Academy Museum Gala Performance
Worn On: 10/17/26 // los angeles, ca
the commentary
Earlier this month we received official confirmation via statement from the Academy Museum that Taylor would be slated to perform at the evening’s gala. “We are thrilled to welcome her to this year’s gala and look forward to her performance to close a wonderful evening of honoring three extraordinary filmmakers and supporting the Academy Museum’s mission to celebrate and preserve cinema,” said Amy Homma, director and president of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection.
The evening was an industry event for Academy voters. Previous performers for the gala have delivered sets ranging from 3-5 songs. With Taylor officially on the Oscar campaign trail, her Toy Story 5 soundtrack contribution song was an obvious pick to be included. The recent release of The Encore, with its four added tracks, to support The Life of a Showgirl also offered potential pickings for the setlist. Leading up to the night, I wondered if a deeper pull into Taylor’s catalogue of well-loved hits would be up for consideration. Indeed, Taylor’s set comprised some favorites both old (“Blank Space”, “Love Story”) and new (the live debut of “The Fate of Ophelia”). Plus a full band accompaniment to “I Knew It, I Knew You” - Taylor’s previous performances of the track have been done solo acoustic. What a treat!
If I squint, my best guess - based at the moment on grainy footage - for Taylor’s sparkly stage gown appears to riff on this Ralph Lauren from the Spring 2027 runway. Her neckline looks to have more texture, but the smocked bodice, scattered sparkles, and sheer skirt appear similar. Ralph Lauren later confirmed!
It had all the twinkle perfect for a performance under stage lights, with a longer length that trended formal - perhaps fitting in with the gala of it all? Though it did seem to impede some of her movements across the stage at times. I felt the choice continued the strapless softness that her Dior red carpet look established for the night.
the clothes
* Not available for purchaseFeature Photo by Emma McIntyre/Oscars via Getty Images