Berkeley Travel and One&Only Raise €300,000 for amfAR at amfAR Gala Cannes 2026

Returning to the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the 32nd edition of the amfAR Gala Cannes raised $20 million, setting a new record for the fundraiser since 2016, in support of lifesaving biomedical research.

This year’s black-tie gala saw global celebrities and famous faces from the worlds of music, film and fashion grace the red carpet for what is now widely regarded as the highlight of the social calendar during the Cannes Film Festival.

Hosted by American actress Geena Davis, the evening featured a gala dinner alongside a fashion show curated by former French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, as well as star-studded performances by the legendary Robbie Williams and Grammy-nominated artists Zara Larsson and Lizzo.

The fashion show saw some of fashion’s biggest names take to the runway under the theme ‘IDOLS’, with one-off looks created by Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, among others. The pieces were later auctioned by Simon de Pury, who was joined by Eva Longoria.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the evening, this year’s charity auction featured highly desirable lots across collectable art, fine timepieces, jewellery, and even a walk-on role in the final season of Emily in Paris.

At the height of the auction, the most coveted lot was a five-night stay at One&Only Aesthesis, valued at €350,000 and donated by Berkeley Travel in partnership with Mr Gerald Krischek, General Manager of the Grecian resort.

The lot raised €300,000 in a high-energy bidding war, with all proceeds going directly to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, in support of the vital work the foundation undertakes to combat HIV and the AIDS epidemic.

As an honorary Event Chair of the Gala, CEO of Berkeley Travel, Andrew Bezhenar, commented: “It was a great pleasure to be present at this year’s Gala, and I am truly honoured to be an Event Chair this year on behalf of Berkeley Travel. I would like to thank One&Only for partnering with us to make such a generous donation, and I know the lucky winner of the lot will have a truly memorable stay whilst also supporting such an important cause.”

Other highlights of the auction included a sculpture by Philip Colbert, earrings from presenting sponsor Chopard, Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe screenprints, and an Audemars Piguet x George Condo timepiece.

Andrew Bezhenar was joined by fellow Event Chairs for this year’s gala, including Pamela Anderson, Olivia Colman, Elizabeth Hurley, Scarlett Johansson, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Demi Moore, Caroline Scheufele and Michelle Yeoh.

The evening welcomed global stars and tastemakers, with guests including actors Rami Malek, William Abadie and Ed Westwick, models Natasha Poly and Izabel Goulart, and musician Robin Thicke.