Carpenter, Domingo and Theron to Be Honoured at 2026 Academy Museum Gala

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has named John Carpenter, Colman Domingo and Charlize Theron as the honorees for its sixth annual fundraising gala, set for 17 October 2026 in Los Angeles.

Each honoree receives a distinct award. Theron takes the Icon Award, given to an artist whose career has had significant global impact. Carpenter receives the Luminary Award, which recognises an artist whose singular contributions have expanded the creative possibilities of filmmaking. Domingo gets the Vantage Award, honouring an artist who helps challenge dominant narratives around cinema. (Deadline)

The gala is the museum's chief annual fundraiser. Last year's fifth edition honoured Penélope Cruz, Walter Salles, Bruce Springsteen and Bowen Yang and raised over $12 million (Academy Museum). The 2026 edition will be co-chaired by Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw. The Host Committee includes Jessica Alba, Adrien Brody, Jon M. Chu, Kirsten Dunst, Rami Malek, Demi Moore, Seth Rogen and Teyana Taylor, among others. (Deadline)

Academy Museum Director and President Amy Homma said the museum is honoured to recognise the three artists at its sixth annual gala. The choice spans three very different careers: Theron, an Oscar-winning actor and producer whose work ranges from indie dramas to action blockbusters; Domingo, an Oscar-nominated actor and playwright whose recent roles have made him one of the most in-demand performers in film; and Carpenter, the director and composer whose horror and genre films — from Halloween (1978) to They Live (1988) — have influenced generations of film-makers. (Deadline)

The museum has built a run-up of public programming around its honorees. On 22 August, Theron will sit down with the museum's Teen Council for a conversation paired with a screening of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). On 26 September, Carpenter will host three nights of screenings of his own films, including Halloween (1978), in celebration of the museum's exhibition The Horror Show. (Deadline)

For context, the Academy Museum's Oscars Season 2026 series is also underway, showcasing current and past Oscars honorees in the David Geffen Theater ahead of the 98th Oscars ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, 15 March 2027 (Academy Museum). The gala sits as the museum's marquee night on that broader calendar.

For fans, the honour recognises careers that span horror, drama and action — three artists who took different paths to lasting influence, now sharing the same stage.