Jacob Elordi Captures Sweet Candids of Kendall Jenner on Red Carpet at the Academy Museum Gala

Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi were among the notable attendees at the prestigious Academy Museum Gala, held in Los Angeles on Saturday, 17th October 2026. This elegant affair was the sixth annual gala in partnership with Rolex, highlighting the museum’s mission to honour and conserve the world of cinema.

The couple, who have been the subject of dating speculation since spring 2026, showcased their individual styles on the arrivals carpet dressed in bespoke creations from top designers. While they initially posed separately, their coordinated looks exemplified a sense of unity. Elordi, who stars in the recent hit “Frankenstein,” donned a sophisticated custom Bottega Veneta tuxedo complemented by a crisp white shirt and stylish sunglasses. In contrast, Jenner caught the eye in a striking black-and-white polka dot gown, designed specifically for her by Valentino, paired with elegant Cartier jewellery.

Moments before the event officially commenced, observers noted Elordi taking candid photographs of Jenner as she underwent final adjustments to her dress. The supportive gesture was reciprocated later that evening when Jenner was spotted beside her sister Kim Kardashian and friend Hailey Bieber, patiently awaiting Elordi as he took his turn on the red carpet.

In an exclusive interview with Vogue, Jenner shared her enthusiasm for her dress. “I’ve always wanted a red carpet polka-dot moment,” she remarked. Jenner revealed that during discussions with her stylist, Danielle Goldberg, they had come across the Valentino piece, which perfectly aligned with her vision. She praised the silk fabric, stating, “The beaded black polka-dots on the bottom half are such a nice touch—Valentino outdid themselves. It may just be one of my favourite pieces to wear on a carpet.”

This year’s Academy Museum Gala was a star-studded event, featuring a captivating performance by singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The evening also celebrated the achievements of several prominent figures in cinema, including filmmaker John Carpenter, actor Colman Domingo, and actress Charlize Theron, who were among the honourees of the night.

In a bid to support its ongoing mission, the Academy Museum aimed to raise funds through the gala to continue providing world-class exhibitions, educational opportunities, and accessible public screenings for a broad audience. Attendees were excited about the potential impact of their contributions to the arts and education.

Despite their separate entrances, Jenner and Elordi appeared to enjoy each other’s company as the night progressed. They were later seen indulging in a steak dinner at the gala and were reportedly sighted leaving an after-party at the prestigious Chateau Marmont together in the same vehicle, further fuelling romance speculations.

Since the initial rumours of their relationship emerged, the duo has been frequently seen in each other’s company. Most notably, Elordi was present front row at Jenner’s closure of the Bottega Veneta spring/summer 2027 show in Milan on 26th September. Furthermore, the pair enjoyed a meal in Tokyo after returning from a summer getaway in Hawaii.

Sources close to the couple have indicated that while they are navigating their relationship privately, they harbour genuine feelings for one another. A source shared with PEOPLE that, “They’re not trying to turn this into some big public thing. They enjoy spending time together in more private settings.” They added that, “They want to keep things low-key while they’re figuring things out naturally,” suggesting that while their relationship is budding, they prefer to keep aspects of their romance under wraps.

With the glamour of the Academy Museum Gala behind them, it remains to be seen how the romance between Jenner and Elordi unfolds. As both continue to shine in their respective careers, fans of the couple will be eager to see how they manage their personal lives amidst their dazzling professional commitments. The intrigue surrounding their relationship suggests that this is just the beginning of what could be an exciting journey together.