31st may 2008
Jovovich, Weinstein, Blige and perennial amFar auction mistress of ceremonies Sharon Stone make Cannes 08 biggest in the Aids charity history By Jeffrey Jolson
CANNES, FR, (Hollywood Today) 5/26/08 —
Madonna, Sharon Stone, Harvey Weinstein, Natalie Portman, Michelle Yeoh, Mary J. Blige, Victoria and Dennis Hopper, Milla Jovovich, Samantha Morton, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Christian Slater, Dita Von Teese, Bold Films’ Michel Litvak, Palisades Pictures’ Vincent Roberti, French Vogue’s Carine Roitfeld and amfAR’s Chairman Kenneth Cole were among those who came out to support the fight against AIDS at amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS gala in Cannes.
The star-studded event, which was sponsored by Bold Films, Chopard, and The Weinstein Company, raised over $10 million for amfAR’s life-saving AIDS research programs.
Audi, Canal +, Hewlett-Packard Company, and Luxury Limited Edition co-sponsored the event.
Other guests who attended the gala at the Moulin de Mougins in support of amfAR included:
Roberta Armani, Amira Casar, Zoe Cassavetes, Dean and Dan Caten, Roberto and Eva Cavalli, Georgina Chapman, Jeisa Chiminazzo, Maria Cuomo Cole, Emily Cole, Alan Cumming, Lily Donaldson, Laurence Ferrari, David Furnish, Eva Herzigova, Marina Hinds, Tommy Hilfiger, Joshua Jackson, Star Jones, Diane Kruger, Juliette Lewis, Rose McGowan, Tamara Mellon, Svetlana Metkina, Margherita Missoni, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Petra Nemcova, Elsa Pataki, Natasha Poly, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Sir Cliff Richard, Joely Richardson, Guy Ritchie, Renzo Rosso, Rodrigo Santora, Valentino, Silvia Venturini Fendi, Donatella Versace and Bob Weinstein.
The evening opened as amfAR CEO Kevin Frost welcomed guests to the fifteenth annual Cinema Against AIDS Cannes event.
Kenneth Cole, amfAR’s Chairman of the Board, took to the stage next and reminded everyone about the critical nature of pursuing sound research in the face of the AIDS epidemic.
The legendary live auction, conducted by Sharon Stone, amfAR’s Global Fundraising Chairman, and Harvey Weinstein, kicked off with Sharon Stone’s pledge of $100,000 towards amfAR’s international HIV/AIDS projects.
In a moving speech, she urged others in the room to meet her pledge;
this joint effort raised $2 million in 10 minutes.
Bidders included Christophe Navarre of Moët-Hennessy, Renzo Rosso, Roberto Cavalli, Milla Jovovich, Michelle Yeoh, and Valentino.
Following this unprecedented gesture, Ms. Stone presented a lot including a Louis Vuitton vanity case designed by the Global Fundraising Chairman herself, and a one-of-a-kind print of Keith Richards signed by the photographer Annie Leibovitz, which sold for $129,000.
Later on, she auctioned off her own personal vintage Porsche 911 Targa, a meticulously restored automobile, which sold for $810,000.
Longtime amfAR supporter Madonna spoke movingly about her experiences losing loved ones to HIV/AIDS as a young performer in New York City in the eighties.
Madonna thanked amfAR for all the work they have done over the years, and emphasized that a cure for AIDS must be found.
She also introduced a clip of her documentary “I Am Because We Are,” a film she narrated and produced, which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in conjunction with amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS.
In the spirit of generosity, Madonna donated a private performance of two songs, won by an ecstatic bidder for $560,000.
A special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Mary J. Blige was a highlight of the event.
Ms. Blige brought the crowd of over 700 guests to their feet when she sang her rendition of “One” by U2, and her hit single “Family Affair.”
Later in the evening, guests were treated to an unexpected surprise as amfAR Ambassador Milla Jovovich serenaded the crowd along with Sharon Stone while Dita Von Teese performed a tantalizing preview of her signature burlesque moves which were auctioned off to a lucky winner.
As a sharp reminder of the devastation caused by HIV/AIDS, amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh held a moment of silence in honor of children around the world affected by the epidemic.
amfAR supporter Natalie Portman also contributed to the live auction as she and Paulo Coelho danced onstage while auctioning off a package dedicated to the upcoming Weinstein film release “Nine.
The package included lunch on-set with a cast that includes Oscar Award-winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Marion Cottilard, screening tickets, and an original manuscript of Paulo Coelho’s new novel about the Cannes Film Festival.
The package sold for $243,000.
A last minute addition to the program was made by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, who offered “24 Hours with Diddy,” to the highest bidder.
This lot raised $324,000 for amfAR.
Other highlights of the auction included:
Christian Slater and Petra Nemcova auctioned off an HP Film Festival and Tech Package for $35,000.
Rose McGowan and Svetlana Metkina auctioned off a Christian Dior Parfums package, including a personalized scent, for $40,500.
Rodrigo Santoro and Jeisa Chiminazzo auctioned off a Victoria’s Secret Package including invitations for six people to the Victoria’s Secret Pre-Show Party, six VIP seats to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show, and access to an exclusive Victoria’s Secret After-Party for $178,000.
A Christian Dior Couture red sapphire crystal encrusted mobile phone with 640 diamonds was sold by Sharon Stone for $195,000.
David Furnish and Dennis Hopper auctioned off a private sitting with renowned artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel for $486,000.
Madonna added her special touch to a diamond-encrusted alligator skin Chanel purse designed by Karl Lagerfeld by including her personal lip gloss, compact mirror, and blotting papers for $486,000.
A portrait sitting with world-renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier, as well as a print of his “Elephant, New York, 1991,” was sold by Michelle Yeoh for $324,000.
A custom-tailored Chopard by Alberta Ferretti dress, adorned with 2.904 carats of Chopard precious stones on lilac silk chiffon was sold for $486,000.
Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Donatella Versace auctioned off Madonna’s personalized, custom-made white Gibson acoustic guitar created especially for her “Confessions” tour for $486,000.
Alan Cumming and Dita Von Teese auctioned off a luxury Dubai International Film Festival Vacation, including four VIP tickets to Cinema Against AIDS Dubai, for $170,000.
Sharon Stone closed the auction by auctioning off a collection of one-of-a-kind Fendi baguettes designed by notable contemporary artists including Tom Sachs, Nicola Guerraz, and Clara Halter for $162,000.
In addition, Hollywood Reporter and Screen International offered amfAR six months of free advertising.
amfAR’s annual Cinema Against AIDS galas have been important and successful fund-raising events for the Foundation since 1993, generating more than $43 million for essential AIDS research. Past events have been hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John.
Like the epidemic itself, AIDS research knows no borders.
amfAR’s programs have had a global reach since 1986, when the Foundation began awarding international grants.
Today, amfAR continues to fund HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide and works to translate that research into effective treatment, prevention, and education programs around the globe.
For more information, visit http://www.amfar.org/.
amfAR recognizes American Airlines for its commitment to the fight against AIDS and its generous support of amfAR’s mission.
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