Cannes 2024: Demi Moore, Cher and more stars raise funds for AIDS research at amfAR festival

Cannes 2024: Demi Moore, Cher and more stars raise funds for AIDS research at amfAR festival

Cher (left) and Demi Moore pose for photographers as they arrive for the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, southern France, during the 77th Cannes International Film Festival. Photo credit: Vianne Le Carré

Some of the biggest stars of the French Riviera Cannes Film Festival Appeared at the 30th annual amfAR gala to raise money for AIDS research.

Demi Moore, whose film “The Substance” caused a stir in Cannes, hosted this year’s festival, a role originated by Elizabeth Taylor in 1993.

The red carpet at the exclusive Hotel du Cap, Eden Roc, was lined with models, actors, singers and fashion designers, as well as many of the festival’s key figures who paid thousands of euros for a table at the city’s most popular event.

Demi Moore speaks onstage during the amfAR Cannes Gala 30th edition presented by Chopard and the Red Sea International Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Demi Moore speaks onstage during the amfAR Cannes Gala 30th edition presented by Chopard and the Red Sea International Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Photo credit: Andreas Rentz

Michelle Yeoh, Heidi Klum, Kelly Rowland, Andie MacDowell, Diane Kruger, Colman Domingo, Michelle Rodriguez, Winnie Harlow, Robin Thicke, Diplo, Paris Jackson, Petra Nemcova, Caroline Kurkova, Natasha Poly and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, all attended the fundraiser event.

Rowland spoke about the Cannes controversy earlier in the week, where she had a confrontation with security guards on the red carpet.

“The woman knows what happened. I know what happened. And, I have boundaries, and I stick to those boundaries, and that’s it. And there were other women on that carpet who didn’t look exactly like me, and they weren’t scolded, or pushed or told to get off,” Roland said“And, I stuck to my point and he felt he should have stuck to his point, but I stuck to my point and that was it.”

Kelly Rowland poses during a photocall for guest arrivals at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 in Antibes, France

Kelly Rowland poses during a photocall for arriving guests at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 in Antibes, France | Photo Credit: Clodagh Kilcoyne

As usual, the night began with champagne and cocktails under the stars. The hotel’s vast walkway was transformed into a carpet of red glitter all the way to the ocean, although this year there were no gleaming super yachts blocking the horizon.

Guests at the black-tie charity event drank champagne, margaritas, palomas and vodka martinis and posed for numerous selfies and photos.

Many of the artworks and sculptures featured in the auction were on display at the complex, including a coveted hand-signed Andy Warhol lithograph of Taylor that later raised 350,000 euros ($378,289).

A specially commissioned hand-painted portrait of the queen with Swarovski crystals on an aluminium frame by royal artist Chris Levine reached 475,000 euros ($513,392) for charity. Sarah Ferguson took to the stage to help auction off the lot, imploring diners to say “that was my mother-in-law” and “stop being so bored, stop looking at your phones”.

Heidi Klum and Lenny Olumi Klum pose during a photocall for guest arrivals at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 in Antibes, France

Heidi Klum and Lenny Olumi Klum pose during a photocall for guest arrivals at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2024 in Antibes, France | Photo credit: Clodagh Kilcoyne

Guests were served a starter of truffled zucchini flowers with mushroom cream, followed by a dessert of beef brulee with potato emulsion and strawberry and elderflower profiterole to a live soundtrack of Jess Glynne’s opening performance, while auctioneers invited bids.

During dinner, guests paused to walk onto a temporary catwalk and line the tables for the fashion runway show, which is curated each year by Carine Roitfeld and auctioned off to the highest bidder. This year’s collection, titled “Fairy Tales,” included 26 looks from the likes of Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and Prada. The collection ultimately sold for 500,000 euros ($540,412), with models gathering on stage to help the auctioneer raise his bid.

As part of the experiences offered, an invitation to attend “Emily in Paris” Series 5, as well as the L.A. premiere of Season 4, sold for 250,000 euros ($270,262).

(L-R) Fereta Radic, Mariacarla Boscono, Piergiorgio Del Moro, Valérie Kaufman, Mattea Bracus, Heidi Klum and Mike Inga on stage during the 30th edition of the amfAR Cannes Gala presented by Chopard and the Red Sea International Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

(L-R) Fereta Radic, Mariacarla Boscono, Piergiorgio Del Moro, Valérie Kaufman, Mattea Brakus, Heidi Klum and Mike Inga on stage during the amfAR Cannes Gala 30th edition presented by Chopard and the Red Sea International Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Photo credit: Andreas Rentz

Nick Jonas brought his brother Joe on stage and performed a medley that got the whole room dancing, and then Cher closed the show with a tribute to Taylor and a rousing performance of “Believe” with dancing dancers. The after-party continued with Diplo at the hotel’s swimming pool and guests enjoyed more drinks while dancing outside until the wee hours.

amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) is dedicated to supporting AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education and advocacy, having raised nearly $900 million in support of its programs since 1985.

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