Sharon Stone hosted the gala, and Alicia Keys performed a stunning performance at the extravagant amfAR gala. The event raises money to support AIDS research.
The 27th festival edition is one of the most anticipated events. It was smaller and more intimate than previous years. There were 400 to 900 people on the guest list with COVID-19 protocols.
The evening began with a cocktail hour that featured ballerinas, flapper ladies with Afghan hounds and vodka shots, as well as plenty of champagne.
Following the performance, guests were treated to a seated dinner. However, that didn’t stop guests from enjoying the best ticket in town.
Villa Eilenroc, Antibes – This year’s theme for the event was «I am a Movie Star». Guests were treated to a fashion show curated and hosted by Carine Roitfeld. Keys performed a stunning set that included her iconic hit «New York» and the much-loved song «Fallin’.» Keys then sat down at the piano to announce to the audience that this was her first performance since the pandemic. To a standing ovation from diners, Keys said so.
Stone stated that it was beautiful, overwhelming, and exciting. He also noted that some of the science used in fighting HIV/AIDS was applied against COVID-19. «I believe we are staying on mission, and we’re back to it which is really lovely.»
Spike Lee, the festival’s president, made an appearance with a star-studded list of guests from screen, catwalk, and music, including Dylan Penn and Natasha Poly.
During the dinner, a live auction saw luxury holidays, jewels and art-work, as well as one-of-a-kind experiences, go under the hammer.
Stone was the first to arrive on stage, with one man on each side. She exclaimed, «Isn’t it so nice being here!» before extending a toast to thank all guests.
Highlights of this year included the chance to make your own vintage champagne, which sold for 70,000 euros ($82,638), and a Chopard 18Kat White Gold diamond, tanzanite, and amethyst necklace that raised 170,000 euros ($200.692).
An Andy Warhol Mickey Mouse sculpture by Andy Warhol sold for 375,000 euros ($442,702) and a Michael Kagan spacecraft sculpture sold for $472,215. A live painting by Sacha Jafri, a contemporary British artist, was also sold during the auction. It raised 1 million euros ($1.18million).
Auctioned off were 32 designer outfits that were featured in the fashion show. The hammer price was 225,000 euros ($265,621).