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Prince William joined Catherine and Tom Cruise at the “Digger” premiere in London, where her dramatic look and a courteous moment on the steps fueled conversation online.

Catherine brought royal glamour to London’s Leicester Square Gardens on September 22, 2026, for the world premiere of the film.

She arrived with William in a floor-length purple gown featuring sheer sleeves, a low neckline, and fabric that draped across an open back. Her brunette hair fell in loose curls, partly swept away from her face, while drop earrings and a dark pendant completed the look.

William and Tom both chose traditional black tie for the occasion, wearing black tuxedos, white shirts, and black bow ties.

The premiere doubled as a Royal Film Performance benefiting the U.K.’s Film & TV Charity. Catherine and William began their evening by speaking with Tom and director Alejandro González Iñárritu before continuing along the carpet to meet the cast.

Tom accompanied Catherine during those introductions, while Alejandro walked with William. Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons were among the cast members who attended the premiere.

Salma Hayek, Hannah Waddingham, J.J. Abrams, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki were also among the guests.

The evening put William and Catherine on a movie-premiere carpet together for the first time in more than four years. People reported that their previous joint appearance at such an event came at the U.K. premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” in May 2022, another night that brought them together with Tom.

William’s connection to the British film industry had also been on display earlier that day.

During a visit to ActOne, a community-led independent cinema in west London, he spoke with young filmmakers, local creators, and Film & TV Charity representatives. He also stepped behind the concession stand and served popcorn.

William serves as president of BAFTA. “Digger,” meanwhile, was filmed at Pinewood Studios in the English village of Iver Heath.

Back at the premiere, Catherine and Tom shared several lighthearted exchanges as photographers captured them talking and smiling.

One moment came as Catherine approached a set of steps while wearing the long gown. Tom held out his hand, giving her support as she made her way down with the fabric around her feet.

Later, Tom addressed the audience and acknowledged the royal couple’s presence.

“We want to thank the Royal Highnesses for supporting this event,” he said, according to Deadline. “And just to tell them that we love them and we really appreciate what they do for the arts for this country and for the world, thank you.”

Tom also spoke warmly about working with Alejandro. “You are one of one and I have so admired your films from the very first one,” he said. Tom described the opportunity to collaborate with the filmmaker as “one of the great dreams of mine.”

Alejandro responded by highlighting the energy Tom brought to the production. He called the actor’s enthusiasm “contagious,” before joking that it was “actually uncomfortable,” which made Cruise laugh.

Yet the movie itself was not the only cinematic reference prompted by the evening. As images of Catherine spread online, viewers began focusing on the dark pendant resting against the purple fabric of her gown.

Its appearance reminded some netizens of the fictional diamond necklace made famous by “Titanic.”

“What is Princess Catherine doing with The Heart of the Ocean?!?” one netizen asked on Instagram. Another appeared to have arrived at exactly the same comparison, writing, “literally came here to say the same thing. 😂”

A commenter needed only two words to identify what stood out: “That necklace!” Others focused more broadly on Catherine’s appearance. Someone else described her as “The most beautiful real life princess ❤️.”

Tom’s behavior on the steps produced its own set of reactions.

“I love the way Tom Holds the princess’ hand like a true gentleman ❤️ I absolutely adore this man and his genuine love for the princess ❤️ [sic],” an admirer wrote. Another person turned the scene into a joke, commenting, “Trying to flirt with Timmy to make Willy jealous 😂😂.”

On Facebook, someone offered a similar personal reading of Tom’s demeanor, writing, “Tom Cruise is smitten with her.”

Another commenter was more interested in Catherine’s gown, particularly the detail revealed when she turned around. “Gorgeous and the back was REALLY beautiful; had not seen that done before. Catherine looks gorgeous, regal and confident as ever, [sic]” the user wrote.

Someone else singled out Tom’s assistance on the steps: “Gorgeous and nice of Tom to watch her step with all that fabric and not make it about him.”

William stayed close to Catherine during the evening, and the sight of her receiving significant public attention fits a dynamic several royal commentators have previously discussed.

According to Fox News Digital, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard said that she sees affection in William’s response to Catherine’s public presence. “Prince William is not only proud, but he is smitten,” Helena said. “He watches Princess Catherine and lights up.”

Christopher Andersen, author of “Kate!,” also argued that William is comfortable when his wife commands attention.

“The British people adore Kate in the same way they adored Princess Diana, the daughter-in-law she never met,” Christopher said. “But rather than be jealous of his wife the way King Charles was jealous of Diana’s popularity, William is more than content to let Kate shine.”

