Imagine a room buzzing with creativity, where Hollywood’s brightest stars, visionary artists, and fashion icons collide under one roof. That’s exactly what went down at LACMA’s Art+Film Gala—an event so uniquely L.A., it could only happen here. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this just another glamorous party, or a genuine celebration of art and film’s intersection? Let’s dive in.
LACMA’s CEO, Michael Govan, kicked off the evening by marveling at the crowd—a dazzling mix of artists, actors, directors, moguls, models, and musicians. ‘This is the most creative place on Earth,’ he declared, and it’s hard to argue when you’re surrounded by the likes of Ryan Coogler, Mary Corse, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gucci’s newly appointed creative director, Demna. Speaking of Gucci, the fashion house’s sponsorship added a layer of glamour that only L.A. could pull off.
The guest list read like a who’s who of culture and entertainment: David Geffen, Bob Iger, Doja Cat, Kaia Gerber, James Turrell, and even influencers like Alix Earle. But this is the part most people miss: the event almost became the Art+Film+Baseball Gala. With the Los Angeles Dodgers battling the Toronto Blue Jays in a nail-biting Game 7 of the World Series, guests were glued to their phones, erupting in cheers when the Dodgers clinched the championship at 9:18 p.m. Baseball fever aside, the gala was a feast for the senses, from the Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse dinner by chef David Shim to the exquisite Ginori 1735 porcelain table settings.
The night raised a record-breaking $6.5 million for LACMA’s film initiatives, but it was the tributes that stole the show. James Turrell honored Mary Corse as ‘one of the keepers of the light,’ while Angela Bassett took the stage to celebrate Ryan Coogler, her Black Panther director. Bassett’s speech was a masterclass in praise, highlighting Coogler’s ability to blend epic storytelling with intimate moments. ‘His films stay with us because of their empathy,’ she said, a sentiment that resonated deeply.
Coogler’s own speech was both emotional and profound. He reflected on finding community in L.A. after moving from Oakland, crediting mentors like Michael Latt and Robert Redford for shaping his career. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can art truly thrive without community? Coogler’s journey suggests it’s the people around us who help turn vision into reality. He even shared a hilarious anecdote about his first visit to LACMA, mistaking the La Brea Tar Pits for the museum itself. ‘I thought the museum was the actual Tar Pits,’ he laughed, a reminder that even the most accomplished among us start as wide-eyed beginners.
As the night wrapped up, one thing was clear: LACMA’s Art+Film Gala wasn’t just a party—it was a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and community. But what do you think? Is this event a true celebration of art and film, or just another excuse for the elite to mingle? Let’s debate in the comments!
