On Tuesday evening, the TIME 2026 Women of the Year Gala took place at The West Hollywood EDITION hotel in Los Angeles, honoring 16 influential women across entertainment, sports, activism, and business. Among the celebrated guests was Lucy Liu, whose presence marked a highlight of the event, underscoring the significance of the Lucy Liu TIME Gala 2026 spotlight.
The gala recognized Liu and fellow honoree Teyana Taylor for their achievements, with Liu applauded especially for her longstanding acting career and her efforts advocating for Asian representation within Hollywood. The event drew numerous notable figures including Camila Alves and several prominent entertainers and leaders.
Fashion Highlights from the Gala’s Star-Studded Red Carpet
Lucy Liu, 57, turned heads in a plunging black gown adorned with delicate sparkling details that enhanced its elegance. Camila Alves, 43, the wife of actor Matthew McConaughey, graced the event in a long ivory coat dress paired with white heels, exuding sophistication. She was accompanied by her daughter Vida, 16, who wore a chic black blazer dress, mirroring her mother’s polished look.
Oscar-nominated Teyana Taylor made a striking impression in a dramatic sculptural gown combining burgundy and black tones, featuring a sparkling fringe skirt and intricate embellished waist detail. Her pixie haircut was complemented by bold statement earrings, emphasizing her edgy style. Taylor is currently a leading contender for Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Academy Awards for her breakout role in Perfidia Beverly Hills, marking a major milestone in her career.
Insights into Teyana Taylor’s Journey and Oscar Nomination
In an interview with TIME, Taylor expressed both gratitude and resolve about her Oscar nod. She shared,
“Even if I go home empty-handed, I have won,”
demonstrating her determination and perspective on achievement. Taylor also revealed her friendship with fellow awards-season nominee Jacob Elordi, describing their lighthearted connection amid the high-pressure atmosphere:
“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.”
She added,
“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.”
Taylor also addressed her demanding schedule, stating,
“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.”
Additional Notable Appearances Among Honored Women
The gala featured a diverse roster of trailblazing women who have made significant impacts in their fields. Reality TV stars Ariana Madix and Chrishell Stause turned heads with their glamorous ensembles; Madix appeared in a flowing, see-through white gown while Stause dazzled in a gold dress showcasing her toned legs styled with a high ponytail.
Isla Fisher caught attention wearing a ruched fiery red gown accented with turquoise earrings, while Law and Order SVU’s Mariska Hargitay was effortlessly elegant in a white dress featuring a sultry front slit, paired with silver jewelry and metallic heels. Sheryl Lee Ralph, a distinguished honoree at age 69, displayed confidence in a striking red sleeveless gown.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Reflects on Perseverance and Hollywood’s Challenges
In her TIME interview, Ralph recounted receiving encouragement from Robert De Niro during the filming of the 1992 movie Mistress. She remembered him saying,
“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,”
reflecting the hardships she has faced in her career.
Ralph acknowledged the difficulty of sustaining her career, stating,
“It was hard. I could have given up. I could have stopped when it looked like it just wasn’t going to happen. But I act, I sing, I perform, because that is my joy.”
Celebrated Figures from Various Arenas Honored at the Gala
This year’s list of honorees showcased a broad spectrum of accomplishments. Country singer Brandi Carlile displayed a distinctive style in a burgundy suit with black boots, embodying both elegance and cool confidence. Comedian Kathy Griffin wore an elegant black dress cinched with a leather belt and accessorized with chunky bracelets, while motivational author Mel Robbins joined other leaders recognized for their influence and achievements.
Additional honorees included filmmaker Chloe Zhao, American hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, painter Amy Sherald, Sister Norma Pimentel, lawyer Reshma Saujani, activist Mahnoor Omer, midwife Isata Dumbuya, social worker Safeena Husain, and Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman. CEO and president of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Reshma Kewalramani was also celebrated for her leadership.
Connections and Camaraderie Among Gala Attendees
The gala not only celebrated accomplishments but also fostered moments of genuine interaction among stars. Reality TV stars Ariana Madix and Chrishell Stause were spotted mingling together, both exuding glamour and charm. Sheryl Lee Ralph reunited with Teyana Taylor, sharing warmth and conversation, while Mariska Hargitay and Lucy Liu exchanged a friendly hug, demonstrating the supportive atmosphere of this gathering. Hargitay was also photographed alongside Brandi Carlile and fellow honoree Mel Robbins, highlighting the event’s camaraderie upon recognizing women’s diverse achievements.
The Importance of the TIME Gala and Its Role in Highlighting Women’s Success
The TIME 2026 Women of the Year Gala serves as a crucial platform that honors women shaping society across multiple domains while raising awareness about their contributions amid growing social challenges. The presence of influential figures such as Lucy Liu, whose advocacy for Asian representation remains pivotal, amplifies the event’s significance. This convergence of leaders, artists, and activists in one place underscores the urgent need to celebrate and support diverse voices in the cultural and professional landscape.
Looking ahead, the recognition from this gala further positions these women as role models, encouraging future generations to strive for impact in their chosen fields. For Lucy Liu and others honored this year, the gala marks both a moment of triumph and a call to continue advancing visibility, equity, and excellence in their industries.
