Pamela Anderson to be Honored at amfAR Venezia During Venice Film Festival

Taika Waititi to Host, Bebe Rexha and Mimi Webb to Perform, Marina Abramović to Be Honored (previously announced)

New York, NY, August 21, 2026 — Actress Pamela Anderson is confirmed to receive amfAR’s Award of Courage at this year’s amfAR Venezia, taking place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Molino Stucky Venice during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.

“Pamela Anderson is not only an outstanding and iconic actress, but she has always used her platform to raise awareness and champion a diverse range of important causes,” said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford. “She is tireless in fighting for what she believes in and her courage is an inspiration to us all. We could not be more thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event this year.”

Anderson appears opposite Ellen Burstyn and Taika Waititi in a supporting role in “Place to Be,” premiering Sept 9th at the 2026 Venice Film Festival.

Her recent film work includes starring roles in “The Last Showgirl,” for which she received Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations, and “The Naked Gun” reboot, which won the Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy.

As previously announced, the event which raises funds for amfAR’s mission to support lifesaving HIV research and improve global health, will also honor renowned conceptual and performance artist Marina Abramović with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration. Pop sensation and chart-topping artist Bebe Rexha will make a special performance and English pop singer-songwriter Mimi Webb will open the evening. Academy Award-winning writer, director, actor, and producer Taika Waititi is confirmed as host.

In addition to the musical performance and honoree presentation, amfAR Venezia will feature cocktails, a black-tie gala dinner, and a live auction of contemporary artworks and one-of-a-kind experiences.

amfAR has a long association with Italy, hosting events in Venice and Milan through the years. Recent amfAR Venezia honorees have included Antonio Banderas, Richard Gere, Ava DuVernay, Ferzan Özpetek, Achille Boroli, Mohammed Al Turki, and, most recently, Julian Schnabel.

World Gold Council is the Presenting Sponsor of amfAR Venezia. Chopard is the evening’s Signature Sponsor, and Variety is the event’s Media Partner. The event is generously supported by the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice.

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.

Please visit https://www.amfar.org/venezia for ticket and table information.

Learn more about the event at https://www.amfar.org/venezia.

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

Credential Requests:
Melissa Rubenstein, melisa.rubenstein@amfar.org