Taylor Swift to perform at star-studded Academy Museum Gala

Taylor Swift is set to perform at the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 17, bringing one of music’s biggest stars to the prestigious fundraising event. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has confirmed her appearance at the black-tie gathering.

The event will celebrate filmmaker and composer John Carpenter, along with actors Colman Domingo and Charlize Theron. The annual gala raises funds to support the museum’s exhibitions, film screenings and educational programmes dedicated to preserving and celebrating cinema.

Amy Homma, director and president of the Academy Museum and Academy Collection, welcomed Swift’s participation, praising her international influence and artistic talent. She said the museum was delighted to have the singer perform at an evening dedicated to honouring distinguished figures in filmmaking and supporting the institution’s mission.

The gala will be co-chaired by fashion designer Tom Ford, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, director Steven Spielberg and producer Kate Capshaw. Its host committee will feature several prominent names from entertainment, including Jessica Alba, Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson, Greta Lee, Demi Moore, Olivia Munn, Teyana Taylor, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen.

Swift’s upcoming appearance has attracted attention because it will mark her first live performance since she appeared at the Grammy Museum in August. During that performance, she sang a mashup featuring All Too Well, I Knew It, I Knew You and August.

The announcement also comes weeks after Swift released her new track Patient Zero. She was also recognised at the 2026 Video Music Awards, where she received the first-ever VMAs Artist Director Honors.

Although the organisers have not revealed which songs Swift will perform at the gala, speculation is already building around her possible setlist. One song drawing attention is I Knew It, I Knew You, reportedly associated with Toy Story 5 and discussed as a potential contender in the upcoming Academy Awards race.

However, no official setlist has been announced, leaving fans waiting to learn which songs the global pop star will bring to the fundraising event.