Denis Villeneuve and Artist Vija Celmins to Be Honored at LACMA Art+Film
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- LACMA announced that filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and artist Vija Celmins will be the honorees at the museum's 15th annual Art+Film Gala, set for Nov. 7.
- Vija Celmins was praised by LACMA CEO Michael Govan for "exacting renderings of the natural world" spanning painting, drawing, printmaking, and other media.
- Denis Villeneuve was cited by Govan for his "meticulously crafted worlds" and "unforgettable visual impact" across contemplative and blockbuster projects.
- Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio will chair the fundraiser, with Chow calling the event an opportunity to "bring together an amazing group of people" in support of LACMA's art and film initiatives.
- Gucci will serve as presenting sponsor, a role it has held since 2011, providing critical underwriting for the gala.
- Proceeds from the gala will fund LACMA's effort to make film more central to its curation and programming, including exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programming at the intersection of art and film.
Why it matters: The Art+Film Gala is LACMA's marquee fundraiser, and honoring Celmins — a painter rarely in the tabloid orbit — alongside a globally recognized blockbuster director signals the museum's intent to bridge gallery art and cinema for both prestige and donor dollars. With Gucci locked in as sponsor since 2011 and DiCaprio continuing as co-chair, the event's recurring infrastructure underscores how reliably this gala converts star power into exhibition and programming funding.
