Amidst the sweet melodies performed by The MOCA Gala Symphony Orchestra, luminaries from art, fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy united at The Geffen Contemporary in Los Angeles for the 2026 Museum of Contemporary Art Gala. Presented by Maria Seferian, this year’s gala celebrated MOCA Trustee Eugenio López Alonso and acclaimed artists Kara Walker and Paul McCarthy. With over 500 guests in attendance, the evening raised more than $3 million to support MOCA’s exhibitions, operations, and educational programs.

The evening was hosted by dancer and creative Stephen Galloway, who guided the night’s festivities. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a series of interventions spearheaded by Los Angeles artist Piero Golia. The MOCA Gala Symphony Orchestra delivered a live, choreographed performance conducted by Benjamin Schwartz. While cocktails were served inside the galleries, guests were immersed in the artistic spirit by an installation paying tribute to McCarthy and Walker. Culinary visionaries Laila Gohar and Chris Kronner crafted a menu featuring stuffed cabbage with English pea vinaigrette, wild king salmon, and a seven-foot-tall vanilla cake with chocolate ganache.

Highlighting the honorees’ impact, artist and Board of Trustees member Tala Madani reflected on McCarthy’s influence across generations. Hamza Walker, director of The Brick, honored his MONUMENTS co-curator, Walker, for her work on Unmanned Drone, which has joined MOCA’s permanent collection. Carolyn Clark Powers, Chair of the MOCA Board of Trustees, recognized López Alonso for his two decades of support and philanthropy.

Highlighting MOCA’s role as a nucleus of creativity and contemporary culture, notable attendees included Ava DuVernay, Supriya Ganesh, Balthazar and Rosetta Getty, Minka Kelly, Jarl Mohn, Keanu Reeves, Dan Reynolds, Rufus Wainwright, and Sonya Yu.

Photos by Jojo Korsh, BFA.com / Jason Sean Weiss, BFA.com / Stefanie Keenan, Getty Images / Emma McIntyre, Getty Images.