Charlize Theron added another honour to a career that has crossed continents. The South African-born actor received the Icon Award at the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala, where she shared the spotlight with Colman Domingo, who received the Vantage Award, and filmmaker and composer John Carpenter, honoured with the Luminary Award.
The black-tie event raised more than $14 million for the museum’s exhibitions, educational initiatives and public programming. Taylor Swift also performed during the evening, which brought together prominent figures from film, music and fashion.
Theron said the recognition was lovely, but that her passion for acting continues to give her a sense of purpose and resolve. The Icon Award recognises a career that has crossed genres and borders, from her South African beginnings to some of Hollywood’s most demanding roles.
For the Academy Museum, the gala is its signature fundraiser — and a guest list that pairs Theron with a Swift performance is the kind of combination that keeps the evening at the centre of awards-season social calendars.
