The 2026 Academy Museum Gala is unfolding in Los Angeles, and the star-studded red carpet has thus far brought glamorous looks grounded by classic formal heels, including both pumps and minimalist sandals. Many paired one of these classic shoe styles with a high-slit gown, allowing their footwear to stand out. FN rounds up some of these looks below, including Jessica Biel, Sarah Pidgeon, Inde Navarrette and more.
Jessica Biel went with a dramatic all-black look, which she completed with a classic patent leather pump featuring the hallmarks of the popular style: a pointed toe and curved, low-cut vamp. The shoes were a minimalist complement to her dramatic halter-neck gown featuring voluminous feathery embellishments and high slit in the skirt.
Kylie Minogue went with an all-black look rounded out with a classic black patent leather pump as well; her shoe style featured an ankle strap and pointed toe. In another instance of a high-slit dress allowing footwear to be seen, the musician wore a satiny strapless black dress with angular ruching.
Inde Navarrette dressed up in Schiaparelli for the event. The rising actress and “Obsession” breakout star wore a strapless gown with a sculptural bubbled silhouette and heavy embellishment of rounded brown glossy discs. For footwear, she wore a complementary pointed-toe mule heel featuring a gold linear detail bifurcating the vamp and a strap across the foot conferring a retro energy to the style.
Sarah Pidgeon had a Chanel moment at the gala and rounded out her look with minimalist sandals; she wore a simple white style with a slingback strap and toe strap. The shoes picked up the white collar of her Chanel dress, which was otherwise a bold sequined red piece with a knee-length skirt and three-quarter length sleeves.
Isabel May was yet another guest wearing a classic all-black ensemble. The actress showcased a high-low dress with a deep V-neck, bows at the shoulders and a ruffly skirt. Her shoes, meanwhile, were barely-there black sandals with an ankle strap and toe strap, yet another footwear style at the event leaning into the less-is-more attitude.
The sixth annual Academy Museum Gala was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Saturday night. Filmmaker and composer John Carpenter was honored with the Luminary Award his contributions to filmmaking, while Charlize Theron was also honored with the Icon Award and Colman Domingo was named the recipient of the Vantage Award.
While there was plenty of star power at the event, a performance from Grammy Award-winner Taylor Swift added a touch of pop star edge to the night. Presented in partnership with Rolex, the 2026 Academy Museum Gala co-chairs included Robert Rodriguez, Tom Ford, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw.