amfAR Gala Cannes 2025: A Night of Glamour, Giving, and Global Impact

The Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc glittered under the Mediterranean stars as the 31st annual amfAR Gala Cannes transformed the French Riviera into a glamorous nexus of philanthropy, fashion, and celebrity power. Against the backdrop of the closing days of the Cannes Film Festival, the gala drew over 850 influential guests—including A-list celebrities, tastemakers, and industry titans—who raised more than $17 million for AIDS research.

A Legendary Setting for a Legendary Cause

Since Dame Elizabeth Taylor launched the inaugural amfAR Gala Cannes in 1993, the event has become the film festival’s most iconic soirée and the centerpiece of global luxury philanthropy. This year, presented by Chopard and hosted by Oscar-nominated actor and advocate Taraji P. Henson, the black-tie gala not only delivered on its promise of elegance and energy but reaffirmed its role in the fight against AIDS.

“We’ve been dedicated to curing AIDS for forty years,” said outgoing amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “Thanks to events like this one and people like you, we’re getting close.” With 10 people already cured and nearly $315 million raised through the Cannes editions alone, the mission feels both urgent and attainable.

Electrifying Entertainment & Iconic Moments

Music royalty and Hollywood stars came together in a showstopping evening that oscillated between high-voltage performances and heartfelt moments. GRAMMY®-winning artist Ciara opened the night with a medley of hits—“Goodies,” “1, 2 Step,” “Level Up,” and her new track “Ecstasy”—before dazzling the room in sculptural couture and a 12-carat yellow diamond necklace by Messika.

Later, Queen frontman Adam Lambert took center stage with surprise guest Roger Taylor, delivering crowd-rallying renditions of “Under Pressure” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” The grand finale came courtesy of 80s legends Duran Duran, who had guests on their feet to “Notorious” and “A View to a Kill.”

The entertainment was only matched by the star wattage of the auction: Michelle Rodriguez auctioned a Dodge Charger from Fast X; George Condo’s custom painting sold for $1.3 million; and Spike Lee stunned with a walk-on role in his next film—topped off with courtside Knicks seats. The auction, helmed by the effervescent Simon de Pury, raised millions with help from event chairs Heidi Klum and Colman Domingo.

Heidi Klum

Fashion as Philanthropy: “From Cannes With Love”

Fashion took center stage in the form of an electrifying runway show curated by Carine Roitfeld. Themed “From Cannes With Love,” the show was a cinematic homage to international spy thrillers. Couture from Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, and others shimmered under the tent’s moody red lighting, with latex couture by Atsuko Kudo and dazzling high jewelry from Chopard.

Veteran actress Teri Hatcher—herself a Bond girl—walked the runway in a custom black velvet gown paired with a diamond and pearl Chopard collar. Heidi Klum floated by in a sheer, corseted ensemble with a feather boa, while Colman Domingo’s custom Valentino look and parrot-inspired earring by Boucheron earned him style icon status of the evening.

Coco Rocha

Jewelry Trends That Stole the Spotlight

2025’s amfAR Gala also served as a crystal ball for high-end jewelry trends. Statement chokers and diamond collars were the most notable, with Ciara’s Messika piece and Emma Thynn’s Chopard necklace setting the tone. Bracelets and cuffs played a complementary role—Mariska Hargitay’s Pomellato Iconica Collection bangle was a standout.

Drop earrings made a dramatic appearance across the board. From Coco Rocha’s Akillis diamonds to Lena Mahfouf’s Chopard sparklers, all eyes were on the ears. Statement rings, meanwhile, added a finishing touch to red carpet ensembles, as exemplified by Ciara’s 13-carat Messika Toi & Moi ring.

A Powerhouse Guest List

The guest list read like a who’s who of fashion, film, and finance: Leonardo DiCaprio (in his signature baseball cap), Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, Adrien Brody, Spike Lee, Marina Slobodyanik, Elvira Gavrilova, Hofit Golan, Coco Rocha, Paris Jackson, Anna Alimani, Lena Perminova, Odell Beckham Jr., and Heidi Klum, among others. 

As the sun rose over the Côte d’Azur, one truth remained: the amfAR Gala Cannes continues to define what it means to party with purpose—and to do so dressed to thrill.

Adrien Brody, Georgina Chapman

Lena Perminova

Marina Slobodyanik

Elvira Gavrilova

Anna Alimani

Ciara

Ed Westwick, Amy Jackson

Oliver Trevena

GETTY IMAGES Di Caprio

Hofit Golan

Odell Beckham Jr.