‘MaXXXine’ Star Mia Goth and Cailee Spaeny Make a Glamorous Duo at the Academy Museum Gala

Mia Goth has spent the past few years graduating from cult horror favorite to genuine blockbuster star. After her career breakthrough playing both Maxine Minx and Pearl in Ti West’s ‘X’ trilogy, she took on a dual role in Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’, playing both Elizabeth Harlander and Victor’s mother, Claire.

This year, she joined Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’, released by Universal in July, as Melantho, the maidservant who turns against the household. She described the Nolan epic as one of the best experiences of her life, and she’s next set for ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’.

Cailee Spaeny has been on a remarkable trajectory of her own. Her performance as Priscilla Presley in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival, along with a Golden Globe nomination.

She has since expanded into television, earning a 2026 Gotham TV Awards nomination for playing Ashley in Netflix’s ‘Beef’, where she also served as an executive producer. In April, she was announced as part of the cast of A24’s ‘Elden Ring’ adaptation from director Alex Garland, set to hit IMAX theaters on March 3, 2028.

On October 17, the two actresses were captured together at the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. Several outlets shared photos of the pair seated side by side inside the event.

Mia Goth & Cailee Spaeny dazzle at the Academy Museum Gala. https://t.co/MHZIvUNSmm

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

Their looks made for a striking contrast. Goth wore Dior, choosing a black satin wrap-style dress with sheer sleeves and a soft V-neckline, paired with long, glossy waves. Spaeny, meanwhile, wore Valentino in a vivid fuchsia satin. Her strapless gown featured a draped bodice and a fitted silhouette, finished with dark hair worn loose and an embellished clutch.

Goth’s moody black ensemble felt perfectly in step with her reputation for haunting, atmospheric roles. Spaeny’s saturated pink offered the opposite energy, aligning with a broader trend spotted on the carpet.

Cailee Spaeny, Mia Goth, and Charles Melton https://t.co/f3PQUlzODK

— Cailee Spaeny Updates (@CSpaenyUpdates) October 18, 2026

The Zoe Report noted that this year’s gala was comparatively low-key, with many stars sticking to classic black. Those who chose color, including Spaeny, Sarah Pidgeon and Naomi Ackie, leaned all the way into fully saturated shades of red, violet and pink.

The gala raises funds for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, supporting its exhibitions, public screenings and educational programs. This year’s edition honored Charlize Theron with the Icon Award, Colman Domingo with the Vantage Award and John Carpenter with the Luminary Award.

Goth and Spaeny joined a packed guest list that included Taylor Swift, Demi Moore, Elizabeth Debicki, Daniel Kaluuya and Andrew Garfield. Swift was also set to perform, adding to the night’s buzz.

Mia Goth is giving us gothic romance in custom Dior by Jonathan Anderson at the Academy Museum Gala in LA. He does this robe-style silhouette so beautifully Styled by Jamie Mizrahi https://t.co/nQdENMo1ev

— hionfashion (@hionfashion) October 18, 2026

Both actresses have built careers on bold, unconventional choices. Goth started out in arthouse projects like ‘Nymphomaniac’, ‘Suspiria’ and ‘High Life’, while also co-writing and executive producing ‘Pearl’.

Spaeny broke out with roles in ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’, ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and the miniseries ‘Devs’ before her acclaimed turn in ‘Priscilla’. Now, both are moving into major franchise and studio territory while keeping their distinctive edge.

Cailee Spaeny at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala https://t.co/899TADlbvk

— JumpTrailers (@JumpTrailers) October 18, 2026

Their gala moment together felt like a snapshot of two artists at exciting turning points in their careers. Whether in moody black or vibrant fuchsia, each brought her own signature to Hollywood’s glamorous night.

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