Gucci President and CEO Francesca Bellettini, Honoree Denis Villeneuve, Honoree Vija Celmins, Gala Co-Chair Eva Chow, Gucci Creative Director Demna, and LACMA CEO and Director Michael Govan, photo by Jojo Korsh/BFA.com
LACMA's 15th Annual Art+Film Gala Honors Vija Celmins and Denis Villeneuve and Raises a Record-Breaking Near $7 Million
LACMA hosted its 15th annual Art+Film Gala on November 7, 2026, bringing together more than 600 luminaries from the worlds of art, film, fashion, entertainment, and other creative fields to honor artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, and featuring a special performance by musical guest ROSÉ.
In this short film directed by Alison Chernick, The Way I See It, honoree Vija Celmins offers a glimpse into her New York studio and talks about the life behind the work: coming to America as a child refugee from World War II, the influence of California, and her interests from Magritte to Bob Dylan.
LACMA trustee Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio returned as co-chairs of the gala, which raised nearly $7 million to support LACMA’s efforts to make film more central to its curatorial programming, as well as the museum’s broader mission. The 2026 Art+Film Gala was presented by Gucci, which has partnered with LACMA on the event since its inception in 2011. Additional support for the gala was provided by Audi, including transportation in the Q9 Fleet.
While welcoming attendees, Michael Govan announced the recent installation of new public art on the Paris Hilton and Carter Reum Terrace. Thanks to LACMA trustee Reum and Hilton’s generous support, Shio Kusaka’s Beam, a clay flying saucer with a yellow beam of light, is poised to welcome families to the W.M. Keck Education Center. Govan also gave a special tribute to Eva Chow, whose vision as co-chair of the Art+Film Gala for 15 years has defined the event. Read more about the evening and, below, check out some highlights.
