This annual event perfectly fuses luxury, art, and the film industry into one of Los Angeles’s most dazzling charitable occasions. The gala is organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), with the brand “Gucci” and other leading fashion houses traditionally serving as the main partners. The primary goal is to raise funds to support the museum’s initiatives and strengthen the bond between the world of cinema and visual arts. However, this event is famous not just for its philanthropy, but also for the incredible display of celebrity fashion on its red carpet. More information is available on los-angeles.pro.
The Charitable Event
Since its inception in 2011, the LACMA Art + Film Gala has become one of the most highly anticipated annual events for Hollywood and the art community. Every year, the ball gathers the elite from the worlds of art, film, fashion, and business. A special feature of the event is the tradition of honoring outstanding artists and filmmakers who have made a significant contribution to culture. For example, past honorees have included Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuarón, Steve McQueen, and Sofia Coppola, as well as artists Barbara Kruger, James Turrell, and Mark Bradford. For instance, the thirteenth annual festival paid tribute to the late artist Simone Leigh, whose multifaceted work places subjectivity at the center of the contemporary art discourse. Art+Film Gala honorees include artists Judy Baca, Helen Pashgian, Kehinde Wiley, Amy Sherald, Betye Saar, Catherine Opie, Mark Bradford, Robert Irwin, James Turrell, Barbara Kruger, David Hockney, Ed Ruscha, and John Baldessari, as well as directors David Fincher, Steven Spielberg, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, George Lucas, Kathryn Bigelow, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, and Clint Eastwood.
In 2023, the festival honored artist Judy Baca and director David Fincher. Over 650 notable guests from the art, film, fashion, and entertainment industries attended the event. Among the famous figures who graced the festival were Ben Affleck, Mert Alas, ASAP Rocky, Halle Bailey, Michael B. Jordan, Jessica Chastain, Kirsten Dunst, Billie Eilish, Miles Fisher, Jane Fonda, Julia Garner, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Elliot Page, Keanu Reeves, Rosé, and many others.
All funds raised are directed toward supporting LACMA’s museum initiatives, including educational programs, collection restoration, and the development of contemporary art. Furthermore, a portion of the funds goes toward the preservation and popularization of cinematic art—specifically, the organization of retrospectives and special film screenings. Over the years, the Art + Film Gala has raised tens of millions, helping LACMA remain one of the most important cultural centers in the United States. In 2024, the festival raised over $6.4 million, setting a new record for this annual charitable event.
The Festival’s Organizers
Leonardo DiCaprio has played a vital role in the LACMA Art + Film Gala since its inception in 2011. He serves as one of the event’s co-chairs, alongside LACMA’s CEO and Director, Michael Govan. DiCaprio not only helps organize the event but also facilitates fundraising, leveraging his influence in the world of film and art. His active involvement is also linked to his interest in art and environmental initiatives. He supports contemporary artists and is a known art collector. The very first LACMA Art + Film Gala in 2011 honored filmmaker Clint Eastwood and artist John Baldessari, with DiCaprio giving a keynote speech. He has remained a key figure ever since, drawing Hollywood celebrities, artists, and philanthropists to support the museum.
In addition to Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Govan holds significant influence over the LACMA Art + Film Gala. He is the event’s chief organizer and one of the driving forces behind the museum’s development. He initiated the festival’s creation in 2011 to strengthen the connection between the film industry and the art world. His work focuses on attracting patrons, expanding the museum’s collections, and organizing large-scale exhibitions.
Since 2011, the brand “Gucci” has been the title sponsor of the event. The brand not only provides financial backing but also shapes its visual style—many celebrities choose Gucci attire for the red carpet. Beyond Gucci, financial support for the event comes from major companies such as “Audi,” “Netflix,” and private benefactors who contribute to the development of museum programs. Thanks to the participation of these individuals and organizations, the LACMA Art + Film Gala remains not only a prestigious social event but also a vital tool for supporting art and culture.
The Festival’s Artistic Significance
The LACMA Art + Film Gala is not just a party for the select few—it is an event that shapes the cultural landscape of Los Angeles and fosters interaction between art and cinema. It underscores the museum’s role as a place for dialogue between tradition and modernity, and it demonstrates how Hollywood supports the arts, not just on screen, but in real life. This event serves as further evidence that art and film have the power to not only inspire but also change the world.
Located on the Pacific Rim, the museum is the largest art museum in the western United States. Its collection contains over 152,000 objects, highlighting 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. The museum exhibits and interprets artworks from new and unexpected perspectives, informing visitors about the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. LACMA’s spirit of experimentation is reflected in its work with artists, technologists, and thought leaders, as well as in regional, national, and global partnerships to share collections and programs, create groundbreaking initiatives, and engage new audiences. The museum’s mission is to serve the public by collecting, conserving, and interpreting works of art from a broad range of historical periods and cultures, and by translating these collections into educational, aesthetic, intellectual, and cultural experiences for a wide array of audiences.
The Red Carpet
The charitable festival takes place on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where the red carpet transforms into a veritable fashion show. Guests arrive in lavish attire from “Gucci,” “Givenchy,” “Balenciaga,” and other leading brands. This is why the LACMA Art + Film Gala is often called “the fall counterpart to the Met Gala.”
The evening kicks off with an outdoor cocktail reception, after which guests are invited to a formal dinner and the awards ceremony. The highlight of the evening is a musical performance featuring global stars. In previous years, the festival stage has hosted Sting, Lenny Kravitz, and other famous performers.
Given that the “Gucci” brand sponsors the event, many stars appear on the red carpet wearing the brand’s clothing. Singer Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford, who arrived at the event in Gucci pajamas, earned special attention. Among the honorary guests is Kim Kardashian, who rarely misses the event. On one occasion, she walked the red carpet wearing the iconic “Attallah Cross,” which once belonged to Princess Diana. Kim purchased it at a 2023 auction.
