Academy Museum names Carpenter, Domingo, and Theron as 2026 gala honorees

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced the honorees for its sixth annual fundraising gala, scheduled for October 17, 2026. The recipients include filmmaker John Carpenter, who will receive the Luminary Award; actor Colman Domingo, who will be presented with the Vantage Award; and actress Charlize Theron, who will receive the Icon Award.

In anticipation of the event, Carpenter is set to host three nights of film screenings in September as part of the museum’s ‘The Horror Show’ exhibition. Theron will also participate in a Q&A session regarding ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ hosted by the museum’s Teen Council.

Steven Spielberg, Robert Rodriguez, and Kate Capshaw will serve as the gala’s co-chairs. The event aims to support the museum’s mission of preserving cinema through exhibitions, educational opportunities, and public screenings.