An evening conceived as a celebration of cinema and a way to raise funds for exhibitions and educational initiatives at the Academy Museum found its leading lady. That honor went to Penélope Cruz, whose appearance went far beyond a typical walk down the red carpet. Receiving the Icon Award at the Academy Museum Gala 2025, she solidified herself not only as an outstanding figure in the world of film, but also as a benchmark for style and cultural identity. This very fusion of art, fashion, and cinema became the leitmotif of her look.
The dress, created by Chanel, was not a random choice but a carefully considered narrative element. The ivory gown, embellished with crystals and shimmering appliqués, seemed to float around the actress, as if the glow was part of the very air surrounding her. The delicate, scattered adornments on the fabric resembled tiny stars cascading over her silhouette.
The design, with its thin double straps, followed a logic of balance: the purity of the lines and the lightness of the cut were harmoniously combined with the richness of decorative embellishments. In motion, flashes from cameras and spotlights drew thousands of reflections on the dress, turning it into a living sculpture of light. It was a masterful modern interpretation of classic glamour.
The finishing touch was her loose hair, styled in soft waves with a side part, adding a feminine flair to the look. The makeup, with its focus on the cheekbones, coffee-colored eyeshadow, and understated lips, highlighted her elegant restraint. A milky manicure with oval, pearl-white nails complemented the tone of her outfit perfectly.
With this appearance, Penélope paid tribute to Old Hollywood. To fully appreciate the power of this stylistic choice, it is enough to recall the aesthetic of classic cinema and the looks of the great divas of the 1930s–50s. Moreover, the actress has long been a muse and face of Chanel. These ties have been strengthened over numerous campaigns and appearances, in which she has always managed to interpret the language of the fashion house in her own way: refined, calm, and free from any affectation.
Throughout the evening, she was seen warmly greeting Demi Moore—with whom she exchanged gestures of mutual admiration—and sharing a table with Zoë Saldaña, another notable guest. She was also very friendly with Adrien Brody, demonstrating her excellent relationships with many colleagues in the industry. Essentially, it was an evening among friends, marked by the natural warmth and respect the Spanish actress inspires in Hollywood.
The event, which gathered half of the film industry in Los Angeles, was also attended by Eva Longoria, who, alongside Penélope and Demi Moore, proved that elegance is timeless. Newlyweds Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, making their first public appearance as a married couple, also caught attention on the red carpet. During the ceremony, other awards were presented, honoring Bruce Springsteen, Bowen Yang, and director Walter Salles. The evening offered a vibrant mix of talent, remembrance, and spectacle, once again confirming cinema’s ability to create iconic images both on and off the screen.
