ANTIBES – Robert De Niro was the guest of honor at the 28th annual amfAR gala in Cannes, where a lucky guest won an auction to have lunch with the actor and a piece of his family’s history.
One of the most anticipated events of the Cannes Film Festival, over 800 guests attended Thursday’s exclusive dinner, auction and after party at the Hotel du Cap, Eden Roc in Antibes, where guests were entertained by performances from Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Charli XCX.
The evening began with a shimmering red carpet. Tom Hanks who stars in Baz Luhrmann’s new film “Elvis” was present with the director. Cara Delevingne, Casey Affleck, Cynthia Erivo, Diplo, Edgar Ramirez, Eva Longoria, Milla Jovovich, Vanessa Hudgens, Elsa Hosk, Jourdan Dunn and Winnie Harlow were also among the guests.
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Ricky Martin opened the proceedings with a lively medley of his hits and, as guests savored dinner, bidding began on a selection of unique experiences up for auction.
De Niro kicked off the lunch auction with him and by the end, 500,000 euros ($537,025) had been raised to support amfAR’s AIDS research efforts. The lunch will be at one of De Niro’s restaurants in New York City and the bundle includes an artwork of a painting by his father Robert De Niro Sr., a famous Abstract Expressionist painter.
Another guest paid 1.2 million euros ($1,288,860) for an exclusive evening with tenor Andrea Bocelli and his family to have his offer matched by another guest for an additional 1.2 million euros and a 2nd evening was offered by the family. The lot was introduced with a surprise performance by Andrea’s son, Matteo Bocelli. Successful bidders will host a dinner party for 12 at one of his homes in North Miami Beach or at his mansion in Forte dei Marmi on the Tuscan coast, where they will receive a private musical performance.
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The evening also included the annual designer fashion show hosted by Carine Roitfeld. After the models strutted down the catwalk through the tables, the entire collection of 40 outfits was auctioned off for 800,000 euros ($859,240).
Other lots included diamond jewelry, exclusive luxury vacations and original artwork, including a sculpture by Jeff Koons that will be permanently installed on the moon, paired with a one-time NFT that grossed $2.1 million. euros ($2,255,518).
Aguilera was the last performer to take the stage after dinner ended, blasting her hit singles including “Dirrty” and “Beautiful” in a black fur cape as guests danced between the tables.
The amfAR Gala in Cannes raised $245 million for amfAR’s vital AIDS research programs.
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