As the Cannes Film Festival draws to a close, the rich and famous head to Antibes for the annual amfAR Gala at the Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc. The event raises funds for AIDS research, with this year's edition hosted by Geena Davis and featuring performances by Robbie Williams, Lizzo, and Zara Larsson.
Since 1985, amfAR has raised nearly $950 million (£841 million) and awarded over 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide. The Associated Press, which has covered the gala for more than a decade, will livestream the star arrivals on YouTube and APNews.com from 1600 GMT on Thursday.
Access to the exclusive venue requires a special car pass, with taxis and limos navigating narrow French roads and a one-way system. Guests queue at the gates, where signs warn against walking the final 50 metres. Inside, wristbands with table numbers are assigned, and guests line up for the red carpet alongside celebrities.
After the red carpet, guests proceed to the back lawn overlooking the sea, with bars serving cocktails and Champagne. Last year, Spike Lee and Adrien Brody were spotted chatting over Champagne. Artworks on display are later auctioned off. At 8 p.m., announcements urge guests to the tent for dinner, though many linger for photos and conversation.
This year's auction includes a walk-on role in season 6 of 'Emily in Paris', a seven-day Arctic expedition, and works by Tracey Emin and Andy Warhol. Last year, a Dodge Charger from 'Fast X' raised €475,000. Musical performances and a fashion show are highlights; last year, Ciara opened and Adam Lambert headlined with Duran Duran.
After dinner and the auction, guests head to the after-party by the pool. Louise Dixon, who has covered the gala for over a decade, recalls memorable auction items including a game of football with David Beckham, a private dinner with Andrea Bocelli, and lunch with Robert De Niro, collectively raising over €2 million.
