Quick summary
- Cate Blanchett attended the Museum of Modern Art’s annual film benefit in New York on 12 November 2026.
- The night honoured director Steven Spielberg, according to Showbiz411.
- Tom Cruise spoke in tribute, and Ariana DeBose sang “Somewhere” from Spielberg’s West Side Story.
- Proceeds support MoMA’s film department and its film centre.
Cate Blanchett was one of the big names at the Museum of Modern Art’s annual film benefit in New York on Thursday night, a gala built around a tribute to Steven Spielberg. Page Six also listed her among the stars on the red carpet, alongside Emily Blunt and Zoe Saldaña.
A Spielberg night in a nor’easter
Showbiz411 reported that Spielberg was the evening’s honoree, and that the weather did not cooperate. A nor’easter swept the city, and many guests posed for photographs in winter or rain coats rather than gowns.
Even so, the guest list was long. Besides Blanchett, the site named Kate Capshaw, Martin Scorsese, Steve Martin, Michelle Williams), Martin Short, Michelle Pfeiffer, Spike Lee, John Krasinski, Stephen Colbert, Jeff Goldblum and Drew Barrymore.
The tributes
Tom Cruise honoured Spielberg on stage, according to Showbiz411. The two have worked together twice, on Minority Report and War of the Worlds.
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose provided the entertainment with “Somewhere”, the song from Spielberg’s West Side Story.
Showbiz411 contrasted the open event with the after-party held last spring for Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, which it said nobody would confirm was happening.
Where the money goes
Showbiz411 says all proceeds support the Debra and Leon Black Family Film Center and MoMA’s Department of Film. That money helps pay for film acquisitions, conservation and public screenings, including the museum’s “Sundays with Steven” programme.
The sources we could read do not say whether Blanchett spoke or presented anything on the night, so we have not included anything beyond what the reports state.
What happens next
No new Blanchett project was announced at the event. Page Six’s red carpet gallery and further coverage of the evening should add more detail on who wore what. For everything else we publish on the actor, see our Cate Blanchett page or the Celebrities and Movies sections.
Frequently asked questions
Who was honoured at the 2026 MoMA Film Benefit?
Steven Spielberg was the honoree, according to Showbiz411. Tom Cruise paid tribute to him.
Was Cate Blanchett at the MoMA Film Benefit?
Yes. Both Showbiz411 and Page Six list her among the guests at the New York event on 12 November 2026.
What does the MoMA Film Benefit raise money for?
Showbiz411 reports that proceeds go to the Debra and Leon Black Family Film Center and MoMA’s Department of Film, covering acquisitions, conservation and public screenings.
