Fall gala season is in full swing with its annual marathon of lavish events drawing influential and powerful figures. Across New York, actors, musicians, politicians, philanthropists and executives, dressed in their finest, schmooze over multicourse dinners and exclusive performances as major institutions appeal to some of the city’s wealthiest residents for financial support and cultural cachet.

Previous stops in this continuing series have included the opening nights of the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet and Carnegie Hall, as well as the star-packed Albie Awards. See who was out, what they wore and how much was raised.

Wednesday, oct. 23

Samuel L. Jackson Celebrated at MoMA

At long, candlelit tables inside the Museum of Modern Art’s atrium on Wednesday night, more than 250 actors, directors and artists — many in head-to-toe Chanel, a sponsor of the event — gathered for the museum’s 16th annual film benefit gala, which honored the actor Samuel L. Jackson for his career.

“He’s a good man, he’s a good father, he’s a good husband, he’s a great actor,” said the actor Denzel Washington, a close friend of Mr. Jackson’s for more than 40 years.