Denis Villeneuve accepted the film honor at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala on Saturday night, using the podium to draw a sharp contrast between artificial intelligence and the collaborative, physical work of filmmaking. The event, held on the museum’s Los Angeles grounds, raised nearly $7 million—a record for the fundraiser—and drew more than 600 guests from film, art, fashion and business.
A Filmmaker’s Choice
Villeneuve, who is preparing for the December 18 release of Dune: Part Three, described a fork in the road facing directors today: generating content from a prompt or heading into the desert with actors and a crew. He said the process, not just the result, is where human experience finds meaning, and that making art together matters more than ever. The speech tied that idea to his own films, which he said begin with a question he needs to answer.
He also credited LACMA with helping him solve a creative problem on Arrival. A visit to the museum’s James Turrell exhibition, he explained, showed him how to direct the film. The afternoon there, he said, became an homage within the movie.
Kidman’s Tribute
Nicole Kidman flew in from Australia to present the award, admitting she had never actually worked with Villeneuve and had only exchanged greetings at red carpets and a crowded Armani store. Still, she said his films—from Incendies and Prisoners to Arrival and the Dune series—reveal the deepest parts of him and explore the great mysteries of existence. Villeneuve returned the praise, calling her work in Jonathan Glazer’s Birth one of the most extraordinary performances he has seen on screen.
Bond Tease and a Farewell
As he closed his remarks, Villeneuve acknowledged the intense speculation about his next project: directing the James Bond franchise. He told the room he would reveal the new 007, paused, and then stopped—joking that producer Amy Pascal was about to have a heart attack. The fake-out drew laughs and left the casting question unanswered.
The evening also marked a transition for the gala itself. Co-chair Eva Chow, who has led the event since its inception with Leonardo DiCaprio, announced she would step down after the 15th installment. LACMA chief Michael Govan praised her as the connective force behind the fundraiser and noted that this year’s total was the best yet. Chow recalled the early days, when she called in favors—including booking Stevie Wonder for the first gala—and said she leaves with pride and gratitude.
Artist Vija Celmins received the art honor, delivering a brief speech that charmed the crowd. Rosé closed the night with a four-song set that included “APT” and a Killers cover, wrapping at 10:30 p.m. before guests headed to an after-party at Chow’s home.
