By 6 p.m. on a crisp Saturday evening, guests had begun arriving beneath the glowing lampposts of Chris Burden’s iconic “Urban Light” installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for the institution’s 15th annual Art+Film Gala. The landmark celebration drew a star-studded crowd from the worlds of art, film, fashion, and entertainment, ultimately raising a record nearly $7 million in support of the museum’s comprehensive programming and exhibitions.
The glittering affair marked Demna’s second LACMA gala since joining Gucci, the prestigious event’s presenting sponsor since its inception in 2011. While last year’s gala served as his high-profile Hollywood red carpet debut for the legendary Italian fashion house, this latest chapter offered a much broader and more confident look at his overarching vision. Demna dressed a diverse range of high-profile personalities in equally varied silhouettes and styles, creating a moving tapestry of contemporary fashion against the backdrop of Los Angeles culture.
Among those outfitted by the designer was Viola Davis, who cut a striking figure in a shimmering ivory one-shoulder gown, and Salma Hayek Pinault—whose husband, François-Henri Pinault, chairs Gucci’s parent company, Kering—who stepped out in a glittering red creation. Kim Kardashian continued her longstanding, close creative relationship with Demna, stretching back to her memorable eras with Balenciaga, by arriving in a body-hugging burgundy sequined number that drew immediate attention from photographers lining the red carpet.
The fashion display continued with Candice Swanepoel and Alix Earle, both of whom shimmered under the Southern California night sky in metallic silver. Swanepoel opted for a revealing gown featuring cascading embellishments, while Earle chose a fringed creation complemented by a plunging neckline. Meanwhile, Elsa Hosk and Alex Consani took drastically different approaches to traditional eveningwear. Hosk wore a strapless gray gown featuring a carefully sculpted waist, whereas Consani leaned into dramatic volume with a sweeping black ballgown.
Others made equally powerful statements. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley turned heads in a sleek, minimalist black gown accented by a dramatically open back that exposed her backside, while Quenlin Blackwell opted for a sharp, strapless black leather dress. Jordyn Woods-Towns rounded out the striking arrivals in a fitted chocolate-brown lace dress that paired elegance with modern texture.
Amidst the sea of Gucci creations, Nicole Kidman made a breathtaking arrival in Chanel, immediately sparking a fresh flurry of camera flashes and media attention. The acclaimed actress wore a fitted, gold-toned, long-sleeved bodice paired with a voluminous ivory tulle skirt that floated as she walked. Kidman posed alongside acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, one of the evening’s two primary honorees, before the pair made their way past the velvet ropes and into the exclusive cocktail reception.
Inside the bustling tent, they stopped once more for photographers. Kidman graciously indulged requests for a few more shots while Villeneuve headed farther into the gathering space. “I’ll see you in there soon,” she told him with a warm smile.
The evening was dedicated to celebrating Villeneuve alongside celebrated artist Vija Celmins, who is widely known for her hypnotic, meticulous depictions of ocean surfaces, desert floors, and expansive night skies. The high-profile gala ultimately welcomed more than 600 guests who mingled freely over drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres during the extended cocktail hour, stopping frequently to pose for photographs, catch up with old friends, and greet familiar faces from across the global creative industries.
“Looking good, sir,” artist Catherine Opie called out warmly to legendary restaurateur Michael Chow as their paths crossed amid the bustling crowd.
The guest list read like a veritable who’s who of international culture. Timothée Chalamet, Andrew Garfield, Anya Taylor-Joy, Parker Posey, Al Pacino, and Julia Garner were all spotted mingling in the crowd. They were joined by acclaimed filmmakers Spike Jonze and Gia Coppola, prominent artists Ed Ruscha, Mickalene Thomas, and Refik Anadol, Gucci president and chief executive officer Francesca Bellettini, and legendary art dealer Larry Gagosian. Museum figures including Thelma Golden, Ann Philbin, and Cameron Shaw were also in attendance, alongside high-profile cultural figures such as Kylie Jenner, Paris Hilton, Sofia Vergara, and Emily Ratajkowski.
Michael Govan, LACMA’s CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director, took the stage early in the evening to address the assembled crowd, offering a mix of gratitude and wry humor. “Same tent, different buildings around it,” Govan joked, referencing the museum’s newly completed David Geffen Galleries, which represent the triumphant culmination of a monumental 20-year capital and architectural project.
Govan took a deliberate moment on stage to thank Gucci for its unwavering partnership and steadfast financial support over the past decade and a half. “Demna, thanks for living in Los Angeles,” he added to appreciative applause. “We love that.”
