The 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala, held on November 1, raised a remarkable $6.5 million for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The event, co-chaired by Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio and presented by Gucci, celebrated the artistic contributions of filmmaker Ryan Coogler and visual artist Mary Corse. The gala attracted nearly 600 guests from diverse backgrounds, uniting the realms of art, film, and philanthropy.
A Night of Celebration
Set against the iconic backdrop of Urban Light, the event showcased a star-studded guest list, including notable figures like Salma Hayek Pinault, Angela Bassett, and Kaia Gerber. Guests arrived in stunning outfits, predominantly designed by Gucci under the creative direction of Demna. The evening began with a cocktail hour on the Smidt Welcome Plaza, followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef David Shim from COTE Korean Steakhouse.
During the gala, Michael Govan, LACMA’s CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director, praised the honorees, stating, “Mary Corse and Ryan Coogler have each forged a singular path in their fields. Their work reminds us how light, image, and story can shift our perspective.”
Honoring Artistic Visionaries
The event featured a short film directed by Alysa Nahmias celebrating Corse’s work, titled “Mary Corse: Let Everything In.” Following this, Angela Bassett delivered a heartfelt tribute to Coogler, showcasing a reel of his impactful scenes from films like Fruitvale Station and Wakanda Forever. Coogler reflected on the importance of art, stating, “I think art is one of the things that makes us human. It helps us practice empathy—to see the world through someone else’s eyes.”
As the evening progressed, guests were treated to a performance by Doja Cat, who delivered an energetic set featuring tracks from her latest album, “Vie.” The performance, set against the shimmering backdrop of the David Geffen Galleries, provided a vibrant conclusion to the night that celebrated creative evolution.
In addition to the musical entertainment, a variety of wines from JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery and cocktails from KHEE Premium Soju enhanced the celebratory atmosphere, allowing conversations to flow late into the night.
Since its inception in 2011, the Art + Film Gala has become a hallmark of Los Angeles’ philanthropic landscape, bringing together the city’s creative class to support the intertwined worlds of cinema and art. Chow expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s always an honor to host such an incredible group of people to celebrate art and film at LACMA.”
The record-breaking total of $6.5 million and the impressive display of support at this year’s gala reaffirmed LACMA’s status as a cultural epicenter, where film, fashion, and fine art converge in meaningful ways.
