Villeneuve and artist Vija Celmins were feted at the gala, which raised nearly $7 million, setting a new record
Plus IconAngelique Jackson
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Gilbert Flores When Denis Villeneuve arrived at LACMA on Saturday night, his black Gucci tuxedo made him look more like James Bond than a director who’s spent the last decade in the desert of Arrakis. Perhaps that’s fitting since the filmmaker is currently putting the final touches on the 70mm Imax print of “Dune: Part Three” while simultaneously starting work on his Bond movie.
“It’s a very personal film and a project that is very close to my heart,” Villeneuve told Variety about wrapping up his “Dune” trilogy. “It’s also the project that is the completion of 10 years of work in the deep desert. I can just say that it has been a privilege of a lifetime to spend, and I enjoy every minute of it.”
On the topic of James Bond, news broke Friday that Villeneuve and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are inching closer to selecting the new 007, with finalists including Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult, Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden.
On the red carpet, Villeneuve politely declined to comment about the casting speculation.
“I should not comment right now because every word I’m going to say is going to be scrutinized,” Villeneuve said. “I would just say that I’m having a great time.”
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But inside the gala, he was ready to make some news. “For many years, LACMA has been a temple for me. Tonight feels like home, and to express my gratitude. With the blessing of my new friends at Amazon, I will reveal to you tonight who will be the next James Bond,” Villeneuve began, causing an audible stir in the crowd.
“The actor who will play the next James Bond is…” Villeneuve continued, pausing dramatically.
“And I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack,” he said, laughing. (Yes, the Canadian director was only joking.)
Read on for more from Villeneuve’s remarks and a peek inside the high-fashion gala.
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Nicole Kidman and Denis Villeneuve
Image Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA Nicole Kidman admitted that she was sweating bullets as she prepared to present to Denis Villeneuve.
“I’m just going to disclose I have sweaty armpits,” Kidman, wearing Chanel, joked. “Let’s keep it real here.”
Then, Kidman revealed that she’d traveled 15 hours from Australia (overnight!) to make the event because she’s such an admirer of Villeneuve — even though they haven’t worked together yet.
“About six years ago, I made a commercial for a little company called AMC Theaters,” Kidman said. “So much of what inspired me to be a part of that campaign and to champion the importance of returning to cinemas was the opportunity to experience films from the likes of tonight’s honoree, Denis Villeneuve.”
