amfAR Gala Cannes raises more than $15 million for HIV/AIDS research

In May 24, 2019 – The 26th annual amfAR Gala Cannes raised more than $15 million  in support of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and its pursuit of a cure for HIV/AIDS. The star-studded black-tie event held at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, during the Cannes Film Festival, was presented by Chopard, JOLLYONE, and Young Merry Real International Group.

The evening opened with a surprise performance by Austrian operatic tenor Andreas Schager, whose powerful rendition of “Nessun Dorma” set the stage for a spectacular line-up of musical guests. Global superstar Mariah Carey had the audience singing along to her chart- topping hits “Emotions” and “Always Be My Baby.” Legendary singer Tom Jones performed iconic songs such as “Soul of a Man” and “It’s Not Unusual.”  British rock band The Struts performed their hit single “Body Talks”. The night concluded with an electrifying performance by Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter Dua Lipa, who had guests dancing with hits “One Kiss,” “Electricity,” “IDGAF,” and “New Rules.” Charli XCX continued the night’s entertainment at the exclusive After Party.a

Event Host Chris Tucker welcomed guests and introduced longtime amfAR supporter and amfAR Ambassador Milla Jovovich, who emphasized that funds raised during the evening directly impact amfAR’s lifesaving research efforts, which are “bringing us closer and closer to a cure.” She then thanked the event’s sponsors for their generosity and welcomed amfAR Chairman of the Board William H. Roedy to the stage.
Roedy shared the staggering fact that in the past year, over one million people died of HIV/AIDS, which remains “the worst pandemic in modern history.” He commended the tremendous progress being made and emphasized the importance of the evening, as this event has made it possible to “launch a new set of investments.” amfAR’s IciStem consortium has  played a central role in the recent case of the London patient, who may be only the second person to have been cured of HIV.

Guests took Mr. Roedy’s words to heart and bid generously in the evening’s live auction, which included a variety of one-of-a kind luxury items and experiences, many of which were introduced by celebrities in the room. Simon de Pury and Aileen Agopian were the auctioneers. Highlights of the auction included Takashi Murakami’s platinumYume Lion sculpture that sold for $2 million, a Vita electric power boat that sold for $1.2 million, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, which sold for $670,000; and a Gualtiero Vanelli marble Mickey Mouse sculpture, which sold for $500,000. A stunning feature of the evening was the We Can Be Heroes Collection fashion show curated by longtime amfAR supporter Carine Roitfeld. The collection featured one-of-a-kind looks from the world's most celebrated fashion houses. Participating designers included Balmain, Bosideng, Celine, Chanel, Dior, DSQUARED2, Fendi, Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Off-White, Prada, Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, Versace, and more. The show was accessorized with High Jewelry by Chopard. Some of the world’s top models participated in the runway presentation, including Cindy Bruna, Winnie Harlow, Elsa Hosk, Martha Hunt, Kendall Jenner, Stella Maxwell, Sara Sampaio, Josephine Skriver, and more. The We Can Be Heroes Collection was auctioned off in its entirety for over $1.15 million.