Christopher said William can at times appear “perfectly happy to bask in her reflected glory.”

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich offered a similar assessment. “Rather than Prince William being jealous, his delight regarding her success is palpable,” Hilary said.

“Part of his joy is no doubt due to her strengthening the monarchy rather than detracting from it,” she added. “His admiration for her is visible via his adoring glances and his general ease with her popularity.”

The “Digger” premiere also captured a few less-scripted moments that added another dimension to Catherine’s rare red-carpet return.

Wood looked back on their years together through photos and a video, revisiting a connection that extended beyond the brief romance they once shared publicly. Her tribute also included a personal reminder of what that bond looked like away from the public eye.

Their Public Romance Was One Part of a Longer Connection

Gerber and Wood publicly confirmed their romance on Instagram in November 2022 with posts from a beach outing. E! News reported at the time that the posts included photos of the couple and a video of them kissing. The posts were later removed from their Instagram pages.

Gerber’s video was set to an audio track that said, “Guys, I did it. I’ve found the person that makes me the happiest person I’ve ever been.” Wood also expressed her feelings publicly, writing, “if you didn’t already know, I’m in love.”

About a month after they went public, sources told the outlet that the couple had ended their relationship. One source said they quickly realized it would not be a long-term relationship, while a source close to Wood said she initiated the split.

Lexi Wood Puts Their Years Together Into Words

In her Instagram tribute, Wood explained that her relationship with Gerber changed over time, but friendship remained at its center. She remembered him as kind, open, loving, and courageous, as well as romantic and thoughtful.

Wood also remembered Gerber for his resilience. She said he “fought hard for his life” and was willing to speak openly about that fight. “More than anything, he wanted to use his story to help other people, and he did,” she wrote.

The Moments Wood Chose to Remember With Gerber

Wood’s tribute did more than put her memories into words. The photos and video she shared captured personal moments with Gerber — time by the ocean, affectionate snapshots, an embrace on a city street, and the two smiling together in the rain.

Her Tribute Ends With What Their Bond Meant to Her

Among the photos Wood shared was a particularly personal image. A yellow sticky note resting on a laptop carried a handwritten message from Presley Gerber. “I’m so proud of you, you’re amazing Lexi. I love you — Prez.”

Wood then closed her statement by putting into words what their years together had meant to her: “I feel so lucky to have shared so many years of friendship, so many memories and so much love with him. He will always hold such a special place in my heart, and we will all miss him forever. 🤍”

Wood’s remembrance comes as earlier reporting has shed more light on Gerber’s final hours and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Presley Gerber Reportedly Sought Help in His Final Days

A source told Page Six that Presley had seemed “a little off” in recent weeks and that something about him appeared different. According to the source, Presley “felt like he was lacking purpose in his life,” “hadn’t really found his place,” and “didn’t really know where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do.”

The insider claimed further, “He was struggling with a lot of things, but he wanted so, so badly to be free of his addictions.” “He was such a good kid.” The source added that Presley went into treatment because he recognized that he needed assistance.

“He went in because he knew he needed help. He had not been doing well. He’s always suffered from a huge lack of self-esteem and had trouble accepting his real self and feeling fully confident in who he was as a person,” the insider claimed.

Presley had reportedly spent time with his family the week before his death and was particularly close to his loved ones, especially his father, Rande. His last Instagram post, shared on August 5, presented a very different image from the struggles sources later described. In the nine-slide carousel, Presley smiled while modeling a Vuori outfit in a garden.

He Had Checked in Only Hours Earlier

What makes the timeline especially striking is how little time Presley had reportedly spent at the residence before the emergency unfolded. Sources familiar with the situation told TMZ that Presley entered the Santa Monica facility on Saturday night, September 19, 2026, just hours before authorities were called to the property Sunday morning. The co-ed residence provides support for people dealing with substance-abuse issues, mental-health concerns, trauma, and other conditions.

Several other people were reportedly living there at the time. Presley’s reported condition when he arrived has since become another important piece of the timeline. Sources who said they had contact with him during his final hours told TMZ that Presley did not appear sober when he checked in.

According to those sources, he appeared to be under the influence of a substance Saturday night while seeking treatment for substance-abuse issues. That account has not been established as an official medical finding, and authorities have not announced what, if anything, Presley may have taken before or after arriving.

