• 23 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Stars Gather at amfAR Gala to Raise Millions for AIDS Research.

Celebrities gathered in Antibes, France, for the annual amfAR Gala on Thursday night, raising substantial funds for AIDS research through high-profile auctions and star-studded performances.

The event took place at the iconic Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc during the Cannes Film Festival and featured guests such as Adrien Brody, Spike Lee, Michelle Rodriguez, Colman Domingo, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, and Heidi Klum.

A wide range of exclusive items were auctioned, including artwork by Brody and James Franco, and a courtside Knicks game experience with Spike Lee. Rodriguez auctioned off a Dodge Charger used in *Fast X*, which sold for 475,000 euros (about \$537,000). A pair of Chopard yellow-diamond earrings went for 400,000 euros (\$452,000).

Brody’s artwork, including lunch with the artist, sold for 375,000 euros, while Franco’s piece raised 325,000 euros, also paired with a lunch. A painting by George Condo from May 2025 fetched the night’s highest bid at 1.15 million euros (\$1.26 million).

Spike Lee made an unannounced appearance on stage to offer a walk-on role in his next film, later adding courtside tickets to a Knicks game, which helped push the bid to 400,000 euros.

Live entertainment included performances by Ciara, Adam Lambert, and Duran Duran, with guests gathering around the stage to sing along to hits like “Notorious” and “A View to a Kill.”

A fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld, inspired by the James Bond franchise, featured 27 models walking through the dining area and engaging with attendees. The entire collection was auctioned off as a single lot, earning 450,000 euros (\$509,000).

The gala supports amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research), a nonprofit organization that funds global HIV/AIDS research, prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1985, amfAR has raised nearly \$950 million and awarded over 3,800 research grants worldwide.

Louise Dixon, who has reported on the event for over a decade, recalled previous memorable auction items including a soccer game with David Beckham, a private performance by Andrea Bocelli, and lunch with Robert De Niro—combined, these raised more than 2 million euros.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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