In a resplendent display of artistry and opulence, over 450 luminaries, patrons, and enthusiasts convened at the prestigious Cipriani South Street on a magical Monday evening, April 8, all in homage to the bastion of creativity that is the NYU Tisch School of the Arts 2024 Gala.
Here, amidst an aura of sophistication and reverence, the spotlight shone brightly upon illustrious Tisch alumni whose names resonate throughout the echelons of cinematic glory and musical eminence: the incomparable Oscar-winning auteur Ang Lee, the Golden Globe-nominated luminary Corey Stoll, and the multi-platinum songsmith Madison Love.
Current Tisch students adorned the stage, weaving intricate tapestries of performance in homage to these three luminaries. A constellation of distinguished guests graced the event, including the esteemed NYU Tisch Dean Allyson Green, the venerable NYU President Linda G. Mills, the esteemed Interim Provost of NYU, Georgina “Gigi” Dopico, and the venerable Chair of the NYU Board of Trustees, Evan Chesler.
Among the illustrious company were luminaries of the stage and screen, including the award-winning actor Kelly AuCoin, the Emmy-winning luminary Robert Carlock, the Grammy-winning virtuoso Henry Walter, better known as Cirkut, and the esteemed Emmy and Grammy-winning director Brett Morgen.
However, the true measure of the evening’s success lay not in the glitz and glamour, but in the benevolent generosity of spirit that permeated the gathering. A staggering sum of one million, two hundred thousand dollars was raised, a testament to the unwavering commitment to nurturing the nascent talents of Tisch students.
Dean Allyson Green encapsulated the essence of the evening: “Tonight, we celebrate not just the individual achievements of our honorees, but the collective brilliance of our community. Through the crucible of Tisch, our students emerge as torchbearers of creativity, armed with the tools to illuminate the world with their unique narratives.”
For Ang Lee, the accolade was not just a recognition of his illustrious career but a testament to the transformative power of education.
“NYU Tisch was my crucible of creativity, where I found my voice and forged lifelong connections,” Lee reminisced. “This award is a poignant reminder of the debt of gratitude I owe to this esteemed institution.”
Similarly, Madison Love, the embodiment of musical prowess, paid homage to the transformative influence of Tisch, declaring: “This school unlocked the melodies within me, propelling me towards a career beyond my wildest dreams. To be honored tonight is not just a recognition of my achievements but a celebration of the boundless possibilities that Tisch bestows upon its students.”
Stoll reflected on the profound impact of Tisch on his journey: “Tisch instilled in me the audacity to dream and the tenacity to pursue those dreams relentlessly. Tonight’s honor is not just a reflection of my accomplishments but a tribute to the indomitable spirit of this institution.”
As the evening unfolded, luminaries from across the artistic spectrum paid tribute to the honorees, underscoring the profound impact of Tisch on the cultural landscape. Jean Tsien, an Oscar and Emmy-nominated luminary, paid homage to Ang Lee, affirming, “Ang Lee is not just a cinematic luminary but a cultural ambassador whose work transcends boundaries. Tonight, we celebrate his indelible legacy.”
Spike Lee, in a heartfelt message, celebrated the bond shared with Ang Lee, declaring, “We’re the brothers Lee, united by a shared passion for storytelling. Ang’s success is a testament to the enduring legacy of Tisch.”
Clive Davis, the visionary behind the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, extolled the virtues of Madison Love, affirming, “Madison embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines Tisch. Her success is a harbinger of the bright future that awaits our students.”
Maggie Siff, in a poignant tribute to Corey Stoll, hailed him as a beacon of inspiration, affirming, “Corey’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of Tisch, where dreams take flight and boundaries dissolve.”
Indeed, the gala served as a poignant reminder of Tisch’s indelible imprint on the artistic landscape, a beacon of creativity that continues to inspire generations. As the evening drew to a close, amidst a crescendo of applause and adulation, one couldn’t help but marvel at the profound impact of Tisch on the world stage, a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and unite hearts in a symphony of creativity and hope.
