‘One Night Only’ Star Maya Hawke Shines in a Stunning Black-And-Silver Prada Dress at the Academy Museum Gala
Few young stars have built as close a relationship with a fashion house as Maya Hawke has with Prada. The ‘Stranger Things’ actress has turned to the label for some of her most memorable red carpet moments, including an all-white Prada look paying homage to Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala.
She returned to the Italian house in 2025 with a structured pink dress paired with a caramel chiffon cape. This year, she briefly switched things up, arriving at her fourth Met Gala in a black-and-white Dior ball gown with delicate floral decorations and a black headband.
Hawke has had plenty to celebrate in 2026. ‘Stranger Things’, where she played Robin Buckley, concluded its run in January, and she married musician Christian Lee Hutson in a surprise New York City ceremony in February, with her parents, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, in attendance.
Her music career also took a big step forward. She released her fourth album, ‘Maitreya Corso’, on May 1 via Mom + Pop, built around a fantasy persona of the same name and featuring cover artwork she illustrated herself, and supported it with her first headline tour in 5 years.
#MayaHawke is here at the #AcademyMuseum Gala in LA ⭐️ https://t.co/GvagYOKdDI
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) October 18, 2026
On October 17, Hawke returned to her favorite fashion house for the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. TheWrap shared a clip of her greeting guests on the carpet, giving fans an early look at her glamorous ensemble.
Her Prada gown was a black-and-silver column with a square neckline and short beaded sleeves that cascaded into delicate, fringe-like strands. The Zoe Report noted that the textured finish made the dress look as if it were literally dripping with jewels.
Hawke kept the rest of her styling minimal, wearing her hair long and loose in soft waves. That restraint allowed the shimmering texture of the gown to take center stage as she moved.
Maya Hawke attends the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala. https://t.co/q4X4aeuPaA
— Pop Flop (@ThePopFlop) October 18, 2026
Her choice fit neatly into the evening’s overall mood. The Zoe Report observed that this year’s gala was comparatively low-key, with many celebrities opting for classic black looks and adding interest through texture, draping and modern proportions.
In a field full of bold silhouettes, Hawke’s gown stood out for its sparkle rather than its shape. The look reaffirmed why her partnership with Prada remains one of the most consistent on the red carpet.
The gala raises funds for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and honored Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and John Carpenter this year, with Taylor Swift delivering a special performance. Hawke joined a mix of emerging and established stars, including Inde Navarrette, Cole Escola, Jessica Lange and Pamela Anderson.
The event’s October timing, right after Fashion Month, makes it a showcase for fresh runway looks. W Magazine has described it as offering a first taste of awards-season trends.
Hawke’s screen career continues to expand after ‘Stranger Things’. She stars in Graham Parkes’ surrealist sci-fi romantic comedy ‘Wishful Thinking’, which premiered at SXSW in March alongside Lewis Pullman and Randall Park.
Maya Hawke is getting into the Halloween spirit tonight at the Academy Museum Gala https://t.co/xBHbeEMW51
— Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (@AcademyMuseum) October 18, 2026
At that premiere, she also teased a secret summer project to PEOPLE, saying she wished she could share details but couldn’t. Between new films, music, and her growing reputation as a style star, the Juilliard-trained actress is clearly entering an exciting new chapter.
What do you think of Maya Hawke’s shimmering Prada gown at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala?
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