequin and bead floral appliqué and a pleated, trailing skirt. For the Apple TV+ ‘Imperfect Women’ premiere, she wore a lace Zuhair Murad set that looked like a gown but revealed itself as a separate top and pants.

In September, she wore a Wiederhoeft sequin corset to the opening night gala for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and in July, she wore a gilded strapless Oscar de la Renta dress with scalloped fringe embroidery to the opening night of ‘The Whoopi Monologues.’ The range, from sheer lace to corsetry to metallics, shows how comfortable she is experimenting.

Kerry Washington #AcademyMuseum #AcademyMuseumGala 📸 Frazer Harrison/WireImage https://t.co/3wxwzJYilK

— Tapete Roxo (@TapeteRoxo) October 18, 2026

The looks come with a lot of work behind them. Washington spent 7 seasons leading ‘Scandal,’ becoming the first African American woman to headline a network drama since 1974. She also starred in ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ and leads Hulu’s ‘Unprisoned’ opposite Delroy Lindo, which has also been a producing venture for her.

This year, she stars in the Apple TV+ psychological thriller series ‘Imperfect Women’ alongside Elisabeth Moss and Kate Mara. She is also back on stage in a 2026 production of ‘The Whoopi Monologues,’ working alongside Kara Young, Dominique Fishback, Danielle Pinnock and Kecia Lewis.

Washington was far from the only star on the carpet. The guest list included Taylor Swift, Kate Hudson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rami Malek, Adrien Brody and Chase Infiniti, along with Maya Hawke, Amandla Stenberg, Alexa Demie and Emmy Rossum.

The 2026 edition was described as comparatively low-key next to last year’s more daring fashion moments, and in that context, a silver gown covered in sequins and bows stood out for its quiet confidence. It sparkles without shouting.

The appeal of the look is in how many ideas it fits together without feeling crowded. The halter and the waist bow echo each other, the peplum adds structure, and the long skirt keeps the proportions elegant.

It is also a color story that suits the setting. Silver on a night celebrating cinema feels a bit like a nod to the silver screen, and Washington wears it with an ease that makes it look effortless.

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