Mescal, known for his role in Normal People and recently nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Aftersun, is also set to star in the highly anticipated Gladiator II. He attended the event, now in its fourth year, on Saturday, where Ronan honoured him as he accepted the Vantage Award. This award recognizes “an emerging artist or scholar who is helping to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema.”

John Travolta also praised director Quentin Tarantino, who received the Luminary Award, acknowledging his “singular contributions” to expanding creative possibilities in film. Tarantino marked the occasion by donating the first handwritten draft of his iconic Pulp Fiction script to the museum. He arrived at the event with Uma Thurman, star of his Kill Bill films.

Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg introduced Rita Moreno, the legendary actress who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in West Side Story. Moreno received the Icon Award, which honours individuals who have had a significant cultural impact.

The gala, co-chaired by Academy Museum Trustee Eric Esrailian along with actors Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria, and Tyler Perry, featured a performance by Cynthia Erivo. Introduced by Ariana Grande, Erivo sang a series of iconic songs, including I’m Here from The Color Purple, Home from The Wiz, Somewhere Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, and Purple Rain by Prince.

The event raised over $11 million (€10 million) to support the museum’s work.