Samuel L. Jackson Honored by Denzel Washington at MoMA Film Benefit

Samuel L. Jackson was honored Thursday at the Museum of Modern’s 2024 Film Benefit in New York City.

“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. Let’s continue to tell the stories that matter, stories that move us and stories that unite us.”

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.

The evening closed with a performance by Grammy winner TEMS, who was introduced by actress Danielle Deadwyler.

See best from the night below.