14th Annual Event Co-Chaired by Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio Honors Visionary Artists in Art and Film
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has unveiled the recipients of its 2025 Art+Film Gala: groundbreaking artist Mary Corse and acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler. Scheduled for Saturday, November 1, this year’s gala will once again be co-chaired by LACMA trustee Eva Chow alongside renowned actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Gucci is set to return as the Presenting Sponsor, reinforcing its dedication to the arts and ongoing support of the museum since the gala’s launch in 2011.
A Special Celebration of Creative Talent
“This year’s gala promises to be particularly memorable as we honor the remarkable Los Angeles artist Mary Corse and the pioneering filmmaker Ryan Coogler,” remarked Chow. “The collaboration with Gucci is essential to making this event a reality, and we sincerely appreciate their ongoing generosity toward the museum. We are especially thrilled to welcome Gucci’s new Artistic Director, Demna, into the LACMA community and the broader creative landscape of Los Angeles.”
Mary Corse: A Luminary in the Art World
Mary Corse has been a prominent figure in the Southern California art community since the 1960s, recognized for her captivating and perception-altering paintings. Often associated with the Light and Space movement, Corse has consistently charted her own course, utilizing innovative materials such as glass microspheres to craft works that change in appearance depending on the viewer’s vantage point. Her art is housed in prestigious institutions worldwide, including LACMA, the Whitney Museum, Centre Pompidou, and the Dia Art Foundation. A significant solo exhibition featuring her work traveled from the Whitney Museum to LACMA in 2018–19.
Ryan Coogler: A Transformative Storyteller
Ryan Coogler has rapidly emerged as one of the most influential storytellers of his generation. His first feature film, Fruitvale Station, earned the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, leading him to direct the notable films Creed and Marvel’s Black Panther, which became the highest-grossing film in the United States in 2018. He followed up with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and continues to amplify diverse voices and stories through his production company, Proximity Media, responsible for the Oscar-winning Judas and the Black Messiah. His latest project, Sinners, featuring longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan, premiered earlier this year.
Celebrating Artistic Innovation
“Mary Corse has persistently pushed the boundaries of painting through her stunning creations, inviting us to reflect deeply on the essence of perception,” stated LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan. “Similarly, Ryan Coogler’s films enact transformative storytelling. His inventive visual narratives recontextualize history and redefine storytelling, opening up new realms of imagination.”
An Event Set Against a Unique Backdrop
This year’s gala will unfold on LACMA’s campus, with the nearly completed David Geffen Galleries—designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor—providing a symbolic setting for an evening celebrating artistic progress. The new galleries are anticipated to open in April 2026. Proceeds from the gala will support LACMA’s initiative to weave film more intricately into its curatorial programs, as well as assist in broader museum efforts, including exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational outreach initiatives.
Documentary Feature and Continued Support
As part of the event festivities, LACMA Productions will unveil a new documentary short focused on Mary Corse, directed by Alysa Nahmias, as part of the museum’s esteemed practice of profiling influential artists through film. Previous shorts have garnered attention at major international festivals like Sundance, Tribeca, and DOC NYC. With Gucci’s steadfast support and the recognition of two honorees who have redefined their respective fields, the 2025 Art+Film Gala is poised to be an extraordinary evening where cinematic creativity and visual exploration converge, honoring those who challenge our perceptions and inspire us to see the world in new ways.
