The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’s annual gala has become one of the most sought-after invitations in Hollywood—and last night’s soiree, which raised over $12 million to support the museum’s exhibitions and initiatives, was no exception. The gala was co-chaired by Jon M. Chu, Common, Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey, Jennifer Hudson, and Academy Museum Trustee Alejandro Ramírez Magaña. The affair marks the beginning of a deluge of events leading up to the Oscars in March. But nothing can compare with a party that draws guests like Addison Rae, Ayo Edeberi, Channing Tatum, Charli xcx, Dwayne Johnson, Kim Kardashian (wearing a nude-colored face mask, all in the name of fashion), and director Ryan Coogler, just to name a few.
Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey opened the evening, introducing the Director and President of the Academy Museum, Amy Homma, who welcomed guests. The first presenter of the night was Wim Wenders, who handed director Walter Salles the Luminary Award. The Vantage Award was presented by Wicked director Chu to actor and comedian Bowen Yang. After dinner, the next presenter—recent best supporting actress Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña—presented the Icon Award to another Oscar-winning actress, Penélope Cruz. The final award, the inaugural Legacy Award, was presented by Martin Scorsese to Oscar-winning singer, songwriter, and musician Bruce Springsteen. Before the night was over, George Clooney introduced a special musical performance by The Boss, who closed out the evening singing “Streets of Philadelphia,” “Atlantic City,” and “Land of Hope and Dreams.”
The gala was presented in partnership with Rolex. Now in its fifth year, the Academy Museum Gala is an annual fundraiser and celebration of the museum, whose goal is to advance the celebration and preservation of cinema.
