The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) marked its 15th annual Art+Film Gala on Saturday, November 7, 2026, honoring visionary artist Vija Celmins and acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. The star-studded event, co-chaired for the fifteenth consecutive year by LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, drawing luminaries from the art, film, fashion, and entertainment industries.
Honoring Artistic Excellence
Vija Celmins, recognized as one of the most respected artists of her generation, was celebrated for her meticulous and profound explorations of the natural world. Her work, spanning painting, drawing, and printmaking, is renowned for blending realism with imagination, capturing the intricate beauty of ocean surfaces, desert floors, and star-filled skies. Denis Villeneuve, a master of contemporary cinema, was honored for his visually striking and thought-provoking films, including the critically and commercially successful “Dune” series. His ability to craft meticulously realized worlds has cemented his status as an influential director.
The Art+Film Gala serves as a significant fundraising event for LACMA. Proceeds from the gala support the museum’s initiative to integrate film more deeply into its curatorial programming. This includes funding for exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programs that highlight the intersection of visual art and filmmaking.
A Night of Glamour and Support
The gala, presented by Gucci for the fifteenth year, took place on the museum’s campus. Attendees included a constellation of stars, with notable appearances from Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Brittany Snow, and Ashley Park, among others. Musical entertainment was provided by Rosé. The event reliably offers a platform for Oscar contenders to refine their red-carpet presence ahead of awards season, with many guests showcasing the latest designs from top fashion houses.
Past honorees at the Art+Film Gala read like a who’s who of artistic and cinematic achievement, including artists such as Mary Corse, Kehinde Wiley, and David Hockney, and filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Ryan Coogler. The 2025 gala successfully raised a record $6.5 million, underscoring the event’s growing importance in supporting LACMA’s mission.
The Chenab Times News Desk
