Jaafar Jackson Shines in Black Velvet at the Academy Museum Gala as ‘Michael’ Fever Continues

Tena Milakovic
Jaafar Jackson 5
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Jaafar Jackson has had an extraordinary year, stepping into the spotlight as the lead in a biopic about his late uncle. Since the release of ‘Michael’, he has been making waves at premieres and galas, establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s rising stars. His latest appearance at the Academy Museum Gala was no exception.

‘Michael’, directed by Antoine Fuqua, debuted on April 24, 2026, and opened to an impressive $97.2 million domestically. It went on to break records, becoming the first biopic to surpass $1 billion globally, ultimately finishing its theatrical run with around $1.029 billion, making it the highest-grossing biopic ever.

This remarkable success has kept Jackson in the public eye. At the 6th annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Los Angeles, he arrived in a classic black velvet tuxedo that exuded sophistication. The ensemble was clean and confident, perfectly fitting for an evening dedicated to film.

Jackson’s outfit featured a black velvet double-breasted dinner jacket with satin peak lapels, showcasing a subtle ribbed texture that caught the light just right. He complemented the look with a crisp white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and straight-leg black trousers.

The finishing touches included a small white pin on the lapel and polished black shoes. The overall silhouette was relaxed yet well-tailored, with one hand casually resting at his waist as he posed against the backdrop of the gala.

Velvet seems to be becoming a signature for Jackson. At the 2026 Met Gala on May 4, he made a statement in a black velvet Polo Ralph Lauren suit adorned with gold detailing, paired with a black bow tie, red socks, and black ballet-style shoes. He noted during Vogue’s livestream that the outfit was inspired by his uncle Michael Jackson’s iconic style.

He described his Met Gala look as timeless and intentional, even though it came together somewhat last-minute amid the film’s release. The Academy Museum Gala version maintained the velvet and bow tie but opted for a more understated approach, dropping the gold and red socks.

The gala also celebrated connections to the film, with Colman Domingo, who portrays Joseph Jackson in ‘Michael’, being honored with the Vantage Award. Charlize Theron received the Icon Award, and John Carpenter was presented with the Luminary Award.

Domingo and Jackson had previously appeared together at the Met Gala, where the ‘Michael’ cast, including Nia Long and Laura Harrier, showcased classic, refined looks. Their joint appearances emphasized timeless silhouettes and meticulous tailoring over extravagant displays. The intersection of the film’s world with the museum’s gala felt like a seamless continuation.

Jackson wasn’t the only one donning velvet at the gala. Celebrity stylist Law Roach arrived in a black velvet suit with silver embroidery and a feathered headpiece adorned with a beaded crown. Jessica Biel opted for a black velvet gown featuring a thigh-high slit and feather detailing.

Against this backdrop, Jackson’s tuxedo stood out for its simplicity. In a night filled with dramatic couture, his well-fitted tuxedo provided a calm counterpoint, demonstrating how a classic look can remain fresh and relevant.

The story of ‘Michael’ is far from over. Lionsgate confirmed on May 21 that a sequel is in the works, with executive Adam Fogelson stating there is still much to explore. While a release date has not been set, reports suggest it could arrive in late 2027 or 2028.

‘Michael’ also became available on digital platforms on June 9 and began streaming on Starz on Aug. 10. While critics had mixed reviews, many praised Jackson’s performance. For an actor whose debut role became a global sensation, navigating the red carpet is proving to be a seamless second act.

The Academy Museum Gala, often referred to as the Met Gala of the West, takes place right after global fashion weeks. The event raised over $14 million for the museum’s exhibitions, public screenings, and educational programs, with Taylor Swift closing the night with a performance.

Jackson’s tuxedo didn’t attempt to overshadow the elaborate gowns and headpieces around him. Instead, it simply looked sharp, which was precisely the intention.

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