Step into the vibrant, musical world of La La Land (2016), the critically acclaimed romantic drama directed by Damien Chazelle. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, this modern classic tells the bittersweet story of two ambitious artists — a jazz musician and an aspiring actress — chasing their dreams in Los Angeles while navigating love, sacrifice, and ambition.
Think you remember every song, dance number, and emotional moment? Test your knowledge with our 10-question trivia challenge and see if you’re truly a fan of this Oscar-winning masterpiece. Only true dreamers will score a perfect 10!
La La Land (2016) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who directed La La Land (2016)?
Correct Answer: Damien Chazelle
La La Land was directed by Damien Chazelle, who previously directed Whiplash. Chazelle’s vision blended classic Hollywood musicals with a modern love story set in Los Angeles. His direction was praised for its vibrant cinematography, heartfelt storytelling, and musical spectacle, earning him an Academy Award for Best Director.
- Who plays the role of Sebastian, the jazz musician?
Correct Answer: Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling stars as Sebastian Wilder, a passionate jazz pianist who dreams of opening his own jazz club. Gosling’s performance, combined with his own piano playing and natural charm, added authenticity and depth to the character’s struggles and ambitions.
- Who plays Mia, the aspiring actress?
Correct Answer: Emma Stone
Emma Stone portrays Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress working as a barista on a studio lot while auditioning for roles. Stone’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, capturing Mia’s vulnerability, determination, and emotional journey.
- In which city is La La Land set?
Correct Answer: Los Angeles
The film is set in Los Angeles, the city of dreamers, where people come to pursue their artistic ambitions. The city’s iconic locations — from Griffith Observatory to the Hollywood Hills — serve as a colorful backdrop for the love story and musical numbers.
- What is Sebastian’s dream in the film?
Correct Answer: To open a jazz club
Sebastian’s lifelong dream is to open a jazz club and preserve the legacy of traditional jazz music. His passion for jazz is central to the film’s narrative and serves as both a source of inspiration and tension in his relationship with Mia.
- What is the name of the band Sebastian temporarily joins?
Correct Answer: The Messengers
Sebastian reluctantly joins a modern jazz-pop band called The Messengers, led by his old acquaintance Keith, played by John Legend. While the band’s commercial success offers financial security, it conflicts with Sebastian’s artistic values and distances him from his dream.
- What color dress does Mia wear during the iconic dance scene at Griffith Park?
Correct Answer: Yellow
Mia wears a bright yellow dress during the iconic “A Lovely Night” dance scene with Sebastian at Griffith Park. The dress, paired with the vivid Los Angeles sunset, became one of the most visually memorable images from the film, symbolizing hope and joy.
- Which song from La La Land won the Academy Award for Best Original Song?
Correct Answer: City of Stars
“City of Stars,” performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The melody, lyrics, and melancholic tone perfectly capture the film’s themes of dreams, love, and the bittersweet nature of ambition.
- How many Academy Awards did La La Land win?
Correct Answer: 6
La La Land won six Academy Awards out of fourteen nominations, including Best Director (Damien Chazelle), Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song (“City of Stars”). The film’s combination of music, visuals, and storytelling earned widespread critical acclaim.
- What is the main theme of La La Land?
Correct Answer: Dreams, love, and sacrifice
At its heart, La La Land is a story about the pursuit of dreams and the sacrifices made along the way. The film explores how love and ambition can intersect and conflict, showing how the characters’ personal aspirations shape — and ultimately separate — their relationship. Its bittersweet ending underscores the idea that achieving dreams often comes at a personal cost.
