$20 Million Raised to Support Innovative Research at 32nd Edition of amfAR Gala Cannes

Geena Davis Hosted

Robbie Williams, Zara Larsson, and Lizzo Performed

Presented by Chopard

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Antibes, France – May 22, 2026 — On Thursday night, amfAR raised $20 million, the highest total since 2016, to support lifesaving biomedical research at the 32nd edition of amfAR Gala Cannes. The black-tie gala, which took place at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, was hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis, and featured captivating performances by iconic multi-Brit Award-winning artist Robbie Williams, Grammy-nominated artist Zara Larsson, and Grammy and Emmy winner Lizzo. The evening also included dinner, a live auction of one-of-a kind luxury items and contemporary art, and a fashion show curated by Carine Roitfeld.

Guests who came out to support amfAR included Rami Malek, Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum, Ira Sachs, Carine Roitfeld, Robin Thicke, April Thicke, Sofia Carson, Kyle Kuzma, Adrian Grenier, Gunna, Ciara Miller, Coco Rocha, Oliver Trevena, Paul Pogba, Sveva Alviti, Natasha Poly, William Abadie, Izabel Goulart, Kevin Trapp, Petra Nemcova, Bar Refaeli, Holger Rune, Emma Thynn, Ed Westwick, Maura Higgins, Sofia Resing, Sara Sampaio, Georgia Fowler, Conner Ives, Shuzo, Pritika Swarup, Lisa Rinna, Tara Reid, Madisin Rian, Sophia Sinot, Daniel Francis, Danielle Vasinova, Caroline Scheufele, Honey Dijon, Pia Wurtzbach, Brooks Nader, and amfAR Board Members Alessandro Dusi, Kevin McClatchy, Olivia Tyson, and Laurence Milstein.

As the evening’s host, Geena Davis opened the program by emphasizing the urgency of amfAR’s mission. “What once seemed impossible – a cure for HIV – is now within reach,” she said. “Tonight, we have gathered here to help make sure amfAR has the funds it needs to continue to charge the path toward that goal: an end to AIDS.”

Davis then introduced global superstar Lizzo, who had everyone out of their seats with her powerhouse vocals on her newest single “Don’t Make Me Love U” and her Grammy-winning hit “About Damn Time.”

amfAR’s CEO Kyle Clifford then took the stage to share how amfAR’s research provided him hope when he was first diagnosed with HIV.

“What makes amfAR truly unique is this: we are the first to say ‘yes,’” Clifford said. “That is exactly what amfAR does for scientists. We help launch the ideas and discoveries others are not yet ready to back.”

“Over the last 30 years, this event has single-handedly raised more than $300 million for amfAR’s research. That is a staggering success,” amfAR Board Co-chair Kevin McClatchy said on stage.

“What we do in the next decade could define the future of the HIV epidemic. We have countless breakthroughs – from HIV to cancer to aging – at our fingertips. You help turn them into a reality.”

Inspired by their words, guests bid with passion and purpose throughout the evening, fueling a remarkably successful auction led by the inimitable Simon de Pury.

A stunning feature of the evening was the “IDOLS” Collection fashion show, curated by longtime amfAR supporter Carine Roitfeld. This year’s show paid homage to iconic personalities in the worlds of film, art and music. The collection featured one-of-a-kind looks from the world’s most celebrated fashion houses with all-latex couture provided by Atsuko Kudo and Haute Joaillerie creations by Chopard. Participating designers contributing looks to the fashion show included Acne Studios, Alaïa, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared2, GCDS, Harris Reed, Jacquemus, Jitrois Paris, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Nina Ricci, Prada, The Attico, Tom Ford, Vivienne Westwood, Willy Chavarria, and Saint Laurent. Event chair and friend of amfAR Eva Longoria joined Simon de Pury on stage to help sell the collection.

Other auction highlights included Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe screenprints, a Philip Colbert sculpture, Chopard diamond earrings, an Audemars Piguet x George Condo timepiece, a DENZA x Chopard one-of-a-kind Z9GT, and a walk-on role for the sixth season of Emily in Paris, auctioned off by one of the show’s stars, William Abadie.

Between bidding, legendary British artist Robbie Williams kept the energy in the room high with an unforgettable performance of several of his hits, including “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rock DJ,” “Feel,” and “Angels.”

Pop sensation Zara Larsson closed the evening triumphantly, with guests rushing out of their seats to sing along to hits including “Midnight Sun,” “Blue Moon,” a mash-up of “Hot & Sexy” and “Stateside,” and her iconic “Lush Life.”

Chairs of the 32nd edition of amfAR Gala Cannes include Pedro Almodóvar, Pamela Anderson, Patricia Arquette, Angela Bassett, Rachel Brosnahan, Olivia Colman, Sofia Carson, Emma D’Arcy, Colman Domingo, T. Ryan Greenawalt, Elizabeth Hurley, Scarlett Johansson, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Kevin McClatchy, Demi Moore, Vin Roberti, Coco Rocha, Carine Roitfeld, Caroline Scheufele, Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Wright, and Michelle Yeoh.

Presenting Sponsor was Chopard. The evening was generously supported by Champagne Telmont, Denza, Gérard Bertrand Wines, and RUMOR Rosé. Media partners were Robb Report and Variety.

About amfAR
amfAR is a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and transforming global health with a primary and enduring commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Serving as a catalyst for breakthrough science, amfAR supports innovative research in areas where viruses and the immune system play a defining role, including cancer, neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and other viral diseases. Through strategic investments, global research partnerships, and evidence-based policy leadership, amfAR helps accelerate discoveries that improve health and save lives. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $950 million and awarded in excess of 3,900 grants to scientists worldwide.

Since amfAR’s late Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor hosted the first amfAR Gala Cannes in 1993 at the Moulin de Mougins, the benefit has become the most coveted ticket of the Cannes Film Festival and to date it has raised nearly $325 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research programs.

Media Contact:
Bennah Serfaty, amfAR Senior Director, Communications, bennah.serfaty@amfar.org

Media Relations:
Melissa Rubenstein, Media Relations Associate, melisa.rubenstein@amfar.org