Gala

See photos from our enchanting 2025 Gala held on October 24, 2025 at The Civic Theater.

The 2025 Gala was hosted by the incomparable Judith Owen, will honor some of today’s most inspiring voices in film and music:

Lucinda Williams — Lifetime Achievement in Music and Film

Darcy McKinnon —  Lumière Award

Guests savored extraordinary tasting experiences — from craft cocktails to caviar — featuring signature dishes from some of New Orleans’ most celebrated restaurants. Bid on incredible one-of-a-kind items during our thrilling live auction, and enjoyed an exclusive performance by Grammy Award–winning artist Nathaniel Rateliff, joined by special musical guests.

See photos from the Gala here.

With only 250 seats available, this promises to be the most intimate and dazzling Gala of the year. We would be honored to celebrate with you.

Date: Friday, October 24, 2025

Location: The Civic Theater

Time: 7:00 PM

Tickets on sale September 15, 2025

Table (10 top): $5,000

Tickets: $500

Attire: Red Carpet Cocktail

Cuisine generously provided by:
Altima Caviar
Brechtel Hospitality
Commander’s Palace
Galatoire’s
Li’l Dizzy Cafe
Link Restaurant Group
The Chloe

Gala Committee:
Chair: Stephen Rehage
Laura Ashley
Valerie Lamb
Greg Lucas
Doug Spearman
Melissa Townsend

Don’t miss this special evening bringing together filmmakers, celebrities, patrons, and industry leaders for an unforgettable night supporting NOFS’s year-round independent filmmaker programs.

The gala is NOFS’s largest fundraiser and directly supports the work of independent filmmakers. Each year, the New Orleans Film Society honors noted figures in the film industry, especially the Louisiana film industry. Past galas have honored film professionals and local film supporters including John Goodman (2011), the Beasts of the Southern Wild director, Benh Zeitlin (2012), Matthew McConaughey (2015) – who delivered his famous love letter to New Orleans, the cast of NCIS New Orleans (2016), Susan Brennan (2019), Alexa Georges (2022), and Elston Howard (2023) and Edward Buckles Jr (2023).

Thank you to all who joined, supported, and honored the New Orleans Film Society at our previous galas.

See photos from our enchanting 2024 Gala honoring Bryan Batt as our Celluloid Hero held on April 13th at Kevin Kelly’s Townhouse and the 735 Camp St Warehouse space in the Downtown Arts District. See photos of the Patron Party here, the Gala here, and the Red Carpet here.

See photos from our beautiful 2023 Gala honoring Elston Howard as our Celluloid Hero and Edward Buckles Jr as our first Rising Star held on April 22nd at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport here and here. 

See photos from the magnificent 2022 Gala honoring Alexa Georges held on April 2nd at the Four Seasons New Orleans on our Instagram page and Facebook album.

See photos from the 2019 30th Anniversary Gala honoring Susan Brennan at the enchanting Farrell Estate on St. Charles Avenue here.

See photos from the 2018 Midnight in the Garden Gala here and step & repeat here.

See photos from the 2017 Gala at the Magnolia Mansion here.

See photos from the 2016 Gala honoring the cast of NCIS New Orleans here.

See photos from the 2015 Gala honoring Matthew McConaughey here.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Please join us in embracing our community guidelines at all NOFS events by:

• Acknowledging with gratitude the land we occupy as the colonized Indigenous space known first as Bulbancha
• Sustaining authentic relationships with our neighbors, especially the Afro-descendent communities that continually shape New Orleans
• Including people equitably of every race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, ability, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, age, physical appearance, language, citizenship, and socioeconomic status
• Protecting each other’s health amidst an ongoing global pandemic
• Treating others with dignity and respect, especially NOFS volunteers and staff implementing NOFS policies and procedures
• Enjoying alcohol and other refreshments responsibly and mindfully

We will not permit:

• Disruptive behavior of any kind that interferes with NOFS events
• Non-compliance with the direction of NOFS staff and volunteers regarding NOFS policies and procedures
• Verbal or physical harassment, including abusive language and gestures, threats, cursing, or sexual language directed at others
• Any form of discrimination or harassment, including, but not limited to, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, sexism, or body shaming
• Using firearms or other dangerous weapons in NOFS spaces to intimidate or harm volunteers, staff, or attendees

By purchasing a ticket and entering NOFS event spaces, you agree to join us in this Code of Conduct. If you are found to be in violation of these agreements, you may be removed from events by a designated staff member. If you witness or experience a violation of these agreements, we encourage you to report the incident anonymously via this form or by email at info@neworleansfilmsociety.org.

By entering NOFS event spaces, you consent to photography and recording (audio and video) and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by NOFS and its affiliates and representatives.