But the timeline provided by a law enforcement source now reveals just how little time passed between Presley’s arrival at the facility and the discovery that followed.

Presley Checked Into the Facility Late Saturday Night

According to NBC News, Presley checked into Resolutions Living of Santa Monica at approximately 10 p.m. that Saturday. By the following morning, Santa Monica police had been called to the facility. Police said officers responded to a report of a possible overdose at approximately 9:35 a.m. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male.

Authorities have said Presley’s death is being investigated as a suspected overdose, though the investigation remains ongoing. Police also noted that there was no indication of foul play, and Resolutions Living did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.

What Authorities Found in Presley’s Room

A law enforcement source told NBC News that Presley was found unresponsive in the room where he had been sleeping. According to the source, he was “cold to the touch” when he was discovered.

The source further revealed that Presley had likely been dead for some time before he was found. The detail provides a heartbreaking glimpse into the hours between his late-night arrival at the treatment facility and the emergency response the next morning, but many questions about exactly what happened during that period remain unanswered.

Despite the suspected-overdose investigation, officials have not announced a definitive cause or manner of death. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said additional testing is necessary before either can be determined, and the department declined to release further details. Presley’s family, meanwhile, issued a brief statement asking for “privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

Presley Had Spoken Publicly About His Struggles

Presley was the eldest child of Cindy and Businessman Rande, who married in 1998. His younger sister, Kaia Gerber, also followed their mother into modeling. Both siblings appeared in campaigns for major fashion brands, including Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein. At 18, Presley even joined his mother for a 2018 Pepsi campaign that recreated Cindy’s famous 1992 Super Bowl commercial.

But alongside the glamorous public side of his life, Presley had also become increasingly candid about much more personal struggles. He frequently discussed depression and addiction online and launched an Instagram initiative called “Mental Health Mondays,” using his platform to speak openly about issues people often keep hidden.

In one Instagram post about his mental health, Presley said he hoped to “spark real conversations about the stuff most people hide.” In November, he also explained that he “had to step back and take care of my own mental health for a bit.”

Kaia Gerber Called Her Brother an ‘Absolute Teacher’

Presley’s openness had also made a profound impression on his family. In a Vogue interview published last month (August 2026), Kaia reflected on the contrast between her family’s historically private approach and her brother’s willingness to discuss his struggles publicly.

“My parents for most of our lives were very, very private and didn’t share anything — and now we have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, ‘I’m gonna be very human for everyone,'” she said.

“There’s only so much you can hide from the world. And trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them.” Her comments now carry an especially poignant weight in light of Presley’s death.

Presley Gerber reportedly had a key figure in his life in the months before his death — a person who would even travel with him. But exactly where that person was during Presley’s final hours remains unclear. And given what authorities are now investigating, the person’s role carries particular significance.

According to reports published after his death, the 27-year-old son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber had been struggling in the weeks beforehand — yet people close to him said he was actively trying to change course.

Presley Gerber Reportedly Sought Help in His Final Days

A source told Page Six that Presley had seemed “a little off” in recent weeks and that something about him appeared different. According to the source, Presley “felt like he was lacking purpose in his life,” “hadn’t really found his place,” and “didn’t really know where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do.”

The insider claimed further, “He was struggling with a lot of things, but he wanted so, so badly to be free of his addictions.” “He was such a good kid.” The source added that Presley went into treatment because he recognized that he needed assistance.

“He went in because he knew he needed help. He had not been doing well. He’s always suffered from a huge lack of self-esteem and had trouble accepting his real self and feeling fully confident in who he was as a person,” the insider claimed.

Presley had reportedly spent time with his family the week before his death and was particularly close to his loved ones, especially his father, Rande. His last Instagram post, shared on August 5, presented a very different image from the struggles sources later described. In the nine-slide carousel, Presley smiled while modeling a Vuori outfit in a garden.

He Had Checked in Only Hours Earlier

What makes the timeline especially striking is how little time Presley had reportedly spent at the residence before the emergency unfolded. Sources familiar with the situation told TMZ that Presley entered the Santa Monica facility on Saturday night, September 19, 2026, just hours before authorities were called to the property Sunday morning. The co-ed residence provides support for people dealing with substance-abuse issues, mental-health concerns, trauma, and other conditions.

Several other people were reportedly living there at the time. Presley’s reported condition when he arrived has since become another important piece of the timeline. Sources who said they had contact with him during his final hours told TMZ that Presley did not appear sober when he checked in.

