The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has announced that filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and artist Vija Celmins will be honoured at its 2026 Art+Film Gala. The choice recognises two figures known for highly visual, carefully crafted work in cinema and fine art, and matters because the gala is one of LACMA’s flagship public events as well as a major fundraiser. It also underlines the museum’s continued emphasis on the relationship between visual art and film within its wider programme.

The 15th annual gala is scheduled for 7 November at LACMA and will be chaired by museum trustee Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio. Gucci is returning as presenting sponsor, a role it has held since 2011, while proceeds will support LACMA’s art and film initiatives along with exhibitions, acquisitions and educational programming. In statements accompanying the announcement, LACMA highlighted Celmins’s precise depictions of the natural world and Villeneuve’s visually distinctive filmmaking, ranging from reflective dramas to large-scale blockbusters.