LACMA Art + Film Gala 2023 “Art and Film Spotlight”. Story by RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: LACMA / Gucci.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the luminaries of the art, film, fashion, and entertainment worlds converged at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for its twelfth annual Art+Film Gala. This prestigious event was a celebration of artistic brilliance, honoring two exceptional individuals, artist Judy Baca and filmmaker David Fincher. It was a night of elegance, artistry, and philanthropy, co-chaired by the ever-dynamic duo, LACMA trustee Eva Chow and the legendary actor, Leonardo DiCaprio.
Judy Baca, known for her groundbreaking public artworks that have captivated Los Angeles communities for decades, stood in the spotlight, humbly accepting the honor. Her work has not only adorned walls but also engaged hearts, reminding people of their stories and shared histories. Baca acknowledged the countless collaborators who have supported her in this creative journey, saying, “There are hundreds, probably thousands, of people with me on the stage tonight, accepting with deep gratitude this acknowledgment of our work, often against all odds.”
On the other side of the artistic spectrum, David Fincher, a leading American filmmaker, found himself sharing the stage with Judy Baca. With a touch of self-deprecating humor, Fincher reflected on his craft, remarking, “I suppose I’ve never looked at directing as artistic because it required so many actual artists just to get through a given day.” This perspective resonated with the audience, showcasing the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process.
The Art+Film Gala is a vital annual event, not only celebrating exceptional talent but also channeling its proceeds towards LACMA’s mission. This includes underwriting film’s significance in the museum’s curatorial programming, supporting exhibitions, acquisitions, educational programming, and screenings that explore the interplay between art and film. The gala has been made possible year after year through the generous support of Gucci, ensuring the continuity of this remarkable event.
This year, as in the past, the world of art, film, and fashion came together with utmost dignity, class, and energy for the twelfth edition of the Art+Film Gala. Gucci’s continued commitment to this event, combined with the dedication of Eva Chow, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the Gala Host Committee Chair, Sabato De Sarno, created an atmosphere that exuded professionalism and expertise.
Michael Govan, LACMA’s Director, encapsulated the essence of the honorees, describing Judy Baca and David Fincher as “powerful storytellers whose bodies of work offer vital commentary on history and human nature.” It was a night where two different forms of storytelling, one through visual art and the other through the moving image, shared a common stage.
The twelfth annual Art+Film Gala was more than just an evening of glitz and glamour. It was a testament to the enduring power of art and film to shape our culture, connect us to our past, and illuminate the human experience. In its essence, it embodied the essence of professionalism and expertise that defines the art, film, and fashion industries.
