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Taylor Swift closed the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night with a four-song set. The private show mixed two classic hits with newer songs, including her Oscar-buzzed track from Toy Story 5. Here is what she sang, what she wore and why the night matters for awards season.
Key Takeaways
- Swift performed “Blank Space,” “The Fate of Ophelia,” “I Knew It, I Knew You” and “Love Story,” according to setlist.fm.
- The gala took place Oct. 17 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and raised money for the museum.
- Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo and John Carpenter were the night’s honorees.
- Swift walked the red carpet in a pale blue Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson.
- Her Toy Story 5 song “I Knew It, I Knew You” is part of this year’s Oscar race for best original song.
Taylor Swift’s Academy Museum Gala Setlist
The crowd-sourced site setlist.fm lists four songs from Swift’s set:
- “Blank Space”
- “The Fate of Ophelia”
- “I Knew It, I Knew You”
- “Love Story”
Also, the same listing says a full band backed her. It included four backing singers, guitar, bass, two saxophone players, keys and drums.
Pakistan’s Express Tribune reported the same four songs. It also said she changed into a sequined cobalt blue dress for the performance. In addition, it reported that guests such as Rosé, Connor Storrie, Jessica Alba and Theron sang along.
However, few clips will reach the public. The gala is famously not televised, The Age noted. As a result, details from inside the room are still limited.
A mix of eras
Overall, the set reached across her career. “Blank Space” comes from 1989, and “Love Story” comes from Fearless. Meanwhile, “The Fate of Ophelia” is from The Life of a Showgirl, her 2025 album.
That album was the fastest-selling album of all time when it came out, Deadline reported. It has also spent 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, according to Billboard.
Why the Toy Story 5 Song Matters
“I Knew It, I Knew You” is the original end-credit song Swift wrote for Toy Story 5, Deadline reported. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100. Even more, it has drawn Oscar buzz for best original song, Billboard said.
Therefore, the Taylor Swift booking at the Academy Museum Gala carried real weight. The Hollywood Reporter called the gala a magnet for stars running awards campaigns. Similarly, Variety described it as a major stop for Oscar hopefuls. Variety also said the song could earn Swift her first Oscar nomination.
A familiar song on the campaign trail
This was not the song’s first live outing. Billboard said she sang it at the film’s world premiere in June. Later, she worked it into a piano mashup with “August” and “All Too Well” at the Grammy Museum in August.
Who the Academy Museum Gala Honored
Swift was the closing act, but the evening centered on three film figures. Each received a different award, The Hollywood Reporter said:
- Charlize Theron received the Icon Award, which celebrates an artist with a major global impact.
- Colman Domingo received the Vantage Award, which honors an artist who challenges dominant narratives around cinema.
- John Carpenter received the Luminary Award, which recognizes contributions that expanded the creative possibilities of filmmaking.
Before the event, museum leader Amy Homma praised the singer. “Taylor is an extraordinary talent whose work resonates around the world,” she said in a statement. She added that Swift’s performance would “close a wonderful evening of honoring three extraordinary filmmakers.”
The people behind the night
Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw co-chaired the gala, Deadline reported. Rolex presented the event. Last year, Bruce Springsteen performed, according to Billboard.
Taylor Swift’s Dior Look at the Academy Museum Gala
Before she sang, Swift posed on the red carpet in custom Dior by Jonathan Anderson, Vogue reported. The strapless, icy-blue gown had delicate pleating and a front detail. Page Six said the pleated silk gown featured a beaded bow.
She also wore Chopard jewelry, including platinum earrings with 32.40 carats of diamonds, Elle reported. Page Six added that she wore Aquazzura shoes. Stylist Joseph Cassell Falconer put the look together, WWD said.
A nod to her wedding designer
The choice had personal meaning. Anderson designed Swift’s July wedding dress, WWD and Vogue reported. She married Travis Kelce that month.
Kelce did not attend, though. The Kansas City Chiefs had a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Elle and Page Six noted. For more star style, see our roundup of celebrity fashion looks this week.
What Comes Next for Swift
So, after her Academy Museum Gala set, Taylor Swift turns to the Oscar race. Swift has a crowded year to promote. She recently released four bonus tracks for The Life of a Showgirl, Billboard reported. “Patient Zero” topped the Hot 100, and the others are “Pink Clouding,” “Babylon” and “Cleveland!”
Meanwhile, the gala was her first time at the annual event, Elle reported. If you want more screen picks while you wait for Oscar season, check our list of must-watch Netflix movies in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs did Taylor Swift sing at the Academy Museum Gala?
Setlist.fm lists “Blank Space,” “The Fate of Ophelia,” “I Knew It, I Knew You” and “Love Story.”
When and where was the 2026 Academy Museum Gala?
It took place on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Who were the 2026 honorees?
Charlize Theron received the Icon Award. Colman Domingo received the Vantage Award, and John Carpenter received the Luminary Award.
What did Taylor Swift wear to the gala?
She wore a strapless pale blue Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson with Chopard jewelry and Aquazzura shoes.
Was the Taylor Swift Academy Museum Gala performance televised?
No. The gala is not televised, so only guests saw the full show.
Sources
- setlist.fm – Taylor Swift Setlist at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Deadline – Taylor Swift To Perform At Academy Museum Gala This Month In L.A.
- Billboard – Taylor Swift to Perform at 2026 Academy Museum Gala Honoring Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo
- The Hollywood Reporter – Taylor Swift to Perform at This Year’s Academy Museum Gala
- Variety – Taylor Swift to Perform at Academy Museum Gala
- Vogue – Taylor Swift Is Belle of the Ball in Dior at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala
- Elle – Taylor Swift Channels Cinderella in a Pale Blue Dior Gown at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala
- Page Six – Taylor Swift has a Cinderella moment in Dior on Academy Museum Gala 2026 red carpet
- WWD – Taylor Swift’s Dior Dress Tells a Cinderella Story on the Academy Museum Gala 2026 Red Carpet
- The Express Tribune – Taylor Swift debuts live performance of ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ at Academy Museum Gala 2026
- The Age – Taylor Swift to Jacob Elordi: Best looks from ‘Met Gala of the West Coast’
