The 30th annual amfAR gala, held in Cannes during the film festival, saw the attendance of many big names in the entertainment industry, including Demi Moore, Michelle Yeoh, Heidi Klum, and Paris Jackson. The event, hosted by Moore, aimed to raise funds for AIDS research, a cause that has been supported by the foundation since 1985. The red carpet at the exclusive Hôtel du Cap, Eden Roc, was graced by models, actors, singers, and fashion designers, making it the hottest event in town. The gala featured a star-studded guest list and saw attendees bidding on various art pieces and experiences to raise money for the cause.
One of the highlights of the evening was Rowland addressing a controversy she faced earlier in the week at Cannes, where she appeared to have an altercation with security on the red carpet. Rowland stood by her boundaries and expressed her stance on the issue, stating that she felt the need to stand her ground in the situation. Despite the incident, Rowland attended the gala and showed her support for the important cause of AIDS research. Many other celebrities, including Robin Thicke, Diplo, and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, were also in attendance, enjoying the night of philanthropy and entertainment.
The gala kicked off with champagne and cocktails under the stars, where guests mingled and took selfies while enjoying the luxurious surroundings of the hotel. The evening featured an auction of various art pieces, including an iconic Andy Warhol lithograph of Elizabeth Taylor, which raised a significant amount for the charity. Another highlight of the auction was a hand-drawn picture of the Queen with Swarovski crystals, auctioned off by Sarah Ferguson, who urged diners to bid generously. The guests were treated to a sumptuous meal while being entertained by performances from artists like Jess Glynne.
A fashion runway show curated by Carine Roitfeld showcased a collection entitled “Fairy Tales,” featuring looks from top fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. The collection was auctioned off to the highest bidder, raising a substantial amount for the charity. In addition to the fashion show, experiences such as a walk-on part in the series “Emily in Paris” and an invite to the LA premiere of the show were also auctioned off, adding excitement to the fundraising efforts. The night concluded with performances by Nick Jonas and Cher, who paid tribute to Elizabeth Taylor with a high-energy performance of “Believe.”
Overall, the 30th annual amfAR gala was a successful and glamorous evening, filled with philanthropy, entertainment, and awareness for the important cause of AIDS research. The event raised significant funds to support research, prevention, treatment education, and advocacy for HIV/AIDS, continuing the foundation’s efforts since 1985. The star-studded guest list, luxurious setting, and exciting auction items made the gala a memorable and impactful event in Cannes, highlighting the generosity and support of the entertainment industry in the fight against AIDS.
