The British Film Institute (BFI) held its 2024 Luminous Gala to support the preservation of its extensive film and television archive. The star-studded event saw appearances from actors and filmmakers, all gathering to raise significant funds for the BFI National Archive, which serves as a monumental catalog of British cinema history.Daisy Edgar-Jones, Felicity Jones, Josh O’Connor, Steve McQueen, and many more celebrate a night of cinematic preservation.

A Night of Glamor and Generosity for British Cinema Preservation

Not even the pouring rain of London could stop the glitterati from gathering for the British Film Institute’s 2024 Luminous Gala, an event that brings together some of the film world’s most celebrated figures. Held biennially, this gala aims to support the BFI National Archive—one of the world’s most comprehensive film and television collections. Among its treasures are rare Chaplin outtakes and significant films like The Bridge on the River Kwai, providing a vital social history of Britain through its cinematic legacy.

Hosted by the lively Sue Perkins, the night opened with a blend of humor and earnestness. Perkins kicked off the evening with the line, “You’re here because you’re talented, beautiful, but most importantly, because you’re generous,” setting the tone for a night focused on fundraising for a crucial cause. Her quip, paired with the understanding that film preservation is an expensive and time-sensitive endeavor, struck a chord with the attendees.

Apple’s creative director for Europe, Jay Hunt, spoke with equal parts wit and urgency, driving home the importance of support for the archive. “Many of you have begged for film funding,” she said. “Well, tonight, we are the ones begging: Please give generously.” And they did, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds through a live auction and online bidding. The precise figure remains private, but the impact is unmistakable.

The event featured a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, and musical performances by Marisha Wallace, but the real entertainment came from the star-studded guest list. In attendance were Daisy Edgar-Jones, Josh O’Connor, Felicity Jones, Steve McQueen, and many more from across the film spectrum. Actors Marisa Abela, Emma Naomi, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Boy George were just a few of the personalities who added glamor to the evening.

Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton, Chanel’s global ambassador and a BFI fellow, presented the prestigious BFI and Chanel Filmmaker Awards. This year’s recipients—Luna Carmoon, Pinny Grylls, and Naqqash Khalid—each received 20,000 British pounds to support their future projects, ensuring new voices in British cinema are given a platform to shine.

Swinton’s words echoed the values of the night: “These films take no prisoners. They speak with urgency, reflecting untold stories and offering new perspectives, which is the heart of cinema.” Luna Carmoon expressed her gratitude, noting how awards like this provide the most valuable resource to filmmakers: time.

As the evening closed, BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts remarked, “We are the custodians of over 100 years of moving images, and our job is not only to preserve them but to bring them into homes, schools, and communities across the country. This work cannot continue without the generosity of the industry, and tonight proves we are on the right track.” The night was a celebration of British cinema’s past, present, and future—a reminder of the importance of preserving the moving images that have shaped the nation’s cultural identity.