BEST BETS Thursday 3/29

COSTA MESA

all day

ART

Still-life paintings have long inspired artists who want to explore beauty through forms and effects or make personal expressions. The Orange County Museum of Art pulls from its collection to present works of still-lifes by Matteo Sandona, George Brandiff, David Hockney, Patssi Valdez and others. The show is curated by Sarah Vure.

* “Still-Lifes From the Collection,” Orange County Museum of Art, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Ends April 29. Free. (949) 759-1122.

NEWPORT BEACH

7pm

Film

The Newport Beach Film Festival begins its second annual run with an opening-night gala featuring a screening of “The Sting” with producer Tony Bill, screenwriter David S. Ward and cast members Charles Durning and Sally Kirkland among those attending. It costs $30 to $75 for a movie, dinner and a party, for the festival’s five gala screenings. But that leaves 51 feature films--including pictures from 17 countries--and 14 programs of short films for the regular $5 admission fee as the festival continues through April 5. In many cases, filmmakers will be available after screenings for question-and-answer sessions. The festival also includes free seminars on Saturday and Sunday about the art and business of filmmaking, with professional screenwriters, cinematographers, directors, composers and special-effects and makeup experts taking part in moderated panel discussions.

* The Newport Beach Film Festival, Edwards Newport Cinemas, 300 Newport Center Drive. Friday through April 5 at Edwards Island Cinemas, 999 Newport Center Drive. $30 to $75 for gala events, $5 for general screenings. Festival information: (949) 253-2880. Titles, descriptions and screening schedules available at https://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.