Taylor Swift gave “The Fate of Ophelia” its first live performance at Saturday’s Academy Museum Gala, according to Page Six.
The 36-year-old singer closed the sixth annual fundraiser in Los Angeles on October 17 with four songs. Her appearance had been announced by the museum on October 8.
Rosé and actor Connor Storrie were filmed dancing to “Blank Space.” Sabrina Carpenter and Cara Delevingne also attended, with both joining Swift for photographs inside the museum.
Swift performed in a sparkling navy gown with a strapless bodice and sheer tulle skirt. Earlier, she had walked the red carpet in pale-blue Dior, featuring pleated fabric, a beaded bow and a long train.
“The Fate of Ophelia” Joins Hits From “1989” and “Fearless”
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“The Fate of Ophelia” appeared on Swift’s October 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl.
The song followed her opening number, “Blank Space,” from 2014’s 1989. Swift then performed “I Knew It, I Knew You” before finishing with “Love Story,” the country-pop single from her 2008 album Fearless.
Conan O’Brien Welcomes Swift With a Beatles Comparison
Conan O’Brien introduced Swift with a Beatles comparison: “She’s John, Paul, George and Ringo all in one,” he said, as Stereogum reported.
O’Brien, who voices Smarty Pants in Toy Story 5, also welcomed Swift into the film’s family.
Swift Gives Her “Toy Story 5” Song a Full-Band Performance
Taylor Swift performs “I Knew It, I Knew You” at the #AcademyMuseumGala https://t.co/23reYW7dBU
— Variety (@Variety) October 18, 2026
Backing singers and saxophonists joined Swift for the movie song. She had previously performed it at the film’s June 9 Los Angeles premiere, where Randy Newman also joined her for “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”
In August, her Grammy Museum piano medley combined “I Knew It, I Knew You,” “August” and “All Too Well.”
Swift has said she first watched Toy Story at age 5 and had long wanted to write music for the franchise. The new track was released on June 5.
In a studio video released in June and covered by TheWrap, Swift recalled watching an early screening of the fifth film at 11 a.m. She went home inspired to write its end-credits song and was preparing to record vocals that evening, with Disney executives due to hear it shortly afterward.
She collaborated on the track with Jack Antonoff and told ABC News that Jessie’s growth and memories had inspired her, particularly the possibility of reconnecting after people’s lives take different directions.
The song reached No. 1 on the Mediabase country radio singles chart in September. Universal Music described it as Swift’s first country radio No. 1 in 13 years.
The Gala Honors Three Film Artists and Raises More Than $14 Million
Museum director and president Amy Homma opened the program with a look back at the institution’s first five years, followed by a toast from trustee Olivier de Givenchy.
Jamie Lee Curtis spoke about horror films and the museum’s The Horror Show exhibition before introducing Robert Rodriguez. He presented John Carpenter with the Luminary Award, recognizing his influence on the creative possibilities of filmmaking.
Sigourney Weaver presented Charlize Theron with the Icon Award for the global impact of her career. After dinner, Judd Apatow introduced Tom Ford, who presented Colman Domingo with the Vantage Award, according to Vogue. That honor recognizes an artist whose work challenges dominant narratives in cinema.
Ford and Rodriguez co-chaired the gala with Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw. The dinner was prepared by guest chef Antonia Lofaso and Wolfgang Puck Catering, and the event was presented in partnership with Rolex.
The fundraiser brought in more than $14 million, BroadwayWorld reported. Proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, education initiatives and public programming, including screenings, K-12 programs and efforts to expand access for visitors.