It was a beautiful evening spent honoring Paul Mescal, Rita Moreno, and Quentin Tarantino. The fourth annual Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala raised an impressive $11 million to support the museum’s exhibitions, education, and public programming. Featuring a special performance by Cynthia Erivo, the evening celebrated icons in cinema while gathering industry legends to contribute to the arts and sciences of moviemaking. Co-chaired by Dr. Eric Esrailian, Salma Hayek Pinault, Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, and Tyler Perry, the event marked another successful collaboration between the Academy Museum and Rolex, the gala’s long-standing partner.
Presented by Rolex: A Dedication to Cinema
This year’s gala, generously presented by Rolex, highlighted the Academy Museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating cinema. The long-standing partnership between Rolex and the museum demonstrates their shared commitment to film excellence. From the museum’s inception, Rolex has been a vital supporter, helping to preserve and celebrate cinematic history.
Star-Studded Co-Chairs and Iconic Guests
Leading the evening, Dr. Eric Esrailian, a museum trustee and philanthropist, served as one of the gala’s co-chairs. Alongside him, Salma Hayek Pinault, Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, and Tyler Perry played essential roles in honoring the night’s celebrated guests. The gala recognized artists whose work has profoundly shaped the landscape of film, both past and present.
Eva Longoria kicked off the night, introducing Amy Homma, Director and President of the Academy Museum. Homma welcomed the esteemed guests and set the stage for the first award presentation. Three-time Oscar®-winning director Steven Spielberg presented the Icon Award to the legendary Rita Moreno. Following that, Colman Domingo introduced Saoirse Ronan, who presented the Vantage Award to rising star Paul Mescal. Later, John Travolta took the stage to present Quentin Tarantino with the Luminary Award. Tarantino surprised everyone by announcing his donation of the original handwritten script for *Pulp Fiction* to the museum.
Cynthia Erivo’s Show-Stopping Performance
Cynthia Erivo closed the evening with a breathtaking performance, wowing the audience with a medley of songs. Her powerful rendition of “I’m Here” from *The Color Purple* was followed by “Home” from *The Wiz* and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow*” from *The Wizard of Oz*. Erivo’s performance ended on a high note with a soulful cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” leaving guests mesmerized.
A Closer Look at the Awards
The evening’s awards honored significant contributions to film. The Icon Award, presented by Rolex, recognizes an artist whose career has made a global cultural impact. The Vantage Award highlights emerging artists or scholars who challenge traditional narratives in cinema. Meanwhile, the Luminary Award honors creators who have expanded the boundaries of filmmaking. Designed by the Haas Brothers, the awards are beautifully crafted in materials such as bronze, nickel, copper, and gold, symbolizing prestige and artistic achievement.
Hollywood’s Finest in Attendance
This star-studded event attracted some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Notable attendees included Awkwafina, Nicole Kidman, Salma Hayek, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Ariana Grande, and Steven Spielberg. Other famous faces such as Taraji P. Henson and Cynthia Erivo joined the illustrious crowd. With such a remarkable turnout, the gala was truly a night to remember.
Exceptional Event Design and Gourmet Cuisine
The event design, led by Keith Baptista, set the perfect stage for the evening’s festivities. Rickey Minor directed the night’s musical elements, while Special Projects handled talent relations. Guests enjoyed wine provided by Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon, the museum’s official wine partners. Tequila Don Julio crafted specialty cocktails, and acclaimed chef Curtis Stone, alongside Wolfgang Puck Catering, prepared a gourmet dining experience.
Academy Museum Gala’s Mission
Now in its fourth year, the Academy Museum Gala continues to serve as an annual fundraiser that directly supports the museum’s mission. Through this event, the museum advances the understanding, celebration, and preservation of cinema. The funds raised go toward exhibitions, screenings, and public programs that make film more accessible to all, helping audiences engage with the art of cinema.
About the Academy Museum
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures stands as the world’s largest institution dedicated to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Designed by Renzo Piano, the LEED Gold-certified campus houses the historic Saban Building and offers 50,000 square feet of exhibition space. Additionally, the museum boasts two state-of-the-art theaters, the David Geffen Theater and Ted Mann Theater, which are used for public screenings and special events. Public spaces such as The Walt Disney Company Piazza and the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby provide free access to the public, further enhancing the museum’s accessibility and community engagement.
Rolex’s Enduring Contribution to Cinema
For decades, Rolex has maintained close ties with the film industry, with its watches appearing in numerous Oscar-winning films. Additionally, Rolex has supported the preservation and excellence of cinema by partnering with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The brand also plays a key role in the annual Oscars® ceremony, sponsoring the prestigious Greenroom and Governors Awards. Through this continued partnership, Rolex nurtures new talent and helps preserve film history for future generations. As a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Rolex’s contributions ensure that the art of filmmaking endures and inspires.
Finally, through their commitment, Rolex continues to play an instrumental role in promoting excellence in cinema while supporting future generations of filmmakers.