The winners of this year’s LACMA Art+Film Gala have been announced.
Multidisciplinary artist Simone Leigh and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Lurhmann will be honored at the 13th annual gala on Saturday, November 2. The evening will also feature musical guest Charli XCX, who will perform her latest album brat became one of the biggest hits of the summer.
LACMA trustee Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio will return as co-chairs, a position they have held together since 2011. Gucci, which has sponsored previous editions of the gala, is once again partnering with LACMA for the event.
According to the museum, proceeds from the gala will go to support LACMA’s “initiative to place film at the center of the museum’s curatorial programs while also funding LACMA’s broader mission, which includes exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programs that explore the intersection of art and film.”
“Simone Leigh is one of the most compelling and important voices in contemporary art. She brilliantly bridges a number of different artistic traditions and centers Black female issues in powerful and moving ways,” said Michael Govan, CEO of LACMA and Director of Wallis Annenberg, in a statement. Leigh’s work is currently on view in an exhibition at both LACMA and the California African American Museum (CAAM).
“Baz Luhrmann has created an emotional body of cinematic work over three decades, driven by his imagination and passion,” continued Govan. “We are delighted to honor him along with Simone and celebrate their remarkable careers.”
“I’m thrilled to bring together an incredible group of people to honor the extraordinary contributions of Simone Leigh and Baz Luhrmann,” added Eva Chow, who serves as one of the gala’s co-chairs. “I’m grateful to our longtime partner Gucci for their deep generosity to LACMA and their 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 an amazing evening!”
Luhrmann is an acclaimed Australian filmmaker, known for the film Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Australia, The Great Gatsby and his recently Oscar-nominated biopic, Elvis.
Now best known for her ceramic and bronze sculptures, Leigh’s multidisciplinary work also extends to video and installation. Her pieces have been shown in some of the most prestigious art museums, including the Guggenheim and Tate Gallery. Her art is currently on display at both LACMA and the California African American Museum (CAAM). In 2022, Leigh had the honor of representing the United States at the 59th Annual Venice Biennale with her exhibition Simone Leigh: Sovereignty.
