Academy Museum Gala 2026: Worst-Dressed Stars on the Red Carpet

A-list celebrities brought high glamour to Los Angeles on Saturday as they gathered for the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala.

Taylor Swift was set to perform during the star-studded evening, while Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and Halloween director John Carpenter were recognized as this year’s honorees.

The festivities began with celebrities making their entrances on the glittering red carpet, among them Karlie Kloss and Brittany Snow.

However, while guests showcased their carefully chosen outfits for photographers, several looks failed to make the desired impression in the red carpet fashion stakes.

Charlize Theron, 51, made a dramatic statement in an unconventional dress, while fellow attendees including Pamela Anderson, 59, opted for ensembles that proved equally divisive.

Here, the Daily Mail rounds up the worst-dressed stars from the 2026 Academy Museum Gala.

Theron’s sleeveless black dress combined a variety of patterns with sheer cutout detailing across the front.

Shimmering fabric framed the upper sides before giving way to a see-through skirt with a short train at the back. Matching sparkly material appeared along the hem, while a slim leather belt cinched her waist.

Further patterned detailing around the hips added another distinctive element to the unconventional design.

Theron finished the look with black open-toed heels and minimal silver jewelry as she stopped for a brief photo session.

The Anderson alum chose an off-white blouse that was left partially unbuttoned at the neckline.

She tucked the shirt into a pastel mint-green skirt, which flowed into a long train and featured a bow at the waist.

Anderson added a neon-green clutch to the outfit, while her blonde hair was styled in voluminous curls.

Obsession star Inde Navarrette was also included among the evening’s worst-dressed stars on the glamorous red carpet.

The actress donned a nude-colored dress that contained a corset bodice as well as black, shiny circular details that covered most of the fabric. 

The ensemble contained a balloon of material around her upper thighs before falling down into another layer of fabric that stopped just below her ankles. 

Navarrette completed the outfit by slipping into a pair of closed-toed, black pumps and carried a black clutch in her hand. 

Her dark locks were styled into a sleek chignon while a dazzling silver necklace and matching earrings were added to accessorize the one-of-a-kind dress for the evening. 

Naomi Ackie made a grand arrival to the event wearing a strapless, vibrant purple gown that was loose-fitting around the bodice and midriff. 

An additional layer of the material flowed down into a full skirt and a short train behind her. 

The Blink Twice actress opted for minimal accessories and added a pair of mini silver earrings while her hair was swept back into an updo. 

Ackie gave a glimpse at the billowing back portion of the dress before heading inside the main venue. 

Cole Escola wore a black satin ensemble that contained dramatic caped fabric and an oversized bow embellishment around the neckline. 

The comedian added a pair of dangly green earrings to the look, as well as a dramatic smoky eyeshadow and bold red tint to their lips. 

Laura Linney stepped onto the red carpet in a fitted brown dress that contained a folded fringe of material around arms and neckline. 

The Ozark actress also donned a pair of closed-toed, black heels and chose to not add flashy pieces of jewelry to the overall ensemble. 

Awkwafina stepped onto the red carpet in a plain blue dress with structured shoulders and a small slit on the left side. 

The actress slipped into a pair of open-toed, light blue heels and added a thin blue necklace as well as small earrings for a finishing touch. 

Rhea Seehorn opted for a pair of fuzzy black bottoms as well as a flowy white top that fell down behind her into a small train. 

The Pluribus actress layered the unique outfit with a black blazer and added a pair of mini earrings for a final touch.  

Janelle Monae arrived wearing a figure-hugging, mermaid-style gown that was made of shiny blue and black material. 

A large butterfly embellishment with sparkling wings was added around the upper chest area. 

The singer additionally opted for a pair of opera-length gloves that matched the hues of the dress. Monae offered a few dramatic poses for the cameras as she strutted onto the red carpet. 

Sarah Paulson was also in attendance and landed on the worst dressed list in a gold-embellished sequin dress that had a cutout on the front. 

While the hem stopped above her ankles, additional material fell down behind her into a long train. 

Paulson added long, dangly earrings to accessorize the outfit and also opted for smoky shadow around her eyes in a dramatic flare. 

Zoey Deutch was also spotted at the event in a long-sleeved, white dress that had colorful embellishments scattered onto the fabric. 

She added a few rings on each of her hands, while her locks were parted in the middle and fell down in light waves.

Jodie Turner-Smith also landed on the worst dressed list as she donned a pale blue and brown-striped pencil skirt and matching belted top. 

The actress opted for a pair of matching gloves and added a pointed headpiece which also partially covered her left eye. 

For a final touch, she slipped into a pair of white pumps. 

Eddie Redmayne donned a blue velvet shirt as well as a pair of dark blue, loose-fitting trousers to the event. 

The actor completed the outfit by wearing a pair of dark navy, slip-on shoes and added a black watch to his left wrist.