The 15th annual Art+Film Gala at LACMA on November 8, 2026, was a star-studded affair where Hollywood converged with the art world. While Nicole Kidman, Timothée Chalamet, and Anya Taylor-Joy turned out to support honoree Denis Villeneuve, it was artist Vija Celmins, the night's other honoree, who truly captivated the audience.

Celmins, in her casual and off-the-cuff acceptance speech, perfectly encapsulated the festive mood, declaring, "It’s a pleasure to be here. You guys are just crazy party people." This annual fundraiser stands out among the season's many galas, successfully raising a record-breaking nearly $7 million this year for the museum's initiative to integrate film more deeply into its programming. The event drew an eclectic crowd of A-list celebrities, rising filmmakers, and titans of the art world.

A quick glance around the packed room revealed a vibrant mix of attendees: artist and art dealer Larry Gagosian sat with Leonardo DiCaprio; artist Alex Israel wrapped his arm around Usher for a photo; model Heidi Klum crouched to chat with influencer and comedian Ziwe; and artists Amy Sherald and Mickalene Thomas conversed in one corner, while Jodie Turner-Smith and Parker Posey caught up in another.

Anya Taylor-Joy set the tone for the evening as the first to arrive on the red carpet, posing in front of Chris Burden’s iconic public art installation, "Urban Light." Supporting "Dune" director Denis Villeneuve, who was honored alongside Celmins, the "Dune: Part Two" star donned a vintage 1997 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture bridal gown. Its sheer silver overlay gave it a timeless yet futuristic appeal.

Villeneuve's leading man, Timothée Chalamet, bypassed the red carpet entirely, slipping directly into the crowded dinner tent. He took a seat next to Villeneuve and his wife, producer Tanya Lapointe. Chalamet arrived separately from girlfriend Kylie Jenner, who did walk the carpet in a low-back Ashi Studio gown. Upon reaching her table, Jenner was seated opposite Chalamet and reached across to grasp his hand.

Next to Villeneuve sat Nicole Kidman, resplendent in a voluminous, ballerina-inspired Chanel dress. She had flown 15 hours from Australia to present Villeneuve with his award. During her remarks, Kidman confessed, "The truth is I've never really met Denis. I've met him on some red carpets and sort of waved at him. Yet somehow I feel like I know the deepest parts of him because that is what extraordinary filmmakers do. They let you in. They reveal themselves to us through their work. They invite you into their imaginations, into their dreams, into their questions and into their fears." Before Villeneuve took the stage, a video montage showcased his impressive filmography, featuring big, bold, and personal epics such as "Sicario," "Blade Runner 2049," "Arrival," and the "Dune" trilogy.