Cannes dresses well for many occasions. Few, however, match the grandeur of the Knights of Charity Gala, a night where the French Riviera’s most beautiful estate becomes the stage for a meaningful evening. The 2026 edition, held on May 20th during the 79th Cannes Film Festival, channeled its proceeds toward children’s and humanitarian causes; among them, children in need, children’s education, children’s hospitals, children’s mental health, the fight against child trafficking, natural and humanitarian disaster relief, poverty, the environment, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS.
By Luc Durant
Photo Credits Getty Images
Cannes dresses well for many occasions. Few, however, match the grandeur of the Knights of Charity Gala, a night where the French Riviera’s most beautiful estate becomes the stage for a meaningful evening. The 2026 edition, held on May 20th during the 79th Cannes Film Festival, channeled its proceeds toward children’s and humanitarian causes; among them, children in need, children’s education, children’s hospitals, children’s mental health, the fight against child trafficking, natural and humanitarian disaster relief, poverty, the environment, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS.
A Château Built for Moments Like This
Perched above the coastline with panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea, the Château de la Croix des Gardes has never needed an introduction. Built in 1919 for Swiss industrialist Paul Girod and set within ten hectares of Italian-style gardens, the estate famously served as a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief in 1955, welcoming Cary Grant and Grace Kelly to its terraces. Later acquired by Perrier owner Gustave Leven, who lent it the nickname “Villa Perrier,” the property is today owned by Christopher Parker, who makes it available for the gala.
On the evening of May 20th, the château opened its doors again for an international gathering of celebrities, philanthropists, and distinguished guests who came dressed to the nines and prepared to give. The 360-degree views over the bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, and the Estérel hills created a backdrop few venues on earth could rival. The atmosphere balanced intimacy with spectacle.
The Cause at the Center
The Knights of Charity Gala exists for an important cause: helping children and supporting humanitarian work. Built around the belief that “giving is the new winning,” the organization has become a meeting point for philanthropists, artists, founders, and friends who gather to turn influence into tangible support for the most significant causes worldwide, from children in need to humanitarian disaster relief, environmental protection, and the fight against child trafficking.
Guests were welcomed into a carefully composed black-tie program: a seated gala dinner, an auction in support of the cause, live moments of performance, and recognition for exceptional philanthropic contribution. The auction was conducted by Simon de Pury, the Swiss auctioneer and former Sotheby’s Europe chairman known as “the Mick Jagger of auctions”
The Guests Who Showed Up
Cannes has no shortage of impressive rooms, but the Knights of Charity Gala fills its guest list with purpose. The evening drew a well-curated cross-section of contemporary influence: royalty, screen talent, models, and philanthropic figures who lend real social capital to a cause.
Photo Credits Getty Images
Chantal Monaghan
Monaghan wore a bespoke House of Nitka gown; a sculpted, sheer embellished mesh design by the Dubai-based couture house, with a high neck and long sleeves that caught the low evening light against the gala backdrop.
Photo Credits Getty Images
Helena Christensen
The Danish supermodel arrived in a sheer black lace gown by Roberto Cavalli, with a lace-up plunging neckline and tiered ruffled sleeves. She accessorized with fine jewelry from Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, drop earrings, and a ring.
Photo Credits Getty Images
Andy Garcia
The actor and longtime philanthropic supporter of the gala arrived in a sharply cut black double-breasted tuxedo with a polka-dot bow tie. The Knights of Charity organization publicly thanked him for his generosity and support.
Photo Credits Getty Images
Robin Thicke & April Love Geary
Singer Robin Thicke walked in alongside his wife, model April Love Geary, who wore a powder-blue sequined halter-neck gown. The pair was captured sharing a kiss against the gala’s backdrop, a candid moment on an elegant evening.
Photo Credits Getty Images
Sharon Stone
Stone served as godmother for the 2026 edition and made her arrival count in a metallic molten gold-and-silver pantsuit, layered over a simple black blouse with daring sheer detailing on the trousers. She finished the look with a layered beaded necklace and diamond stud earrings, her wavy bob styled with a side parting.
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Maren Tschinkel
The German model arrived in a custom-made Elisabetta Franchi burgundy satin halter gown with a sculpted high neck and a long sweeping train, finished with a sleek low ponytail. She paired the look with chandelier diamond earrings and statement rings by Damiani.
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Isabeli Fontana
The Brazilian supermodel made a sweeping entrance in a bronze chiffon gown from Georges Chakra’s Fall/Winter 2024–2025 Couture collection, the ruched bodice and structured cut-outs giving the piece its quiet drama as the chiffon trailed behind her on the carpet.
Photo Credits Getty Images
Cindy Bruna
The French model and Solidarité Femmes ambassador chose a look from Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection: a sheer black high-neck lace blouse with ruffled cuffs, paired with tailored black trousers.