Cerermony - Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Fourth Annual Gala Raises Over $11 Million for Cinema Preservation

By Mulder, Los Angeles, The Academy Museum of Motion Picture, 19 october 2024

On October 19, 2024, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures held its fourth annual gala, raising an impressive $11 million in support of the museum’s exhibitions, education programs, and public initiatives. These funds will directly benefit community-oriented projects, including K-12 educational programming, public screenings, and access initiatives aimed at broadening the reach of cinema to diverse audiences. The event, held in the heart of Los Angeles, was a grand celebration of film, supported by Rolex, the museum’s Founding Supporter and Official Watch Partner. Rolex’s ongoing partnership with the Academy reflects the brand’s recognition of excellence in cinema, a legacy that has been strengthened over many years.

The gala was co-chaired by some of Hollywood’s most influential figures: Dr. Eric Esrailian, a trustee of the Academy Museum, physician, producer, and philanthropist; Salma Hayek Pinault, Oscar-nominated actress, producer, and activist; Nicole Kidman, Oscar-winning actress and humanitarian; Eva Longoria, Academy Museum Trustee, actress, and director; and Tyler Perry, actor, filmmaker, and recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. These five leaders of the film industry brought together a star-studded guest list to celebrate the museum’s third anniversary while honoring legendary figures who have left an indelible mark on the world of film.

The evening’s festivities kicked off with Eva Longoria welcoming guests to the gala, setting a celebratory tone for the night. She introduced Academy Museum President and Director Amy Homma, who spoke about the museum’s ongoing mission to celebrate and preserve the legacy of cinema. Homma emphasized the importance of community support in continuing the museum’s efforts to make cinema more accessible to all, from schoolchildren to filmmakers and movie lovers across the world.

One of the evening’s highlights came when iconic director Steven Spielberg took the stage to present the prestigious Icon Award to none other than Rita Moreno, an Oscar-winning actress whose career has spanned over seven decades. Moreno, who has earned global recognition as an actress, singer, and dancer, graciously accepted the award, acknowledging the cultural impact of cinema on a global scale.

Next, Colman Domingo introduced actress Saoirse Ronan, who had the honor of presenting the Vantage Award to her co-star and friend, Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal. This award, given to an emerging artist or scholar who is shaping the future of cinema by challenging dominant narratives, was well-deserved by Mescal for his impressive performances in both independent and mainstream films. Ronan praised Mescal for his ability to bring depth and complexity to his roles, calling him a “true force of nature” in the film industry.

The final award of the night, the Luminary Award, was presented by John Travolta to his long-time collaborator, two-time Oscar-winning writer and director Quentin Tarantino. This award honors those whose singular contributions have expanded the creative possibilities of filmmaking, and there is no question that Tarantino’s visionary work has done just that. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Tarantino surprised the audience by announcing his donation of the first handwritten draft of his Oscar-winning screenplay Pulp Fiction (1994) to the Academy Museum, adding yet another historic piece to the museum’s collection.

As the night continued, Ariana Grande took to the stage to introduce her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, in a powerful closing act. Erivo captivated the audience with a moving musical performance, singing “I’m Here” from The Color Purple, Diana Ross’s “Home” from The Wiz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and a stirring rendition of Prince’s classic, “Purple Rain.” Her performance was met with resounding applause, bringing an unforgettable close to the celebratory evening.

The awards presented throughout the night were meticulously crafted by the renowned Haas Brothers and fabricated by UAP. Both the Icon Award and Vantage Award are solid cast bronze pieces, triple-plated with nickel, copper, and 24k gold, while the Luminary Award is similarly impressive, reflecting the significance of each recipient’s contribution to the cinematic arts. Each award stands as a symbol of the honoree’s impact on film, past and present.

The Academy Museum Gala was attended by a who’s who of Hollywood’s elite. The guest list included a diverse array of actors, filmmakers, and industry leaders, all of whom came together to show their support for the museum’s mission. Notable attendees included Awkwafina, Amy Adams, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Ava DuVernay, Joaquin Phoenix, and Quentin Tarantino, among many others. Their presence underscored the importance of the Academy Museum as a cultural institution that celebrates cinema as a powerful global art form.

The event design was curated by Keith Baptista, known for creating immersive and visually stunning environments. The evening’s musical direction was overseen by Rickey Minor, further enhancing the gala’s celebratory atmosphere. The evening’s luxurious dining experience was created by celebrity chef Curtis Stone, with additional contributions from Wolfgang Puck Catering. Guests enjoyed a gourmet meal paired with wines provided by Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon, the museum’s official wine partners. Specialty cocktails were also available, courtesy of Tequila Don Julio, adding a festive touch to the night’s proceedings.

Now in its fourth year, the Academy Museum Gala continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the museum’s mission to advance the understanding and preservation of cinema. The funds raised during the gala will support a wide range of initiatives, from educational programs for Los Angeles-area students to exhibitions and screenings that bring the magic of movies to the public.

