‘The Nightingale’ Stars Dakota and Elle Fanning Dazzle at Academy Museum Gala

Avatar photoHrvoje Milakovic
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Few sister duos in Hollywood have maintained their bond and style as Dakota and Elle Fanning. Sharing a stylist, a production company, and a rich history on screen, their fashion choices often diverge, making their joint appearances feel like a mini fashion showdown.

The sixth annual Academy Museum Gala on October 17 in Los Angeles was another opportunity for the sisters to shine. The event honored Charlize Theron, Colman Domingo, and John Carpenter, with Taylor Swift slated to perform, and The Zoe Report dubbed the Fannings’ arrival a sisters’ night out.

Dakota and Elle Fanning showcased contrasting styles at the gala. Elle donned a custom Valentino gown featuring a butterfly bodice paired with a pastel skirt and cape, while Dakota opted for a sheer black lace dress with an asymmetrical neckline.

In the photos, Elle stands elegantly in a plunging, V-neck bodice adorned with jeweled, silvery embellishments shaped like butterfly wings. Below, the gown flows into a soft cascade of pink, lavender, and blue chiffon, seamlessly blending shades. A long, flowing cape in matching pastel colors trails behind her, complemented by Cartier jewelry that adds a touch of sparkle.

Her whimsical look aligns perfectly with the evening’s butterfly theme, as Janelle Monáe and Amandla Stenberg also embraced winged designs. Among them, Elle’s ensemble stood out as the most ethereal.

Dakota took a different route with her fashion choice. Her sleeveless black lace dress features an asymmetrical neckline and a sheer, floor-length skirt that flows gracefully around her. A delicate ribbon at the waist adds a feminine touch, while she opted for gold jewelry and understated Cartier pieces instead of anything overly flashy.

While Dakota’s dress is more subdued than her sister’s, its transparency gives it a subtle edge. This aligns with Dakota’s signature style, which embraces simple, relaxed glamour without excessive details.

The sisters have long showcased their distinct fashion sensibilities. Elle describes her style as classic with a twist, while Dakota leans towards a more laid-back approach. This difference was evident at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March, where Elle wore a custom black Givenchy gown, and Dakota opted for an embroidered black Zuhair Murad dress.

At the 2026 Golden Globes, Elle dazzled in a custom light blue Gucci gown adorned with flowers, while Dakota shone in a shimmering, draped Vivienne Westwood gown paired with a diamond necklace. Despite working with the same stylist, Samantha McMillen, they each maintain their unique identities.

Their fashion history includes memorable moments, such as the 2025 Academy Museum Gala, where Elle wore a gown with a red feathered skirt, and Dakota chose a white gown with black floral accents. Compared to those looks, this year’s outfits feel more romantic for Elle and more refined for Dakota.

This annual gala has become a tradition for the sisters, who consistently arrive together and then express their individual styles.

The night was particularly special for Elle, who recently received her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rachel Kemp in Joachim Trier’s ‘Sentimental Value,’ which won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. She wore a stunning white Givenchy by Sarah Burton ball gown to the ceremony.

Elle shared that she learned about her nomination while recovering from a late night out with Dakota, making their sisters’ night out at the gala feel like a full-circle moment. She also starred in ‘Predator: Badlands’ and is set to appear in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,’ releasing on November 20.

The sisters also collaborate professionally, having launched Lewellen Pictures in 2021 with a first-look deal with MRC. They will star together in ‘The Nightingale,’ marking their first film together as leads. Elle previously portrayed the younger version of Dakota’s character in ‘I Am Sam’ at the age of three.

This professional connection adds to the natural chemistry observed during their joint appearances. They are not only sisters but also collaborators.

The gala was filled with star power, featuring attendees like Taylor Swift, Kate Hudson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kerry Washington, Janelle Monáe, Charlize Theron, and Teyana Taylor. Amidst these bold fashion statements, the Fannings stood out for their elegance.

Their appearance proves that a sisters’ night out doesn’t require matching outfits to convey unity.

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