‘Animals’ Star Kerry Washington (49) Brings Silver Screen Sparkle to the Academy Museum Gala

Kerry Washington has quietly built one of Hollywood’s most consistent red carpet résumés, and the Academy Museum Gala has become a favorite showcase for her style. At last year’s event, she wore a black silk column gown with a fully beaded bodice from Armani’s spring 2013 collection, one of several vintage Armani moments of the night.

Her fashion choices this year have been just as memorable. At the 2026 BAFTAs, she lit up the London red carpet in a navy blue Prada apron gown held together by sequin straps.

More recently, she proved she’s never shy about a corset. At the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s opening night gala on September 19, she wore Wiederhoeft Spring 2026, pairing a rose-mauve sequin corset with a long gray-green skirt that trailed into a soft train.

That event saw her photographed alongside her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, among a guest list that included Oprah Winfrey and Queen Latifah. It set the stage for another glamorous night in Los Angeles just weeks later.

On October 17, Washington arrived at the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala, and fans were quick to praise her as one of the evening’s most dazzling guests. Photos of her look quickly circulated online, showing the actress in full metallic glamour.

Kerry Washington dazzles at the Academy Museum Gala. https://t.co/7X5D6MJcNX

— The XO Show ™ (@latenightxoshow) October 18, 2026

Her gown shimmered with silver embellishment from neckline to hem, featuring a halter neckline finished with a delicate bow. A matching bow cinched the waist above a structured peplum, before the gown flowed into a fitted, floor-length skirt.

Washington completed the look with a sparkling silver clutch and drop earrings, wearing her hair sleek and polished. The cool metallic palette was a striking contrast to the warmer rose tones she embraced at the Lucas Museum gala.

Kerry Washington shines in silver at the Academy Museum Gala https://t.co/Zgo1L7hUnO

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 18, 2026

The gala, often called the “Met Gala of the West,” raises funds for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This year’s edition honored Charlize Theron with the Icon Award, Colman Domingo with the Vantage Award, and John Carpenter with the Luminary Award, with Taylor Swift set to perform.

Washington joined a packed guest list that included Swift, Clairo, Common and Emmy Rossum. Presented by Rolex, the event was co-chaired by Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw.

The appearance arrives during a busy stretch for the actress. Washington stars opposite Ben Affleck in the Netflix crime thriller ‘Animals’, which premiered on October 9 and marks her first time working with Affleck as a director.

In the film, she plays Abigail Kimball, the wife of a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped. Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun round out the cast, and Affleck stepped into the lead himself after Matt Damon exited due to a scheduling conflict with Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’.

Washington has revealed she did a little homework before signing on, saying she called Viola Davis to ask about working with Affleck and that Davis spoke highly of him. She also joked on Instagram that Affleck would do anything for her except promote their movie on social media.

Kerry Washington at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala 🩶✨ https://t.co/Autppsw9DX

— Kerry Washington Updates (@KerryWUpdates) October 18, 2026

For many fans, ‘Animals’ feels like a natural return to the political thriller genre. Washington spent 7 seasons leading ‘Scandal’, becoming the first African American woman to headline a network drama since 1974.

With a buzzy new film and a string of standout red carpet looks, she continues to prove why she’s one of Hollywood’s most compelling stars, both on screen and in front of the cameras.

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