19th amfAR gala in Cannes broke another record

The nineteenth annual Cinema Against AIDS,held during the Cannes Film Festival, was a black-tie event featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, and live auction. 

Over the years, Cinema Against AIDS has become the most eagerly anticipated and well publicized event held during the Cannes Film Festival.  Cinema Against AIDS is always marked by unforgettable moments like Sharon Stone dancing along to an impromptu performance by Sir Elton John and Ringo Starr, George Clooney bestowing a kiss on a lucky auction bidder, Mary J. Blige bringing the crowd to its feet during a moving rendition of U2’s anthem One, and Janet Jackson paying a heartfelt tribute to amfAR’s co-founder the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor.  The event consistently has the most exciting and diverse guest list of any party held during the festival.  It includes many of the celebrities and personalities associated with the film festival while also attracting familiar faces from the worlds of fashion, music, business, and international society.  Since 1993 Cinema Against AIDS events around the world have raised over $70 million for lifesaving AIDS research.

Watch some amazing excerpts of the auctions: best bids, best moments. I am proud to have been associated with AMFAR for one of the very first events with Liz Taylor and Sly. The amfAR Gala in Mougins followed the 1st paying screening ever of CLIFFHANGER (by Renni Harlin). I remember organizing fake snow at the screening, to Eye of the Tiger soundtrack, climbers on the Palais, boat arrival at Martinez beach live on Canal+...Sly told me: "Best Day in my Life " ....This was Cannes in the 90's: extravagant Bruno Chatelin