During the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, one of the Riviera’s most anticipated evenings once again transformed glamour into purpose. On May 21, the 32nd edition of the amfAR Gala Cannes brought together the worlds of cinema, fashion, music, philanthropy, and business at the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, raising an impressive $20 million for HIV/AIDS research—the highest amount generated by the event since 2016.
by L’Officiel Monaco
For more than three decades, the amfAR Gala has occupied a unique place within the Cannes Film Festival calendar. While premieres, red carpets, and yacht gatherings dominate headlines throughout the festival, the amfAR Gala remains the event where influence and visibility are directed toward a cause that has changed millions of lives worldwide.
This year’s gala was hosted by Academy Award-winning actress and activist Geena Davis, who opened the evening with a reminder of how close science may be to achieving what once seemed impossible.
“What once seemed impossible – a cure for HIV – is now within reach,” Davis told guests gathered beneath the Mediterranean night sky. “Tonight, we have gathered here to help make sure amfAR has the funds it needs to continue to charge the path toward that goal: an end to AIDS.”
The evening attracted an exceptional international guest list representing entertainment, fashion, sport, and philanthropy. Among those attending were Rami Malek, Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum, Sofia Carson, Coco Rocha, Paul Pogba, Natasha Poly, Izabel Goulart, Kevin Trapp, Petra Nemcova, Bar Refaeli, Holger Rune, Emma Thynn, Ed Westwick, Sara Sampaio, Georgia Fowler, Lisa Rinna, Tara Reid, Caroline Scheufele, Honey Dijon, Pia Wurtzbach, Brooks Nader, Robin Thicke and many others who gathered to support amfAR’s mission.
Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that the organization’s work extends far beyond a single fundraising gala. Since its founding in 1985, amfAR has invested more than $950 million in scientific research and awarded over 3,900 grants to researchers around the world. What began as a response to one of the most devastating health crises of the modern era has evolved into a leading force supporting innovation in virology, immunology, cancer research, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and other fields where understanding the immune system plays a critical role. One of the most personal moments of the evening came when amfAR Chief Executive Officer Kyle Clifford addressed the audience. Speaking openly about his own HIV diagnosis, Clifford reflected on the hope that scientific research had given him.
“What makes amfAR truly unique is this: we are the first to say ‘yes,’” he explained. “That is exactly what amfAR does for scientists. We help launch the ideas and discoveries others are not yet ready to back.”
His remarks highlighted a defining characteristic of the organization: providing early support to researchers pursuing groundbreaking ideas before they receive broader institutional funding. The impact of the Cannes gala itself was underscored by amfAR Board Co-Chair Kevin McClatchy, who reminded guests that the event has generated more than $300 million for research initiatives over the last three decades.
“What we do in the next decade could define the future of the HIV epidemic,” McClatchy told attendees. “We have countless breakthroughs—from HIV to cancer to aging—at our fingertips. You help turn them into a reality.”
The evening’s fundraising efforts were driven by a highly competitive live auction conducted by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury, whose energetic style has become a signature element of the gala. Bidding quickly escalated as guests competed for a series of extraordinary lots combining art, fashion, jewellery, luxury travel, entertainment, and unique experiences.
Among the most talked-about offerings were Andy Warhol’s celebrated Marilyn Monroe screenprints, a sculpture by contemporary artist Philip Colbert, exquisite diamond earrings from Chopard, and an exclusive Audemars Piguet x George Condo timepiece. Another standout lot was the one-of-a-kind DENZA x Chopard Z9GT automobile, while fans of popular culture eagerly pursued a walk-on role in the sixth season of the Netflix series Emily in Paris. The experience was presented by actor William Abadie, one of the show’s recognizable cast members.
Fashion once again played a central role in the gala’s identity through the annual runway presentation curated by Carine Roitfeld. A longtime supporter of amfAR and one of fashion’s most influential creative figures, Roitfeld conceived this year’s show under the theme “IDOLS.”
The collection celebrated iconic personalities from the worlds of cinema, music, and art through a series of one-of-a-kind looks created exclusively for the event. Haute Joaillerie creations from Chopard accompanied the runway looks, while renowned latex couture designer Atsuko Kudo provided all-latex pieces featured throughout the presentation.
Participating fashion houses represented some of the industry’s most influential names, including Acne Studios, Alaïa, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared2, GCDS, Harris Reed, Jacquemus, Jitrois Paris, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Nina Ricci, Prada, The Attico, Tom Ford, Vivienne Westwood, Willy Chavarria, and Saint Laurent.
The fashion show generated significant enthusiasm among attendees and became one of the evening’s strongest fundraising moments. Eva Longoria, serving as an event chair and longtime supporter of amfAR, joined Simon de Pury on stage to help auction the collection, encouraging spirited bidding from guests determined to secure pieces unavailable anywhere else.
Photographer: Yaro @monacophotographerr