Cannes Film Festival: Stars Gather for amfAR Gala at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France

Heidi Klum and husband Tom Kaulitz talking to journalists on the red (blue) carpet at the amfAR Gala in Cannes. Cover picture of Lais Ribeiro and all photographs by Elli Ioannou for DAM in France.

On a warm, summery evening high up in the hills above the French Riviera, the amfAR gala was getting underway at the historic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Held on the last night of the Cannes Film Festival, stars of the screen, stage and runway, gathered for the event and succeeded in raising more than $17 million, writes Isabella Lancellotti. Photography by Elli Ioannou in France 

Queen Latifah hosts the amfAR Gala

in Cannes.

The award-winning American rapper, actress and singer Queen Latifah, was the charismatic host of the amfAR Gala that included a dramatic live auction, fashion show, and performances by Gladys Knight, Adam Lambert, Bebe Rexha, and Halsey. 

A constellation of stars dressed in black tie attended the event from Leonardo DiCaprio, Eva Longoria, James Marsden, and Rebel Wilson to Heidi Klum, Kate Beckinsale and Orlando Bloom. 

The fashion, to rival the Met Gala, ran the gamut from completely sheer gowns with cutouts showing muscled abs to long, gossamer-fine couture capes over fluid, diaphanous column dresses,

Auctioning for a Cause

The enthusiasm of the guests was on full display as they actively participated in the live auction led by auctioneer, Simon de Pury. Bidding on one-of-a-kind luxury items and contemporary art, the auction  showcased the commitment to supporting amfAR's mission. 

The excitement reached new heights as Eva Longoria and James Marsden joined forces with de Pury to sell the exclusive Launch Edition DB12 Aston Martin, fetching a staggering 1.5 million euros. Another remarkable moment came with the sale of a breathtaking Damien Hirst portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio, adorned with signatures from both the artist and the acclaimed actor, which was acquired for an impressive 1.2 million euros.

Fashion as a Force for Good

A highlight of the gala was the Icons Collection fashion show, curated by supporter of amfAR, Carine Roitfeld. Introduced by Ashley Graham and designer Jeremy Scott, the show featured ensembles from fashion houses around the world. On the runway there were designs by Tom Ford, Moschino, Versace, Dior, Balmain, Chanel, Prada, Givenchy, Armani, YSL, Louis Vuitton, and many more. The models, including Natasha Poly, Helena Christensen, Caroline Trentini, and Alessandra Ambrosio, took to the catwalk wearing exquisite Chopard jewels. 

Adam Lambert performed at the gala,

including his hit songs.

Unforgettable Performances

While the auction garnered excitement, the night's musical performances electrified the audience. The  queen of soul, Gladys Knight, arrived on stage to sing her classics, "The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" and "Midnight Train to Georgia." 

Adam Lambert, renowned for his stage presence, kept the energy soaring with heartfelt renditions of "Ordinary World" and a beautiful tribute to the late Tina Turner through "Who Wants to Live Forever." Bebe Rexha took the stage, delivering a sensational set that included her chart-topping hits "In the Name of Love" and "I'm Good (Blue)." 

A Night to Remember

As the evening drew to a close, Queen Latifah returned to the stage to introduce the final act, Halsey. The talented singer-songwriter delivered a captivating performance,  with renditions of her hit songs, including "Graveyard," "Bad at Love," "You Should Be Sad," and "Without Me." In raising over $17 million for amfAR's HIV/AIDS research programs, the amfAR Gala Cannes showed the effectiveness of philanthropy, and collaboration. 

Scroll down to see the fashion highlights on the red carpet at the amfAR Gala in Cannes

Actor Rebel Wilson wears an emerald-green Oscar de la Renta dress, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Model Cindy Bruna in a sleek, black sequined gown by David Koma, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Bebe Rexha wears a dramatic Faraz Manan gown, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini in a stylish, double-breasted Boss suit at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Belgian model Rose Bertram wearing a minimal Monot outfit, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Model Helena Christensen in a shell pink Dior haute couture gown at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Fashion iconoclast Daphne Guiness in a striking black ensemble at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, wears a diaphanous Tony Ward couture embroidered gown, at the amfAR Cannes Gala at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Model Coco Rocha wears a sculptural Gaurav Gupta haute couture gown at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Model Isabeli Fontana in theatrical Mugler outfit at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

American model Lori Harvey in a brilliant red, cut-out LaQuan Smith gown, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Singer and actor Teyana Taylor in a Monot concoction showing her chiseled abs, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Model Alton Mason in a black tuxedo open to his waist, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Model Bianca Balti in a vivid Dolce & Gabbana gown, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Actor Eva Longoria in a transparent, figure-hugging gown by Ashi Studio, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Portuguese model Sara Sampaio in a sea green Zuhair Murad dress, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Czech model Petra Nemcova wears British couturier Jennifer Claire's bright red dress, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Fashion designers Dean and Dan Caten in classic, elegant tuxedos, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Originally from Capo Verde, model Leila Depina, wearing an outfit inspired by Naomi Cambell's 1998 barely-there outfit, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Georgia Fowler wears a draped gown and Surrealist gold necklace by Schiaparelli, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Alessandra Ambrosio and Matheus Mazzafera. at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

American actor James Marsden, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Elsa Hosk wearing her own brand Helsa, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.

Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz, at the amfAR Cannes Gala, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes, France.