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‘Ted Lasso’ Star Hannah Waddingham (52) Turns Up the Drama in Sculpted Black Akris at the Academy Museum Gala

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Hannah Waddingham knows her way around the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. In July, she attended the premiere of ‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 at the venue, shimmering in a Monique Lhuillier metallic gold sculpted minidress with a strapless silhouette and metallic raffia floral embroidery on tulle. Barely 3 months later, she returned for a very different kind of event.

The 6th annual Academy Museum Gala took place Saturday, Oct. 17, with Charlize Theron receiving the Icon Award, Colman Domingo the Vantage Award and John Carpenter the Luminary Award. Taylor Swift performed, and the evening raised more than $14 million for the museum. Rolex presented, and Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw co-chaired.

Waddingham’s arrival at the Academy Museum Gala was one of the carpet’s standout moments. She chose a black Akris gown that mixed a sculpted silhouette with a textured, almost feathered finish. It was a tonal shift from the gold of her July premiere, and it showed off her gift for making each appearance feel distinct.

The gown has a scooped neckline with slim straps and a fitted bodice that hugs her frame. The skirt is covered in petal-like, feathery detailing, and a high slit shows off one leg as she walks. At the hem, the fabric flares into a ruffled, trailing finish that pools on the floor.

The texture is what elevates the look. Instead of a plain black column, the dress catches the light across hundreds of tiny, dimensional pieces. Her short blonde bob kept the styling modern, and the clean hair let the dress take center stage.

The black dress is only the latest in a long line of strong looks this year. At the 2026 BAFTAs, she presented the Best Costume Design award in a bespoke red ombré sequin gown by Pamela Rolland, complete with a halter neck and a slit at the back. In June, she appeared on a London red carpet in a black satin mermaid dress with a plunging halter neck and a high slit.

More recently, she attended the 2026 Albies in London wearing a metallic olive one-shoulder gown that she designed in collaboration with ‘Ride or Die’ costume designer Sharon Gilham. The dress had draping across the waist and a long panel falling from the shoulder. It showed that she’s as interested in design as in wearing it.

Waddingham also joined a lively group photo with Eva Longoria, Rhea Seehorn and Issa Rae. Pictures of the four posing together were among the more charming moments of the evening, with each guest bringing a very different look. It’s a good example of how the gala mixes film, television and fashion in one place.

Black was a popular color across the night. Charlize Theron wore sheer black lace, Jessica Lange chose a black lace gown, and Jessica Biel went with black velvet featuring a thigh-high slit and feather detailing. Odessa A’zion also wore an orange and black feathered outfit. In that company, Waddingham’s textured Akris gown held its own.

Waddingham’s red carpet momentum comes alongside a busy year on screen. Season 4 of ‘Ted Lasso’ arrived in August 2026, with her returning as Rebecca Welton, the role that earned her a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2021. She also stars in the new action-comedy series ‘Ride or Die’, her newest leading role.

Her résumé runs from the West End, where she has three Olivier Award nominations, to ‘Game of Thrones’, where she played Septa Unella. She has also appeared in ‘The Fall Guy’ and voices a goddess in the animated series ‘Krapopolis’. That range helps explain why she can move from comedy to couture so easily.

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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. That timing means runway looks appear throughout the carpet, including designers like Akris. The proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, public screenings and education programs.

For Waddingham, the evening was a chance to reconnect with a venue that has already been part of her year. Her black gown didn’t need color to make an impression, just texture, shape and confidence.

What do you think of Hannah Waddingham’s sculpted black Akris gown at the Academy Museum Gala 2026?

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