Colman Domingo to receive Vantage Award at 2026 Academy Museum Gala

The two-time Oscar nominee will be honored alongside Charlize Theron and filmmaker John Carpenter at the museum’s sixth annual fundraising gala.

Colman Domingo will be honored at the sixth annual Academy Museum Gala this fall, adding another major recognition to a year that has already brought him two Emmy nominations. The actor will receive the Vantage Award. The award honors an artist who is helping to challenge dominant narratives around cinema. The Colman Domingo Academy Museum honor is the latest recognition in his awards run.

AP reported that Domingo will be honored alongside Oscar winner Charlize Theron and filmmaker John Carpenter when the gala takes place Oct. 17 in Los Angeles.

The Academy Museum says Theron will receive its Icon Award, which celebrates an artist whose career has had a significant global impact. Carpenter will receive the Luminary Award, given to an artist whose singular contributions have expanded the creative possibilities of filmmaking.

Academy Museum director and president Amy Homma said the three honorees have careers that demonstrate the creativity, innovation and excellence helping move the film industry forward.

Domingo’s latest recognition comes during a particularly active stretch in his career. In July, TheGrio reported that he earned two 2026 Emmy nominations: outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for Netflix’s “The Four Seasons” and outstanding guest actor in a drama series for HBO’s “Euphoria.”

His film career has also brought back-to-back awards attention. Domingo earned a best actor Oscar nomination for “Rustin” at the 2024 Academy Awards and another for “Sing Sing” at the 2025 ceremony, making him one of Hollywood’s most prominent Black leading men.

The Academy Museum Gala has become one of Los Angeles’ highest-profile annual entertainment fundraisers. AP described the red carpet event as a West Coast counterpart to New York’s Met Gala. Proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, public screenings and education programs.

This year’s host committee includes Questlove, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, John Legend, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and other entertainment figures. Filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and Steven Spielberg and producer Kate Capshaw will serve as co-chairs.

Last year’s gala honored Bruce Springsteen, Penélope Cruz, Bowen Yang and Walter Salles and raised more than $12 million for the museum.