Denis Villeneuve Teases James Bond Pick at LACMA Gala
Director Denis Villeneuve joked he would name the next James Bond at LACMA's Art + Film gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night, then stopped mid-sentence. The event raised nearly $7 million, a new record, and Nicole Kidman presented his honor.
Director Denis Villeneuve pretended to reveal the next James Bond at the LACMA Art + Film gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night, then cut himself off mid-sentence. It was a joke, and the room heard it.
"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 said, causing an audible stir in the crowd.
"The actor who will play the next James Bond is..." he continued, pausing. Then he stopped. "And I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack," he said, laughing.
Casting talk on the red carpet
News broke Friday that Villeneuve and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are closing in on the new 007. Finalists include Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult, Callum Turner, Josh O'Connor and Jack Lowden.
On the red carpet, Villeneuve declined to discuss the speculation. "I should not comment right now because every word I'm going to say is going to be scrutinized," he said. "I would just say that I'm having a great time."
Dune: Part Three and the Bond film
Villeneuve arrived in a black Gucci tuxedo. He is finishing the 70mm Imax print of "Dune: Part Three" while starting work on his Bond movie.
He called the Dune finale "a very personal film and a project that is very close to my heart." He described it as "the completion of 10 years of work in the deep desert" and said it has been "a privilege of a lifetime."
Kidman presents the honor
Villeneuve and artist Vija Celmins were feted at the gala, which raised nearly $7 million and set a new record.
Nicole Kidman presented Villeneuve's honor. She said she had traveled 15 hours overnight from Australia to attend, despite never having worked with him. She joked, "I'm just going to disclose I have sweaty armpits."
Kidman said she had made a commercial for AMC Theaters about six years ago to champion returning to cinemas, inspired by films from directors like Villeneuve. She said she feels she has come to know "the deepest parts" of him through his films.
"That is what extraordinary filmmakers do. They let you in," Kidman said. "They invite you into their imaginations, into their dreams, into their questions, and into their fears."
