The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures held its fifth annual gala last night in Los Angeles, raising significant funds to support the museum’s education initiatives, public programming, and future exhibitions. This year’s event was a remarkable success, generating over $12 million in donations for the general public and the local community of Los Angeles, showcasing the museum's commitment to cultural enrichment.
This prestigious gala was presented in partnership with Rolex, a founding supporter and official watch partner of the Academy Museum. The event was co-chaired by a notable group of industry leaders, including Jon M. Chu, Common, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Robert Downey Jr., Susan Downey, Jennifer Hudson, and Academy Museum Trustee Alejandro Ramírez Magaña. Their leadership underscores the collaborative spirit that drives the Academy Museum’s mission.
Throughout the evening, the gala honored four significant voices in the entertainment industry, recognizing their invaluable contributions to film, both past and present. Renowned director Wim Wenders had the honor of presenting the Luminary Award to acclaimed director Walter Salles. The Vantage Award, presented by Jon M. Chu, was awarded to actor and comedian Bowen Yang, with actress Zoe Saldaña presenting the Icon Award to the talented actress Penélope Cruz.
The evening culminated with the inaugural Legacy Award, presented by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese to iconic musician Bruce Springsteen. The gala featured a mesmerizing musical performance by Springsteen, who captivated the audience with his powerful renditions of "Streets of Philadelphia," "Atlantic City," and "Land of Hope and Dreams." This performance added a memorable touch to an already illustrious event.
The awards presented during the gala—the Icon, Legacy, Luminary, and Vantage Awards—were meticulously designed by the Haas Brothers and fabricated by UAP. Crafted from solid cast bronze, each award is hand-polished, hand-stamped, and triple plated in nickel, copper, and 24k gold, symbolizing the excellence celebrated at the Academy Museum.
The overall event design was conceived by Keith Baptista, while talent relations were managed by Special Projects, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees. The gala not only celebrated achievements in film but also emphasized the importance of community support for the arts.
For those interested in the fashion showcased at this prestigious event, stay tuned to see the best looks from the 2025 Academy Gala below, as attendees brought their A-game in style to complement the evening's grandeur.