According to those sources, he appeared to be under the influence of a substance Saturday night while seeking treatment for substance-abuse issues. That account has not been established as an official medical finding, and authorities have not announced what, if anything, Presley may have taken before or after arriving.

Inside the Santa Monica Residence

The place Presley entered is not described by its own website as a conventional detox unit or hospital. According to TMZ’s report on the facility and its recovery program, the Santa Monica operation describes itself as a “structured recovery residence” intended in part for people transitioning out of more intensive treatment.

Its program works with residents facing substance-abuse problems, mental-health conditions, trauma, eating disorders, and co-occurring disorders. The residence promotes a sober, supervised environment in which people can take part in shared meals, outings, and social activities intended to foster accountability and healthier relationships.

Wellness offerings advertised by the program include exercise, yoga, hiking, beach trips, and art workshops. The property also features decidedly upscale amenities. Residents reportedly have access to 24/7 on-site staff, chef-prepared meals, a stocked pantry, a gym, a movie theater, and indoor and outdoor common spaces.

The company’s website describes the three-story property as being in a prestigious section of Santa Monica with ocean and city views while remaining in a secluded neighborhood. A Daily Mail report identified the residence as Resolutions Living and reported that it was founded and owned by Dr. Reza Nabavi, who also serves as clinical director.

Its stated mission is to provide structure, recreation, life-skills training, vocational coaching, accountability and community to men and women recovering from addiction, mental-health issues and co-occurring disorders.

The outlet noted that it was unclear what Presley was paying to stay there. It cited general figures from Westwind Recovery indicating that luxury sober-living arrangements in coastal communities such as Santa Monica and Malibu can run from roughly $5,000 to more than $15,000 monthly.

A neighbor who lives two doors away told the Daily Mail that ambulances had been seen at the property before. “I saw the ambulance Sunday morning. It’s really sad, but it’s not the first time there have been ambulances here,” the neighbor said.

The resident also complained about the facility’s presence and expansion in the neighborhood, saying the operation occupies two neighboring houses and alleging that each has at least seven beds. The neighbor further complained about noise from a pickleball court and expressed concern that the operation could eventually acquire additional property.

The Daily Mail noted that federal protections, including the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, limit local governments’ ability to discriminate against qualifying treatment and sober-living residences. The outlet also said it contacted Reza and representatives for the facility but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Then Came the Sunday Morning Emergency

By Sunday morning, the situation had changed dramatically. Dispatch recordings obtained by People show that a call was dispatched to police at approximately 9:35 a.m. on September 20 for a cardiac arrest in the 1000 block of Berkeley Street. Another dispatch indicated that first responders were also responding to an overdose at the same address.

That detail is significant: before Presley’s death was formally pronounced, emergency communications were already describing both cardiac arrest and a possible overdose. The Los Angeles Times similarly reported that Santa Monica police received one call regarding cardiac arrest and another regarding an overdose.

Officers responded to Resolutions Living at about 9:35 a.m., according to the outlet, which described the property as a $7.7 million, seven-bedroom mansion operating as a rehabilitation home.

When officers arrived, police said they found Presley unresponsive. Life-saving measures were performed, but responding paramedics pronounced him dead about 10 minutes later, at approximately 9:45 a.m. He was only 27 years old.

Authorities Are Investigating a Suspected Overdose

The next development brought the circumstances surrounding Presley’s final hours into sharper focus. Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ that Presley’s family had been informed his death appeared to have resulted from an overdose. The outlet also reported that Presley had been living alongside several other people at the treatment facility, although he was staying in a separate house on the grounds.

That does not establish that anyone else was with Presley at the precise moment of the medical emergency. But investigators are now looking closely at the people who were at the facility around the time he died. Santa Monica Police said detectives are investigating the death as a suspected overdose.

Authorities have said there is currently no indication of foul play. The distinction remains crucial because Presley’s official cause and manner of death have not yet been confirmed. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said the investigation was still in its early stages and that only limited information was available.

Police Have Already Interviewed Other Residents

Investigators are now trying to determine not only whether Presley consumed drugs, but potentially where any substances involved came from. Sources close to the investigation told TMZ that police have interviewed people who were living at the facility. Authorities are reportedly examining whether any substances Presley may have taken were prescribed to him or whether they could have come from a dealer, a friend, or another source.

Police reportedly continue to believe foul play was not involved, and there are currently no suspects. Those interviews could become particularly important given how recently Presley had arrived and the fact that several other residents were staying at the property. Still, there has been no official determination that another person supplied him with anything.

