‘American Horror Story’ Star Sarah Paulson Dazzles in Sequin Mini at Academy Museum Gala

Laura Bais
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Sarah Paulson has always embraced fashion risks. W Magazine has highlighted her evolution into one of the red carpet’s most daring figures, transitioning from A-line gowns to avant-garde styles for Ryan Murphy’s productions. So, when the Academy Museum Gala arrived, expectations were high for her edgy fashion choice.

The sixth annual event took place on October 17 in Los Angeles, often referred to as the “Met Gala of the West,” and coincided with the conclusion of Fashion Month. Honorees included Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo, and John Carpenter, with Taylor Swift scheduled to perform and Rolex sponsoring the evening. Compared to last year’s bold fashion statements, this year’s carpet was described as more subdued, making any standout looks even more noticeable.

Paulson certainly made a statement. Her Academy Museum Gala outfit featured a stunning, long-sleeved mini dress adorned with large gold-and-black sequin discs, showcasing a high neckline and a daring side cutout, complemented by a dramatic train flowing behind her.

As she walked the carpet, the dress shimmered under the lights, with the sequins reflecting gold and black hues with every movement. The hemline, sitting well above the knee, drew attention to her legs, while the sleeves and neckline provided a sense of modesty. This balance between coverage and a daring hemline created a captivating tension in her look.

Paulson kept her styling sleek, opting for slicked-back hair, long drop earrings, and black heels. The train added a theatrical element, transforming a short dress into a grand red carpet moment.

This isn’t the first time Paulson has made bold fashion choices at this gala. In 2024, she wore a daring Prada outfit that bared her midriff, attending the event with her partner Holland Taylor, with whom she has been since 2015.

Her consistent willingness to experiment with skin exposure and proportions has been evident. While her 2024 look embraced a sleek, cropped silhouette, this year’s ensemble opted for a more radiant approach.

Paulson’s fashion choices in 2026 have been notably adventurous. At the Met Gala, she donned a custom red-grey tulle ball gown from Matières Fécales’ “The ONE Percent” collection, accessorized with white opera gloves and a leather mask resembling a dollar bill. This look sparked mixed reactions, with some praising it as a bold statement and others criticizing it as tone-deaf.

At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, she showcased a striking silhouette with a blunt bob and a structured, waist-cinching white ballgown. At the Tony Awards, she opted for a softer look in a drop-waist, two-toned Erdem gown embellished with bows. In comparison, her sparkly mini with a train adds another unique entry to her diverse fashion year.

The fashion spotlight on Paulson reflects her successful career, making her a household name. An Emmy winner, she is closely associated with Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘American Crime Story,’ and recently made a guest appearance on ‘The Bear’ as Cousin Michelle.

She received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on December 2, 2025, with Taylor by her side, marking a significant milestone that explains the heightened scrutiny of her red carpet appearances.

Paulson wasn’t the only star turning heads at the gala. Other notable attendees included Laura Linney, Pamela Anderson, Kristen Wiig, Jessica Biel, and Justin Timberlake, along with Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller, Amber Valletta, and designer Tom Ford.

In a sea of film industry luminaries, Paulson’s mini dress stood out by embracing texture and shine rather than adhering to traditional gown silhouettes. While sequins are a gala staple, her interpretation felt playful rather than overly formal.

The success of her look lies in its commitment to a singular idea: shine. The sleek hair and minimal accessories keep the focus on the dress, while the train adds enough drama to compete with longer gowns.

This outfit fits into her recent trend of mixing humor, shape, and surprise. Regardless of whether it lands on best-dressed lists, it’s the kind of ensemble that sparks conversation.

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