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LACMA’s 15th Annual Art+Film Gala Honors Vija Celmins and Denis Villeneuve, Raises Nearly $7 Million

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosted its 15th annual Art+Film Gala on November 7, 2026, celebrating artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve while raising close to $7 million to support its programming.

On November 7, 2026, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) held its 15th annual Art+Film Gala, bringing together more than 600 figures from the worlds of art, film, fashion, entertainment, and other creative fields. The event honored artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve for their contributions to their respective disciplines.

The gala raised nearly $7 million to support LACMA’s efforts to make film a more central part of its curatorial programming, as well as to advance the museum’s broader mission. This fundraising achievement underscores the ongoing importance of the Art+Film Gala in supporting LACMA’s cultural initiatives.

Gucci presented the 2026 gala, continuing its partnership with LACMA since the event began in 2011. Additional support was provided by Audi, which offered transportation for guests in its Q9 Fleet. The event was co-chaired by LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, both of whom have served in these roles for multiple years.

During the evening, LACMA director Michael Govan announced the recent installation of new public art on the Paris Hilton and Carter Reum Terrace, highlighting the museum’s commitment to expanding its public art offerings. Govan also paid tribute to Eva Chow for her 15 years of leadership as co-chair of the gala.

The program included a special musical performance by ROSÉ. A short film directed by Alison Chernick, "The Way I See It," was also featured, offering a glimpse into Vija Celmins’s New York studio and her reflections on her life, including her experiences as a child refugee from World War II, the influence of California, and her artistic interests.

Notable contemporary artists such as Alex Prager, Catherine Opie, Mickalene Thomas, and Christina Quarles attended the event, reflecting the gala’s broad engagement with the creative community. The 15th Art+Film Gala reinforced LACMA’s role as a nexus for art and film, celebrated the achievements of its honorees, and secured vital support for the museum’s future programming.

Why it matters

The 15th Art+Film Gala at LACMA not only celebrated the accomplishments of artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve but also raised substantial funds to enhance the museum’s film programming and broader cultural mission. This event highlights the ongoing collaboration between the art and film worlds and the importance of philanthropic support in sustaining major cultural institutions.

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LACMA’s 15th Annual Art+Film Gala Honors Vija Celmins and Denis Villeneuve, Raises Nearly $7 Million — NEOARCA