An autopsy has been completed, but Presley’s cause of death has been deferred while authorities await additional information, and the toxicology report has not yet been released.

Presley Had Spoken About Addiction Before His Death

Presley had previously been open about his struggles with substance use and mental health. According to Page Six, he had discussed past abuse involving alcohol, opioids, painkillers, anti-anxiety medication, benzodiazepines including Xanax, and ketamine. He had also been arrested for driving under the influence in December 2018, when he was 19.

A source told the outlet that Presley was dealing with “the full gamut” around the time of his death. “He was such a kind person, but he grew up in that strange Malibu world where it’s very easy to fall into drugs and drinking as you are growing up,” the source claimed.

The insider added that although the lifestyle could appear enviable from the outside, it could also feel isolating and make substances an easier temptation. Presley began modeling as a teenager, following his supermodel mother and later working in the same industry as his younger sister, Kaia Gerber. He was Cindy and Rande’s only son.

His Family Is Now Asking for Privacy

As investigators continue piecing together the final hours of Presley’s life, his family has kept its public statement brief. A representative for Cindy, Rande and Kaia confirmed his death and said the family was asking for privacy during this “very difficult and painful time.” For now, several of the biggest questions remain unanswered.

Someone Had Reportedly Been a Constant Presence

Against that backdrop, another detail about the months before Presley’s death has now emerged. According to people with direct knowledge of the situation, Presley reportedly had someone who had become extremely present in his day-to-day life. This was apparently not an occasional arrangement, either.

The September 19, 2026, celebration brought familiar faces to Los Angeles ahead of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s public opening. Guests arrived in gowns and suits, posed for photographers, and mingled throughout the evening.

As photos from the night began circulating online, some moments attracted more attention than others. Viewers commented on everything from one pair’s interactions to a star’s outfit, which prompted sharply different reactions.

The guest list brought together well-known figures from entertainment, film, sports, and beyond. Some arrived alone, while others appeared with partners or family members, giving photographers a wide mix of moments to capture throughout the night.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian wore a fitted black floor-length gown with a high neckline and a cutout at the chest. Gold-toned detailing appeared across the dark fabric and became increasingly elaborate toward the hem.

With her dark hair pulled back, the gown’s neckline and upper structure remained unobstructed. Against the reflective silver backdrop, its metallic details became even more prominent.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah chose a long gold gown covered in shimmering material. The short-sleeved design followed a streamlined silhouette before widening slightly near the floor.

Her pose made the formal arrival feel less conventional. Latifah smiled for photographers while raising a peace sign.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey brought a relaxed look — and plenty of personality — to the opening night. She wore a loose white ensemble covered in thin dark stripes, pairing a long jacket with a flowing top and wide-leg bottoms. Black pointed-toe shoes and glasses completed the outfit.

Winfrey also had fun with the cameras. In one photograph, she adjusted her glasses while posing. Another captured her with her arms stretched wide and an animated expression in front of the Lucas Museum backdrop.

Her outfit soon became a talking point online, where reactions ranged from criticism to praise. On Instagram, one netizen compared the loose striped ensemble to sleepwear, writing, “Oprah in pyjamas…. Not a good look.”

Another user had a much more positive reaction, sharing, “Oprah looks so pretty in that gold dress! 😍” Someone else continued the sleepwear comparison, joking, “Oprah thought it was a pajama party 🤭.”

A commenter was less impressed with the styling and wrote, “Oprah you usually come better than this!” Another netizen took the criticism further, saying, “OPRAH!! You are rich!! Please find a new stylist! Yikes!”

The reaction was not all negative. On Facebook, one user praised the outfit simply: “Classy outfit 👌.” Another commenter agreed, writing, “Love this look.”

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria went for a more pared-back silhouette in a floor-length white gown.

The dress featured a dramatic side opening that exposed much of her back and side. Its pale, subtly reflective fabric stood apart from Kardashian’s detailed black gown and Latifah’s shimmering gold design.

Longoria kept the rest of the look simple, wearing her dark hair straight and down.

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau attended the opening night together, and their photographs quickly shifted the visual story away from individual red-carpet looks.

Perry wore a white one-shoulder gown with a large sculptural panel rising from one side. Trudeau paired a black suit with an open-collar white shirt. Their first photograph together could have been a conventional posed portrait. The images that followed were more candid.

In one frame, Perry smiled toward Trudeau with her hand resting on his chest. Trudeau had an arm around her waist as the two looked at each other instead of the cameras. A wider photograph revealed another detail: the pair held hands as they walked away from the backdrop.

