Red carpet recap: Black Hollywood royalty reigned at the 2023 Academy Museum Gala

(Left to right) Oprah Winfrey and Danielle Brooks attend the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

(Left to right) Oprah Winfrey and Danielle Brooks attend the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

With Hollywood strikes in the rearview and awards season around the corner, it’s safe to say glamour is back in full force in Hollywood. On Sunday, the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala returned to Los Angeles with a bevy of top talent on its red carpet — including honorees Oprah Winfrey, Michael B. Jordan, Meryl Streep and Sofia Coppola, as well as several cast members of the upcoming movie musical “The Color Purple.”

(Left to right) Oprah Winfrey and Danielle Brooks attend the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

For the occasion, the film’s producer, Oprah, paid tribute to the time-honored story, dressed in a curve-celebrating purple sequined gown by Dolce and Gabbana. Taraji P. Henson, who plays the much-beloved character Shug Avery in the new musical, also leaned into the trend in a violet off-the-shoulder gown by Zuhair Murad. Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks, who respectively portray Celie and Sofia, both chose black for Sunday night’s gala; Barrino in a sequined and feathered cocktail dress by Dolce and Gabbana and Brooks in a strapless taffeta ballgown by Christian Siriano. Siriano was also the designer of choice for Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was stunning in saffron yellow.

Lenny Kravitz, a subject of much recent discussion in Black media circles (including here at theGrio), had a father-daughter moment with Zoë Kravitz, as the two Saint Laurent brand ambassadors donned sleek looks by the label. Keke Palmer gave ingenue energy in a graceful strapless navy ballgown by Monique Lhuillier, while eternal beauty Angela Bassett embraced two of the season’s biggest trends — hooded gowns and the color red — in a tomato-colored draped jersey gown by Schiaparelli.

Who else brought Black Hollywood glamour to the 2023 Academy Museum Gala? Check out our gallery recapping the event’s red carpet below.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Da'Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

US-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-MUSEUM-GALA

(Left to right) Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King attend the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend attend the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Lupita Nyong'o and guest

Lupita Nyong’o (right) and a guest attend the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

David Oyewolo

David Oyewolo attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Regina Hall

Regina Hall attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/WireImage,)

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Niecy Nash

Niecy Nash attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Taylour Paige

Taylour Paige attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Ryan Michelle Bathe

Ryan Michelle Bathe attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Stephen Galloway

Stephen Galloway attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Roger Ross Williams

Roger Ross Williams attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Jay Ellis

Jay Ellis attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Lamorne Morris

Lamorne Morris attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Blitz Bazawule

Blitz Bazawule attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Maggie Betts

Maggie Betts attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/FilmMagic)

Aurora James

Aurora James attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Quinn Wilson

Quinn Wilson attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/WireImage,)

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Anna Diop

Anna Diop attends the 2023 Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Mason Gooding

Mason Gooding attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Jacqueline Stewart

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures director and president Jacqueline Stewart attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey attends the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, December 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)


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