Priyanka Chopra and Ananya Panday shine at Academy Museum Gala

Two of Bollywood’s most-watched red-carpet names made the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala their own on Saturday night, as Priyanka Chopra and Ananya Panday joined a guest list that included Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber in Los Angeles.

Bollywood brings two distinct moods

Priyanka Chopra leaned into old-Hollywood polish in a champagne-gold Vivienne Westwood Couture gown. The off-shoulder neckline, satin draping and delicate gold detailing were kept clean with a diamond necklace, while the structured silhouette did most of the talking.

Ananya Panday went more fashion-forward in a black Chanel Fall-Winter 2026 gown. The sleeveless, off-the-runway piece had fluid pleats, a cinched balloon-like shape and an asymmetrical hem that showed her black pumps before falling into a mini train.

The Hollywood frame around them

Taylor Swift wore a floor-length grey Dior gown with an off-shoulder neckline and a statement embellished bow. The same designer had created the wedding dress she wore for her marriage to Travis Kelce, as well as his suit, which gave the choice a little personal resonance. Swift later delivered the gala’s special closing performance.

Kim Kardashian brought vintage Hollywood to the carpet in an archival 1951 Balenciaga gown with lace detailing, a pink sash and a dramatic bow, channelling Elizabeth Taylor. Hailey Bieber kept things romantic in a floor-length pink halter-neck gown with a back slit.

Why the gala matters

The Academy Museum Gala is a black-tie fundraiser for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, supporting film screenings, education programmes and exhibitions that celebrate cinema. The evening combines a red-carpet reception, a seated dinner and an awards ceremony.

Honours went to:

• Charlize Theron – Icon Award
• John Carpenter – Luminary Award
• Colman Domingo – Vantage Award

Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw served as co-chairs.

What it means for Bollywood watchers

For Hindi film fans, the bigger takeaway is the visibility: Priyanka and Ananya in couture at a Hollywood institution keeps Bollywood glamour in a global conversation that now runs well beyond film promotion. It is also a useful reminder that global visibility is a long game. Priyanka has been a regular at Hollywood events for years, while Ananya’s appearance signals a newer generation stepping onto the same stage.

Source: India Today