Taylor Swift to take stage as Academy Museum Gala honours Hollywood stars

Swift could perform her ‘Toy Story 5’ song as awards season gains momentum

Taylor Swift is set to perform at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 17, adding a major music appearance to an evening dedicated to celebrating cinema.

The gala, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, serves as a fundraiser supporting the institution’s exhibitions, screenings and educational programmes. Academy Museum director and president Amy Homma confirmed Swift’s appearance, praising the singer songwriter’s global reach and saying the organisation was thrilled to welcome her.

Details of Swift’s performance remain under wraps. However, her appearance comes as her song "I Knew It, I Knew You", from Toy Story 5, enters the awards conversation. The track could potentially earn Swift her first Oscar nomination, making the gala a notable event ahead of the Academy Awards season.

Swift has already had a high profile year. She recently appeared at the MTV VMAs, where she received the inaugural Artist Director Award. She also premiered her "Patient Zero" music video, which she directed and stars Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell.

The Academy Museum Gala will also honour three filmmakers during the event. Charlize Theron is set to receive the Icon Award, Colman Domingo will be presented with the Vantage Award, and filmmaker John Carpenter will receive the Luminary Award.

Presented by Rolex, the gala raises funds for the Academy Museum’s wider mission to celebrate and preserve cinema. Proceeds help support exhibitions, educational opportunities, public screenings and access to the museum.

The event is co chaired by Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw. Its host committee includes numerous figures from Hollywood, including Jessica Alba, Judd Apatow, Leslie Mann, Adrien Brody, Jon M Chu, Kirsten Dunst, Greta Lee, John Legend, Demi Moore and Seth Rogen.

Her appearance also gives the gala a music moment during an awards season increasingly focused on potential Oscar contenders.