Leonardo DiCaprio attends amfAR Cannes Gala with stars at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, as art auctions broke the million-dollar mark in a dazzling night filled with celebrities and high-stakes bidding. The annual event, held during the Cannes Film Festival, brought together Hollywood icons, music legends, and renowned business figures to support research in the fight against AIDS.
Celebrities Turn Artists and Take the Stage
Adrien Brody, fresh from securing his second best actor Oscar, embraced a new artistic persona at the amfAR Cannes Gala by debuting his own original mixed media artwork portraying Marilyn Monroe. Wearing a sparkling black suit, Brody captivated a bustling celebrity crowd, momentarily shushing attendees before explaining the heartfelt inspiration behind his painting. Brody noted that Monroe’s portrait symbolizes
“what Marilyn’s life did not afford her”
: a chance to fully cherish life and accept its flaws.
He elaborated on the theme by stating the work highlights the way women are frequently portrayed in media. Brody wanted to shift the focus to celebrate inner worth, emphasizing that while beauty is often emphasized, what truly matters is what lies beneath the surface.
Celebrated Guests Join Lavish Festivities
The gala drew an impressive array of notable attendees, including DiCaprio, who spent much of the evening with his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti at his table. Other high-profile guests included Jeff Bezos—accompanied by fiancee Lauren Sánchez—Mariska Hargitay with Peter Hermann, Heidi Klum, Colman Domingo, Helen Mirren, and Michelle Rodriguez. The crowd also featured names such as Jeffrey Wright, his son Elijah, “Yellowstone” actor Ian Bohen, and Denzel Washington’s co-star Elijah, as reported from the scene.
Kevin Spacey was in attendance, keeping a low profile at a table toward the back, a marked contrast to earlier years when he hosted the gala. Spacey’s recent attempts at a professional resurgence saw him mostly with his entourage until he was greeted by Adam Lambert, who later entertained the guests with a Queen medley.
Art Breaks Records at the Auction
Brody’s Marilyn Monroe art piece fetched $425,000 at auction, drawing enthusiastic attention both for its price tag and its message. After its sale, Brody made his way directly to Leonardo DiCaprio, celebrating the moment with a warm embrace. Actor James Franco, another celebrity rekindling his connection to the industry, offered an artwork he had crafted over decades. Franco was welcomed onstage by auctioneer Simon du Pury, who called him an “outstanding human being,” and his donated artwork was sold for $368,000.
Performances and Powerful Appeals for a Cure
The evening’s five-hour dinner featured electrifying musical performances by Adam Lambert and Ciara, who delighted guests with hit songs like “1, 2 Step” and “Level Up.” Actress Taraji P. Henson took on hosting duties, steering the conversation toward the urgent mission at hand: funding lifesaving AIDS research.
We all have a part to play in bringing this global epidemic to an end. Together, tonight, let’s help amfAR find a cure for AIDS and get the job done,” Henson said, adding: “We’re here to support research that will save lives for generations to come.
—Taraji P. Henson, Gala Host
Luxury Experiences Stir Bidding Wars
Bidders vied for an impressive selection of auction items. One standout was a stay for sixteen at the extravagant mansion featured in
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,”
with Robin Thicke highlighting the property’s eleven swimming pools in a bid to spark a fierce contest. Ultimately, the luxurious getaway was auctioned for $368,000.
Another captivating moment came during a James Bond-inspired fashion show led by Cara Delevinge, with each era’s signature looks impressing onlookers. Amid enthusiastic bidding, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, shielded by bodyguards, purchased the entire fashion collection for a generous $510,000.
Other unique prizes included a walk-on part in a future Spike Lee film alongside courtside seats to a Knicks game with the acclaimed director. Taraji P. Henson injected humor and anticipation, inviting speculation on future stars before the package was claimed with a $454,000 winning bid.
A Night to Remember and Continued Impact
As the gala drew to a close, legendary band Duran Duran energized the remaining crowd with performances of classics such as “Notorious” and “Girls on Film.” Their set had the attendees—among them Kevin Spacey—up and dancing until the festivities transitioned into the afterparty.
By the end of the evening, the amfAR Cannes Gala not only showcased the remarkable presence of stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, and Lauren Sánchez, but also underscored the commitment of the entertainment and business communities to advancing medical research through generous philanthropy. With over a million dollars raised in headline auction lots alone, the event reinforced its reputation as one of the film festival’s most influential and memorable nights, with anticipation already building around what next year’s gala may bring.
