The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has announced its 2026 Art+Film Gala honorees: artist Vija Celmins and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. The annual event, set for Nov. 7, will once again be chaired by Leonardo DiCaprio and LACMA trustee Eva Chow.
Created to support the museum's exhibition, acquisition, and education initiatives, the gala highlights the growing dialogue between visual art and cinema. This year's selection brings together two creators known for distinct yet deeply reflective approaches to image-making.
Celmins is widely recognized for her precise, atmospheric works centered on the ocean, sky, moon, and desert. Her practice has long been praised for turning quiet observation into a powerful visual language.
Villeneuve, meanwhile, has built a reputation for thoughtful, immersive filmmaking. His work on the Dune trilogy and upcoming projects has positioned him as one of contemporary cinema's most closely watched directors.
LACMA director and CEO Michael Govan said the pairing reflects the museum's interest in artists whose work bridges realism, imagination, and contemplation. The 2026 gala also arrives after the opening of the David Geffen Galleries, marking a new chapter for the institution's public programming.
As LACMA continues to connect art, film, and philanthropy, the gala points toward a future where cultural institutions increasingly shape cross-disciplinary creative conversations.
