Expect nothing less than epic at this year’s LACMA Art + Film Gala! The event is all set to roll out the red carpet on November 2. This year’s gala will honor two powerhouse figures, Simone Leigh, whose art is nothing short of revolutionary, and Baz Luhrmann, the maestro behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable spectacles.
The dynamic duo of LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been fueling the museum’s film initiatives since 2011, are back as Co-Chairs. Pop sensation Charli XCX will light up the stage with a special performance, following the global success of her album BRAT. Gucci will continue its essential partnership with LACMA for the 13th edition.
Mr. Luhrmann is an influential Australian filmmaker, producer, writer, and actor celebrated for his distinctive style and deep creative involvement in his projects. Renowned as a modern-day auteur, mr. Luhrmann has left an indelible mark on cinema with his Red Curtain Trilogy, which includes Strictly Ballroom (1992), Romeo + Juliet (1996), and Moulin Rouge! (2001). His filmography also features Australia (2008), The Great Gatsby (2013), and Elvis (2022). Beyond films, he has made significant contributions to theatre and opera, including stage productions of La bohème and Strictly Ballroom the Musical.
“Simone Leigh is one of the most captivating and important voices in contemporary art, brilliantly melding an array of different artistic traditions and centering Black femme subjects in powerful and moving ways. Baz Luhrmann has crafted an emotional cinematic oeuvre over three decades, driven by his imagination and passion. We are excited to honor him alongside Simone and celebrate their remarkable careers,” Michael Govan, CEO, and Wallis Annenberg, Director, at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) said in a statement.
Currently on display at both LACMA and the California African American Museum (CAAM), Ms. Leigh offers the most extensive survey of the artist’s multifaceted practice ever presented on the West Coast. This expansive exhibition spans both institutions and features a wide array of significant works from Ms. Leigh’s career, including highlights from her groundbreaking 2022 Venice Biennale project, along with new pieces created specifically for the L.A. show.
The exhibition will run until January 20, 2025. Proceeds from the annual Art+Film Gala support LACMA’s efforts to integrate film more deeply into its curatorial programming, as well as advance the museum’s broader mission. This includes funding exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programs that explore the intersection of art and film.
“I’m excited to bring an incredible group of people together to pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions of Simone Leigh and Baz Luhrmann. I’m grateful to our longstanding partner Gucci for their profound generosity to LACMA and continued belief in the power of art and film. And I can’t wait for our amazing musical guest Charli xcx to bring the house down. It’s going to be a great evening!” Ms. Chow said excitedly.
