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Denzel Washington, Natasha Lyonne and Spike Lee Honor Samuel L. Jackson: Inside MoMA’s 2024 Film Benefit Gala (PHOTOS)

Denzel Washington, Natasha Lyonne and Spike Lee were just some of the bold-faced names who honored Samuel L. Jackson at MoMA's Film Benefit.

“I’ve always believed that cinema has been and continues to be a powerful medium, transcends language, shifts societal paradigms and pushes us as audience and artist to see the world from the perspectives of others as we celebrate film tonight,” the actor said. “Let’s remember the power it has to change lives and inspire future generations that benefit from MoMA’s acquisition and preservation of films like the ones that ignited the dreams of a little Black kid sitting in a segregated Tennessee movie theater to be standing before you now. Presented in collaboration with Chanel, the gala featured tributes from Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Walton Goggins, Kenny Leon, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and MoMA’s chief curator of film Rajendra Roy along with pre-recorded messages from Scarlett Johansson, Brie Larson and George Lucas.

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