The Academy Museum, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, is the world’s largest museum dedicated to the arts, sciences, and history of filmmaking. Its state-of-the-art campus includes the restored Saban Building and two iconic theaters, the David Geffen Theater and Ted Mann Theater, which host regular screenings and special events. The museum’s public spaces, including the Walt Disney Company Piazza and the Sidney Poitier Grand Lobby, offer visitors a unique space to explore the world of cinema.

Rolex has long maintained close ties with the film industry, partnering with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2017. As the Proud Sponsor of the Oscars and the Governors Awards, Rolex is committed to preserving the art of filmmaking for future generations. Its partnership with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a testament to this dedication, helping to ensure that cinema’s rich history remains accessible to all.

Through initiatives like the Rolex mentoring program for young filmmakers, the company champions excellence, promotes the transmission of cinematic knowledge, and fosters the rise of new talent in the film industry. This partnership reflects Rolex’s enduring commitment to the preservation and celebration of film as an art form.

As the night came to a close, it was clear that the Academy Museum Gala had once again succeeded in bringing together Hollywood’s finest to support the future of cinema. With over $11 million raised and a continued commitment to the preservation of film history, the museum’s impact on the world of cinema is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and moviegoers alike.

The event was attended by some of Hollywood’s most prolific and notable actors, filmmakers, and industry executives as well as members of the event’s host committee who came together to support the museum. Guests included: Awkwafina, H.E.R, Marisa Abela, JJ Abrams, Amy Adams, Joe Alwyn, Pamela Anderson, Jack Antonoff & Margaret Qualley, Kelsey Asbille, Elizabeth Banks, Monica Barbaro, Zach Baylin, Annette Bening, Jessica Biel, Sterling K. Brown, Quinta Brunson, Bobby Cannavale, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Joan Chen, Jon M. Chu, Sacha Baron Cohen, Josh Cooley, Carrie Coon, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Marion Cotillard, Alfonso Cuarón, Macaulay Culkin & Brenda Song, Lee Daniels, Andra Day, Ariana DeBose, Danielle Deadwyler, Cara Delevingne, Harris Dickinson, Amelia Dimonldenberg, Ava DuVernay, Winston Duke, Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons, Phoebe Dynevor, Ayo Edebiri, Hannah Einbinder, Maya Erskine & Michael Angarano, Gal Gadot, Karla Sofía Gascón, Kaia Gerber, Jeff Goldblum, Selena Gomez, Eiza González, Molly Gordon, Tony Goldwyn, Sofia Richie Grainge, Josh Greenbaum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ludwig Göransson, Danielle Haim, Estee Haim, Mark Hamill, Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson, Laura Harrier, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Fred Hechinger, Brian Tyree Henry, Taraji P. Henson, André Holland, Nicholas Hoult, Ella Hunt, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Damson Idris, Joshua Jackson, Louisa Jacobson, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Rashida Jones, Mindy Kaling, Titus Kaphar, Kim Kardashian, Harvey Keitel, Anna Kendrick, Nicole Kidman, Joey King, Cooper Koch, Greta Lee, John Legend & Chrissy Teigen, Sam Levinson, Dan Levy, Eva Longoria, Eugenio López, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Natasha Lyonne, Clarence Maclin, Archie Madekwe, Mikey Madison, James Mangold, Rooney Mara, Ricky Martin, Charles Melton, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jamie Mizrahi, Demi Moore, Lamorne Morris, Henry R. Muñoz III, Kumail Nanjiani & Emily Gordon, Niecy Nash-Betts, Kathryn Newton, Amaury Nolasco, Ebony Obsidian, Sandra Oh, Elizabeth Olsen, Regé-Jean Page, Megan Park, Aaron Paul, Sarah Paulson, Tyler Perry, Joaquin Phoenix, Aubrey Plaza, Amy Poehler, Ke Huy Quan, Addison Rae, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Danny Ramirez, Édgar Ramírez, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Reneé Rapp, Eddie Redmayne, Halina Reijn, Renate Reinsve, Jason Reitman, Nicole Richie, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Seth Rogen, Joachim Rønning, Devon Ross, Bird Runningwater, Meg Ryan, RZA, Zoe Saldaña, Ted Sarandos & Nicole Avant, Peter Sarsgaard, Anna Sawai, Daniel Scheinert, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Francesca Scorsese, Naomi Scott, Rachel Sennott, Sarah Silverman, Cory Michael Smith, Jurnee Smollett, Steven Spielberg, Drew Starkey, Sebastian Stan, Harper Steele, Maisy Stella, Holland Taylor, Uma Thurman, Phoebe Tonkin, John Travolta, Nia Vardalos, Denis Villeneuve, Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union, Lena Waithe, Diane Warren, John David Washington, Malcolm Washington, Kerry Washington, Olivia Wilde, Jessica Williams, Taylor Zakhar Perez, and Hans Zimmer.

Photos Copyright : Getty Images

(Source : press release)