Govan then turned his attention to Eva Chow, delivering an unusually personal tribute that subtly hinted at the evening’s biggest and most emotional news. A retrospective slideshow projected onto large screens featured photographs of Chow alongside various cultural icons and luminaries throughout the gala’s illustrious history, including her longtime co-chair Leonardo DiCaprio, who was notably absent from this year’s festivities.
“This event is now our greatest fundraiser, but it’s our greatest friend raiser,” Govan noted, praising Chow’s tireless dedication to building the bridge between the worlds of fine art and Hollywood cinema.
When Chow finally took the stage, wearing a flowing white Gucci gown with delicate feather-trimmed sleeves and hem, she was greeted with a standing ovation. She used the moment to make a momentous announcement to the room. “After 15 wonderful years, this will be my final year serving as co-chair,” she revealed, sending a wave of shock and bittersweet reflection through the audience.
Chow recalled the early days of the event, sharing the story of visiting Leonardo DiCaprio at his home to pitch him the ambitious idea of co-chairing the inaugural gala. “He is not a person who does a lot of co-chairing for events, but I thought I would try,” she said with a laugh. “He generously said yes.”
Reflecting on the inaugural event—which honored Clint Eastwood and the late artist John Baldessari, and featured a memorable live performance by Stevie Wonder—Chow noted that the gala has raised close to $60 million for LACMA over its 15-year run. “I leave this chapter with tremendous pride, wonderful memories, and, above all, gratitude,” she said, looking out over the crowd of supporters who had helped her build the institution’s signature annual fundraiser. According to sources close to the museum, the search for a new co-chair to serve alongside DiCaprio is already actively underway.
Following Chow’s heartfelt address, writer Rachel Kushner took the stage to introduce Vija Celmins and present a short film offering a rare, intimate glimpse into the artist’s studio. The short documentary drew genuine laughs from the audience for its candid, unfiltered moments. “Why did I let them in my studio?” Celmins quipped dryly when she stepped up to the microphone, eliciting another wave of laughter.
The 88-year-old Latvian-born artist, who currently lives and works in New York, reflected on how Southern California’s unique ocean views and stark landscapes fundamentally shaped her artistic practice during her formative years living and working in Los Angeles. Before stepping off the stage, Celmins offered one final, amused assessment of the glamorous room before her. “You guys are just crazy party people,” she said, smiling broadly as the crowd erupted into laughter and applause.
While the formal program drew to a close, the night was far from over. The party was scheduled to continue deep into the night outside, featuring decadent desserts, Don Julio cocktails served uniquely in chocolate cups, and a highly anticipated live performance by Rosé, who was set to give the live debut of her new single “New Trick” alongside a medley of her chart-topping hits, including “APT.”
Before the music and dancing took over, however, Nicole Kidman returned to the stage to formally introduce Denis Villeneuve, opening her remarks with a disarming and humorous confession. “I’m sweating, so I’m just going to disclose I have sweaty armpits,” she said candidly, bringing an instant wave of warmth and humanity to the glittering hall. “Let’s keep it real here.”
The celebrated actress, who had flown 15 straight hours from attending a repeat Chanel cruise show in Australia specifically to make it to the gala, spoke passionately of her deep professional and personal admiration for the Canadian filmmaker. “Somehow I feel like I know the deepest parts of him because that is what extraordinary filmmakers do,” she told the audience. “They let you in… You take us to another planet. You take us to another reality entirely, and somehow you bring us closer to ourselves.”
Villeneuve, who had been seated earlier beside Timothée Chalamet, returned the profound admiration when he took the microphone. He singled out Kidman’s devastatingly intense performance in the 2004 psychological drama “Birth,” specifically highlighting a lingering hallway scene that he described as “one of the most powerful shots I have ever seen in cinema.” He also shared how a past James Turrell exhibition hosted at LACMA had directly inspired his atmospheric approach to filmmaking, particularly during the creation of his critically acclaimed sci-fi drama “Arrival.”
“Every time I walk into one, I feel like a vampire,” Villeneuve joked of his relationship with museums and galleries. “I suck in the energy from the walls.”
The director ultimately ended his speech on a characteristically playful and mischievous note. With persistent industry rumors swirling that he is set to helm the next installment in the iconic James Bond film franchise, Villeneuve teased the crowd by pretending he was about to publicly announce who would take on the legendary secret agent role. Mobile phones immediately shot up into the air around the room as cameras began to roll, while the film’s veteran producer, Amy Pascal, looked on from her seat with visible suspense.
“The actor who will play the next James Bond is…” Villeneuve began, building palpable tension before abruptly stopping cold in his tracks.
“I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack,” he quipped, leaving the room roaring with laughter as the gala transitioned seamlessly into its late-night celebration under the Los Angeles stars.
