The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitegala Fonda to recent stars like Lee Jung-Jae, highlighting the in- spiration across generations. Musical guests spanned from DJ Maggie Rogers to singer Erykah Badu, underscoring the inter- play between sound and visuality. Directors like Ava DuVer- nay and actors-turned-filmmakers like Jonah Hill and Emma Stone found common creative ground with LACMA curators. Whether shone in sculptural gowns or sharp suits designed by one of LACMA’s trustees, fashion luminaries walked the gala runway. Beyond co-chair and style icon Leonardo DiCaprio, standouts included Salma Hayek Pinault, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Kirsten Dunst. Newly appointed Creative Director Sabato De Sarno led the way for Gucci alongside CEO Marco Bizzari. Their presence signalled the brand's profound commitment to visual arts and film, reflected in their year-after-year support as presenting sponsors. This intoxicating blend of art and film icons brought together through LACMA's convening power made the inspiration be- tween cinema and museums tangible. In uniting acting talents with prolific painters, rockstars with trustees, and supermodels with sculptors, the 2023 LACMA Gala embodied Los Angeles' position as a global crucible for creativity across disciplines. As much as the evening celebrated established greats Judy Baca and David Fincher, its guest list proved the event was equally about participating in the emergence of future legends across artistic mediums. Gala Funds Sustain LACMA's Mission While the star power made headlines, the event's purpose ran deeper than one glittering evening. As articulated by Director Michael Govan, the LACMA Art+Film Gala provides critical fundraising to propel the museum's film programming within its broader interdisciplinary vision. Alongside sponsors like Gucci and Audi, proceeds from tickets and donations directly support LACMA's curatorial work, acquisitions, and public engagement around moving images. Eva Chow emphasised in her opening remarks, “I'm so grateful to Sabato De Sarno and everyone at Gucci for their continued generosity and belief in the power of art and film.” This funding fuels LACMA initiatives like its annual film series, which connects cinema to themes in the collection through events like screenings, conversations, and workshops. Educational programs use filmmaking to provide teens with hands-on arts training with professional mentors. Acquisi- tions like the recent addition of Charles White's drawings strengthen LACMA's illustrations of film history within the larger art discourse. Championing film as a critical art form with mass impact, integrated strategically with visual arts, al- lows LACMA to drive cultural discourse in the global mecca of entertainment. Ultimately, the proceeds from the 2023 event support the mu- seum's foundational mission of providing wide public accessi- bility to arts, culture, and creativity. As Eva Chow stated, “We [can] support our beloved museum” through this beloved Los Angeles tradition uniting artistic talents. The ability to keep galleries open free of charge relies on fundraising events draw- ing the city's creative heavyweights. In celebrating brilliance through one night, LACMA can uplift arts education for fu- ture generations across Los Angeles. Lenny Kravitz Jennifer Lopez Eva Chow David Fincher Lee Jung-jae