The Hello Monaco editorial team always strives to stay abreast of the Côte d’Azur’s most prestigious social events and, naturally, could not miss one of the most anticipated evenings of the year – the amfAR Gala, which traditionally takes place at the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes during the Cannes Film Festival.
Legends surround this event – the most exclusive, the most private, the most expensive… This year, the price of an invitation started at €17,500, while the finest tables were reserved for considerably higher sums.
It is no coincidence that many describe the amfAR Gala as the only event capable of rivalling the Met Gala in terms of scale and star power. However, behind the sparkle of the diamonds on the red carpet – which this year featured an unusually delicate lilac hue – lies a far more important mission. The evening is organised by amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research), which since 1985 has raised nearly $950 million for HIV and AIDS research and funded more than 3,800 scientific projects worldwide.
The 32nd charity gala was chaired by Academy Award winner Geena Davis. Among those appearing on the red carpet were some of the most talked-about guests of the Cannes Film Festival: Eva Longoria, Heidi Klum, Rami Malek, Sofia Carson, Natasha Poly, Bar Refaeli, Ed Westwick, and other prominent figures from the worlds of cinema, fashion and business.
As always, special attention was focused on the guests’ fashion choices. Among the most striking appearances, fashion commentators highlighted Eva Longoria in a shimmering red evening gown, Heidi Klum in a spectacular couture creation with a dramatic train, as well as Natasha Poly and Bar Refaeli, who once again confirmed their status as red-carpet icons.
Following a cocktail reception on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, guests moved to a vast pavilion for the charity dinner and auction. The auction remains the highlight of the evening and each year raises millions of euros in support of scientific research.
The evening’s biggest sensation was the complete series of Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe works, which sold for an impressive €2.8 million. Among the most valuable lots were a limited-edition Audemars Piguet timepiece, which fetched €1.45 million, and a pair of Chopard diamond earrings valued at €600,000. Equally spirited bidding surrounded an unusual lot for television enthusiasts – the opportunity to appear in the final season of the popular series *Emily in Paris*. Two fortunate winners secured the chance to become part of the celebrated production, paying €375,000 each.
As a result of the amfAR Gala 2026, organisers succeeded in raising approximately €20 million.
The musical programme was another reason why the amfAR Gala is regarded as one of the year’s most dazzling events. The evening’s headline performer was the legendary Robbie Williams, who delivered his greatest hits, including *Angels*, which the singer dedicated to his daughter. A powerful burst of energy was provided by the dynamic Lizzo and Swedish pop star Zara Larsson, whose performance concluded the official dinner and quite literally brought guests to their feet.
The celebrations continued beside the pool at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where guests enjoyed the traditional after-party.
