Lucy Liu, Camila Alves, and Teyana Taylor were among the distinguished guests at the TIME 2026 Women of the Year Gala on Tuesday, held at The West Hollywood EDITION hotel in Los Angeles. The event honored 16 pioneering women who have made significant contributions across entertainment, sports, activism, and business, highlighting Liu’s advocacy for Asian representation in Hollywood alongside her enduring acting career.
Elegant Fashion Moments from the Evening
The gala saw Lucy Liu, aged 57, captivate attendees in a plunging black gown adorned with delicate sparkling accents, reflecting her star power. Camila Alves, 43, the Brazilian model and wife of actor Matthew McConaughey, wore a sophisticated long ivory blazer dress complemented by white heels. She attended the event with her 16-year-old daughter Vida, who matched her mother’s chic style in a black blazer dress.
Teyana Taylor, 35, nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Academy Awards, made a striking impression with a sculptural burgundy and black gown featuring a sparkling fringe skirt and a glittering embroidered waist detail. Taylor completed her look with a pixie haircut and chunky statement earrings, underscoring her distinctive aesthetic.
Teyana Taylor’s Oscar Journey and Reflection
Celebrating her first Oscar nomination for her role in “Perfidia Beverly Hills,” Taylor expressed a mix of excitement and humility heading into the awards.
“Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won,”
she shared in her February cover story with Time. She also described her camaraderie with fellow awards-season contender Jacob Elordi, calling him her “awards-season bestie.”
“We’re young, we’re blessed, we’re being celebrated – this is the time to be happy and to have fun with it, especially in a space that some people take so serious, and some people are cold, some people are robotic.” – Teyana Taylor, Actress
“I know to the world, it looks spicy, but we’re literally just in our own little world… Half the time we’re talking about having the same haircut, going mullet for mullet.” – Teyana Taylor, Actress
“I love when it’s hard – that means it’s of purpose. I want everything that is supposed to be mine. And I’m going to work my a** off to make sure that I see that.” – Teyana Taylor, Actress
Her candid remarks reveal a determination to embrace challenges and pursue her goals with dedication, even amid the tension of awards season.
High-Profile Honorees and Their Memorable Styles
Other stars who dazzled at the gala included Vanderpump Rules’ Ariana Madix, 40, who wore a flowing, ethereal see-through white gown, her brunette hair styled in natural locks that softened the angelic look. Actress Isla Fisher, 50, impressed in a ruched fiery red dress, accented with turquoise earrings.
Mariska Hargitay, 62, known for her role in Law & Order SVU and also honored this year, exuded effortless grace in a white gown featuring a sultry front slit, enhanced by metallic heels and silver jewelry. Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause, 44, turned heads in a gold dress that revealed her toned legs, paired with a high ponytail.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, 69, another distinguished honoree, appeared radiant in a red sleeveless dress. In her Time interview, Ralph reflected on her recent Hollywood Walk of Fame star and recalled advice from Robert De Niro during the 1992 filming of Mistress.
“You’re a damn good actress, and that’s too bad, because Hollywood is not looking for you – so you better climb that mountain and wave that red flag and let them know that you are there,” – Sheryl Lee Ralph, Actress
She added that despite the difficulties, she remains committed to her craft because “that is my joy.” Comedian Kathy Griffin, 65, donned an elegant black dress cinched at the waist with a leather belt, accessorizing with chunky bracelets. Country singer Brandi Carlile, 44, embraced a more edgy look in a burgundy suit paired with black boots.
Fellow Honorees and Emerging Voices
This year’s Women of the Year gala recognized a diverse group beyond the entertainment industry, including director Chloe Zhao, American hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, painter Amy Sherald, Sister Norma Pimentel, lawyer Reshma Saujani, and activist Mahnoor Omer. The event also honored motivational author Mel Robbins, Vertex Pharmaceuticals CEO Reshma Kewalramani, midwife Isata Dumbuya, social worker Safeena Husain, and Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman.
Interactions and Atmosphere at the Gala
Throughout the evening, the event buzzed with lively exchanges among the guests. Reality TV stars Ariana Madix and Chrishell Stause were seen mingling, radiating charm as they socialized. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Teyana Taylor shared moments together, while Mariska Hargitay and Lucy Liu greeted each other warmly, exemplifying the spirit of solidarity present at the gala.
Hargitay also posed with Brandi Carlile and Mel Robbins, capturing the convergence of impressive talents and achievements across different fields. The gathering underscored the power of recognition in elevating women who continue to inspire and push boundaries.
Significance of the TIME Women Gala and Its Broader Impact
The TIME 2026 Women of the Year Gala celebrates not only individual accomplishments but also highlights ongoing issues such as representation, inclusivity, and social activism. Lucy Liu’s presence as both a celebrated actress and advocate brings attention to Asian representation in Hollywood, which remains a vital conversation.
As the gala showcased achievements from a wide array of professions, it also reflected the challenges and triumphs of women navigating complex industries and societal expectations. The event fosters a sense of empowerment and community among honorees and guests alike, inspiring future generations.
Looking ahead, the gala serves as an important platform for amplifying female voices and stories, ensuring that trailblazers like Liu, Taylor, and the many honorees continue to receive recognition and support for their groundbreaking work in their respective fields.