Perry’s white gown featured an oversized panel extending from one shoulder, creating a structured silhouette around her upper body. The design later drew attention from social media users, who shared their own comparisons and reactions.

On Instagram, one netizen looked at the dress and asked, “Is that part of the spacesuit?” Another user focused on the pair, writing, “They look like young lovers.” A commenter asked, “Is Katy ‘glowing’?”

Someone else saw a different resemblance in the white gown and close pose: “When I first saw this picture I thought it was a wedding photo 😳😊🤭.”

On another discussion, Perry’s dress continued to divide commenters. One user wrote, “Weirdest dress!!! 😂😂😂.” Another asked, “Is she already pregnant 🤰?”

A different commenter compared the gown’s shape to another object, writing, “Looks like a baby carrier.” Another person declared, “She’s pregnant.”

Other users ignored the speculation and concentrated on Perry and Trudeau’s demeanor. One commenter wrote, “They look happy together. And he looks very cute.” Another shared, “She never looked happier. Love the dress.”

Meg Ryan and Jack Quaid

Meg Ryan had family by her side for the celebration, attending with her son, Jack Quaid.

The two posed together inside the event, with Ryan in a sleeveless black dress and dark sunglasses. Quaid stood beside his mother in a gray double-breasted suit and black tie as they smiled for photographers.

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart were another couple photographed together during the celebration.

Ford wore a dark suit, light blue shirt, and black tie, while Flockhart chose a long-sleeved black dress and statement earrings. The pair stood close and smiled for the camera as guests gathered around them.

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen

Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen also stepped in front of the cameras, with their contrasting looks standing out against the greenery-covered backdrop.

Chen wore a flowing white one-shoulder gown with geometric cutout details along one side. De Niro kept his look understated in a dark jacket and trousers over a gray shirt.

Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel brought some personality to the carpet when he pointed straight toward the camera while posing for photographers.

The actor kept his outfit almost entirely black, from his patterned jacket and vest to his trousers and shoes. Dark sunglasses completed the look as he played to the cameras.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern took a more relaxed approach to the night’s formal dressing. The actress paired a black suit with a pale blue shirt and a loosely-worn black tie. With one hand tucked into her pocket, she smiled for photographers against the event’s greenery and silver backdrop.

The opening night brought together familiar faces, bold fashion, and plenty of memorable moments. With so many different looks and interactions caught on camera, the event gave people plenty to talk about.

What Brought Everyone Together

The celebrity-filled evening marked more than another Los Angeles gathering. The September 19 celebration inaugurated the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art just three days before it was set to open to the public.

Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum was created around a broad idea: telling the story of visual storytelling itself.

Its collection stretches across cultures, centuries, and mediums, bringing together paintings and illustrations with comics, photography, murals, and cinema. The museum traces that tradition from ancient forms of visual storytelling to images familiar to modern audiences.

“The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art was created to honor humanity’s stories and the artists who illustrate them,” Lucas said. “Their work spans genres, media, and time. They deserve to be in a museum.” That idea plays out on a large scale.

The museum’s 300,000-square-foot building sits in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park and contains more than 100,000 square feet of gallery space across more than 30 galleries. Its inaugural exhibitions feature more than 1,300 works from the collection.

Visitors will encounter artists from very different corners of visual culture. Vincent van Gogh, Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Charles Schulz and Gordon Parks are among those represented.

Other galleries turn to comic books, manga, graphic novels, photography, and murals. Individual spaces also recognize major 20th-century illustrators, including Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, Jessie Willcox Smith, Maxfield Parrish, Frank Frazetta, and Thomas Hart Benton.

‘Star Wars’ Has Its Own Place in the Story

Given Lucas’ connection to cinema, film also plays a major role in the museum. The inaugural cinema gallery includes Star Wars in Motion, an exhibition centered on vehicles seen throughout the first six films in the “Star Wars” saga.

The exhibition goes beyond finished scenes from the movies. Visitors can see concept designs, props, and costumes connected to the films’ racers, transports, and other vehicles.

Among them is material related to Luke’s Landspeeder from A New Hope. The exhibition also includes the first physical build of General Grievous’ Wheel Bike from Revenge of the Sith.

The museum’s film offerings extend into two dedicated theaters. One explores documentary filmmaking and the creative processes behind works represented in the museum, while the other focuses on elements such as light, motion, sound, color, and editing.