All the Best Moments (and Lewks) From amfAR’s $15 Million Cannes Gala

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

Notable attendees included Tommy Hilfiger, Kendall and Kris Jenner, Adriana Lima, Luka Sabbat, Lucky Blue Smith, Jasmine Tookes, Christoph Waltz, Rebel Wilson, Pamela Anderson, Patricia Arquette, Antonio Banderas, Jordan Barrett, Ana Beatriz Barros, Odell Beckham Jr., Orlando Bloom, Nina Dobrev, Chiara Ferragni, Winnie Harlow, and many more.

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.

Chris Tucker (Getty Images)

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.

Milla Jovovich, Bill Roedy (Getty Images)

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 platinum Yume 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.

Yume Lion by Takashi Murakami (Ryan Emberley)

The evening was chock full of amazing musical performaces as well, starting with a surprise performance by Austrian operatic tenor Andreas Schager performing a powerful rendition of “Nessun Dorma.” Next, Mariah Carey had the audience singing along to her classic hits “Emotions” and “Always Be My Baby,” followed by Tom Jones performing “Soul of a Man” and “It’s Not Unusual.”  British rock band The Struts performed their hit song “Body Talks” and the night concluded with a performance by Dua Lipa, who got guests out of their seats and dancing with her songs “One Kiss,” “Electricity,” “IDGAF,” and “New Rules.” Finally, Charli XCX continued the night’s entertainment at the exclusive afterparty.

Of course, the most stunning feature of the evening was the We Can Be Heroes Collection fashion show, curated Carine Roitfeld. The collection featured one-of-a-kind looks from the world’s top designers, included Balmain, 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 fine jewelry by Chopard and some of the world’s top models walked the runway, including Cindy Bruna, Winnie Harlow, Elsa Hosk, Martha Hunt, Kendall Jenner, Stella Maxwell, Sara Sampaio, Josephine Skriver, and more. Follwoing the show, the collection was auctioned off in its entirety for over $1.15 million.

Check out more pictures from the event below. 

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