The actor’s landmark appearance at the Gucci-presented LACMA Art + Film Gala marks a new chapter in Indian cinema’s presence on the global cultural stage

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan attended the 15th annual LACMA Art + Film Gala on November 7, 2026, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The event took place under Chris Burden’s iconic Urban Light installation and brought together leading personalities from cinema, art, fashion and business. Unlike regular award ceremonies or film premieres, the invitation-only gala serves as a major fundraiser for the museum. According to reports, Roshan became the first mainstream Indian film star to attend the event.

His appearance marked an important moment for Indian cinema. While Indian films have gained international audiences through box-office success, streaming platforms and Hollywood collaborations, Roshan’s presence at the gala brought mainstream Bollywood representation to one of the most influential gatherings in the global art and film community.

The Gala, Its Hosts and the Honourees

Luxury fashion house Gucci presented the gala, with Leonardo DiCaprio and LACMA trustee Eva Chow serving as co-chairs for the 15th consecutive year. Chow announced that 2026 would be her final year in the role. During her tenure, the event raised nearly $60 million, including a record-breaking nearly $7 million this year. LACMA will use the funds to support film programmes, exhibitions, art acquisitions and educational initiatives.

This year’s gala honoured filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, known for the Dune franchise, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, and artist Vija Celmins, whose detailed, realistic works capture natural subjects such as night skies, ocean surfaces and desert landscapes. The gala traditionally recognises one personality from contemporary art and another from cinema.

Roshan attended at the invitation of Kavita Gupta, an Indian-origin producer, venture capitalist and member of the International Emmy Board. Gupta has worked to connect Indian creative talent with international platforms. Her invitation brought a mainstream Indian film star into a gathering traditionally dominated by Hollywood personalities and leading figures from the global art world.

Hrithik Roshan’s Red-Carpet Appearance

Roshan wore a custom tuxedo by Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli, known for its focus on quality, craftsmanship and understated designs. While some descriptions identified the outfit as midnight blue and others as classic black, reports agreed on its clean lines, sharp tailoring and minimal detailing.

He also greeted photographers and guests with folded hands, offering a traditional Indian namaste. The gesture quickly caught attention on social media and added a distinct cultural touch to his appearance.

Roshan shared the spotlight with Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Nicole Kidman, Timothée Chalamet, Tom Hanks, Andrew Garfield, Anya Taylor-Joy, Michelle Yeoh, Al Pacino and Viola Davis. BLACKPINK’s Rosé, who performed at the event, and aespa’s Ningning also attended. The gathering brought together established Hollywood stars, contemporary entertainers, filmmakers, artists, models and philanthropists.

Why the LACMA Gala Matters

LACMA launched the Art + Film Gala in 2011 to strengthen the connection between museums and cinema after earlier cuts to its film programming. The event created a regular platform for the art and film industries to interact while raising funds for exhibitions, screenings and other museum initiatives.

Past honourees include filmmakers Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Alfonso Cuarón and Steven Spielberg, along with artists Ed Ruscha, David Hockney and Kehinde Wiley.

For Indian cinema, access to influential international cultural platforms has often remained a challenge despite its talent, commercial success and large audiences. Box-office numbers and streaming reach help Indian films enter international markets, but events such as the LACMA gala create opportunities to build relationships with filmmakers, art collectors, museum trustees and fashion industry leaders.

Roshan’s attendance does not immediately change India’s position in the global entertainment industry, but it gives mainstream Bollywood visibility in a cultural space where Indian film stars have rarely featured.

Hrithik Roshan’s Career and What’s Next

Roshan attended the gala after his 2025 film War 2 and notable cameo appearances, including in projects linked to Alia Bhatt and Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2. Attention has now shifted towards Krrish 4, the next instalment in the superhero franchise that began with Koi… Mil Gaya in 2003.

Reports suggest that the upcoming film could mark Roshan’s directorial debut. The project is expected to feature an ambitious scale and time-travel elements while bringing back the superhero character that helped shape a generation of Indian cinema.

Meanwhile, fans praised Roshan’s youthful appearance and understated red-carpet look on social media. His namaste greeting also received considerable attention, with many appreciating the traditional gesture.

What His Appearance Means for Indian Cinema

Indian actors and filmmakers have represented the country at international festivals, award ceremonies and premieres for years. However, the LACMA gala brings together a different network of influential personalities, including art collectors, museum trustees, fashion leaders and Hollywood figures. Their interactions can help shape future collaborations and influence how international audiences view artists and film industries from different countries.

Whether Roshan’s appearance leads to international projects, further invitations for Indian filmmakers or greater recognition for mainstream Bollywood remains to be seen. Cultural recognition usually develops through sustained participation and long-term relationships rather than a single high-profile appearance.

The evening followed the gala’s traditional programme, with celebrity arrivals, dinner and tributes to the honourees. Nicole Kidman introduced Villeneuve, while BLACKPINK’s Rosé performed for the guests. An after-party continued the celebrations, while Chow’s farewell remarks marked the end of her 15-year association with the event.

Photographs of Roshan posing beneath the Urban Light installation and greeting photographers with folded hands soon circulated across Indian and international platforms. Although headlines focused on his achievement as the first mainstream Indian actor to attend the gala, the larger significance lies in the visibility he has brought to Indian cinema and the possibilities this could create for other Indian artists on global platforms.