As the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) opened its doors for the prestigious 2025 Art+Film Gala on November 1, Doja Cat delivered an electrifying performance that captivated the elite gathering of art and entertainment luminaries. The annual fundraiser, now in its fourteenth year, brought together key figures from the art, film, fashion, and entertainment industries to celebrate this year’s honorees: acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler and pioneering visual artist Mary Corse.
Doja Cat’s selection as the featured performer underscored LACMA’s commitment to engaging with contemporary cultural forces. Her dynamic stage presence and musical versatility transformed the typically formal atmosphere into an energetic celebration that attendees enthusiastically embraced. The Los Angeles native, who gained widespread fame with her 2018 viral hit Mooo!, brought a sense of hometown pride to the prestigious event. The artist’s set was particularly notable for highlighting the intersection of popular music with the visual and cinematic arts that the gala traditionally honors. Much like successful artists on streaming platforms, Doja Cat has mastered the art of connecting with audiences across diverse media channels. Her meticulous pre-show preparation was evident in the flawless execution of her set, from the perfectly timed lighting cues to her seamless interaction with the audience.
The 2025 gala, co-chaired by LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio for the fourteenth consecutive year, maintained its tradition of recognizing trailblazing contributions across creative sectors. Honoree Ryan Coogler, known for directing critically acclaimed films including “Black Panther” and “Sinners,” was celebrated alongside Mary Corse, whose 60-year career has been marked by groundbreaking explorations of light, perception, and subjectivity in visual art.
With Gucci’s continued sponsorship, the event served its primary function as a major fundraiser supporting LACMA’s initiatives to incorporate film into museum programming. This high-profile event builds upon the legacy of previous honorees including notable creative figures like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, and Simone Leigh. Proceeds from the gala directly benefit exhibitions, acquisitions, educational programs, and film screenings, reinforcing the museum’s role as a cultural hub that explores the dynamic relationship between visual art and cinema.
The gathering of industry leaders, creatives, and celebrities not only celebrated artistic achievement but also facilitated valuable networking within the cultural sectors. As attendees from various creative fields mingled throughout the evening, Doja Cat’s performance served as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bridge different artistic disciplines, perfectly embodying the gala’s mission to celebrate the rich interplay between contemporary art forms.
