Taylor Swift Performs ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ at Starry Academy Gala

Taylor Swift commanded attention at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala, held on Saturday, captivating an elite audience with both her style and musical talent. The event, staged at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, served as a prominent platform for Swift to present her original song "I Knew It, I Knew You," featured in the highly anticipated film Toy Story 5.

Arriving in a striking ice-blue gown designed by Jonathan Anderson for Dior, Swift’s red carpet presence was marked by elegance and modern glamour. The pleated silk ensemble was accented by a jeweled bow, complemented by Chopard diamond jewelry, underscoring her status as a fashion icon. This visual statement prefaced her later performance inside the venue.

Once introduced by comedian and host Conan O’Brien, Swift emerged in a contrasting midnight-purple, sequined strapless dress for a live set that blended nostalgia with fresh material. Alongside her new Oscar campaign song, she treated the assembled guests to beloved hits such as "Love Story" and "Blank Space," and notably delivered a live debut of "The Fate of Ophelia," adding an exclusive element to the evening’s entertainment.

Amy Homma, president and director of the Academy Museum and its collection, emphasized Swift’s global influence and artistic impact, expressing enthusiasm for her inclusion in the gala program. Swift’s engagement extended beyond her stage time as she mingled with attendees including fellow musician and actress Sabrina Carpenter.

The gala itself was a star-studded affair, honoring cinematic luminaries with awards recognizing their contributions. Charlize Theron received the Icon Award, Colman Domingo was bestowed the Vantage Award, and legendary filmmaker John Carpenter was celebrated with the Luminary Award. The event successfully raised $14 million, earmarked for supporting the museum’s exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programming.

Co-chaired by notable figures such as Tom Ford, Robert Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw, the gala was co-sponsored by Rolex, adding to the evening’s prestige. The guest list boasted a wide range of talent from the entertainment industry, including actors, musicians, directors, and producers, reflecting the museum’s influence in bridging cinematic history with contemporary culture.

Among the attendees were A$AP Rocky, Ana de Armas, Amanda Seyfried, Awkwafina, Bill Skarsgård, Dakota Fanning, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Chamberlain, Gemma Chan, Hailey Bieber, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Katy Hudson, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Minogue, Maya Hawke, Naomi Ackie, Olivia Munn, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Questlove, Rami Malek, Rosé, Seth Rogen, Sigourney Weaver, Simu Liu, Sofia Vergara, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Teyana Taylor, and many others, highlighting the event’s wide-reaching appeal.

Swift’s performance at the gala not only furthered her campaign for the Academy Awards but also underscored her ongoing evolution as an artist capable of bridging mainstream pop success with cinematic storytelling. The debut of "I Knew It, I Knew You" in such a high-profile setting linked her musical artistry directly to the film industry’s most prestigious institution.

While details on the song’s full impact remain to be seen as the awards season progresses, the gala appearance solidified Swift’s position as a multifaceted entertainer whose contributions extend beyond the music charts. The evening reaffirmed the Academy Museum’s role as a cultural hub celebrating film and music’s interconnected narratives.