The 2023 LACMA Art+Film Gala, held on Saturday night, was a star-studded event that showcased the convergence of cinema and fine art. The gala, now in its 12th annual iteration, brought together a variety of A-list celebrities and raised $5 million in funds to support LACMA’s film-focused curatorial programming and its broader mission. Notable attendees included Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Brad Pitt, A$AP Rocky, Blackpink’s Rosé, Billie Eilish, Keanu Reeves, Andrew Garfield, Jessica Chastain, and Pedro Pascal.
Guests arrived at the Gucci-sponsored gala and enjoyed a cocktail hour outside. The VIPs took the opportunity to pose for photos in front of Chris Burden’s Urban Light sculpture, which served as the party’s red carpet. The ambiance was electric as celebrities mingled and caught up with one another. Jodie Turner-Smith was seen engaged in conversation with Quinta Brunson, Odessa A’zion, and Billie Eilish. Salma Hayek and husband François-Henri Pinault, owner of Gucci’s parent company Kering and recent owner of CAA, sat with Jessica Chastain, who looked stunning in a metallic Gucci gown. Paris Hilton and her mother Kathy Hilton posed alongside Kim Kardashian. Colman Domingo, the star of Rustin, was spotted chatting with David Oyelowo, who leads the new Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Gucci’s new creative director, Sabato De Sarno, made his presence known as he mingled with a plethora of celebrities including Julia Garner, Elliot Page, Heidi Klum, and Jodie Comer.
Conversations throughout the evening revolved around the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike and whether it was nearing resolution. David Fincher, this year’s honoree for film directing, addressed the topic in his speech. He emphasized the need to get supremely talented people back to work and expressed his desire for a swift resolution. Brad Pitt, who has starred in three of Fincher’s films, playfully joked about the director’s exacting standards on set, providing amusing anecdotes from their collaborative endeavors. However, Pitt also praised Fincher for his commitment to excellence and lauded his technical advancements within the industry. Pitt even humorously credited Fincher for creating the ubiquitous “Skip Intro” button on Netflix.
Fincher, in his own speech, reflected on his journey as a director and the impact of the artistic community in Los Angeles. He acknowledged the craftsmanship of countless filmmakers and the enduring power of cinema. Responding to recent comments made by Martin Scorsese regarding the state of cinema, Fincher staunchly defended the medium. He insisted that cinema was far from dead and had only evolved over time. Fincher encouraged the audience to challenge the boundaries of cinema, test its strength, and question its effects and relevance.
Visual artist honoree Judy Baca was introduced by Eva Longoria, who praised Baca’s dedication to community-based public art projects. Longoria commended Baca for leaving her mark on the city of Los Angeles through numerous murals that celebrate its diverse communities. Baca herself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with over 400 young people on the Great Wall of Los Angeles, a half-mile-long mural that tells the history of the city. She shared her vision to expand the mural to a mile in length and emphasized the power of art in service of social change and social justice.
The evening also included remarks from LACMA CEO and director Michael Govan, who provided an update on the construction progress of the new Peter Zumthor-designed museum building, stating that it was now 70% completed.
The gala was a significant moment for Gucci’s new creative director, Sabato De Sarno. Having joined the luxury brand earlier this year, De Sarno unveiled his first eveningwear collection at the LACMA Art+Film Gala. The collection, named “Ancora Notte,” showcased De Sarno’s unique design aesthetic and solidified his place in the ever-evolving fashion world.
Overall, the 2023 LACMA Art+Film Gala was a memorable and star-studded event that celebrated both the visual arts and the film industry. The funds raised will support LACMA’s vital programming and contribute to the museum’s mission of fostering creativity and cultural engagement. With the convergence of esteemed artists, activists, and celebrities, the gala emphasized the power of art to unite, inspire, and create positive change in the world.