The 31st annual amfAR Gala Cannes, held on May 22 at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, once again proved to be a dazzling convergence of fashion, philanthropy, and celebrity. Hosted by Academy Award-nominated actor and advocate Taraji P. Henson, the event raised over $17 million in support of AIDS research, bringing the gala’s total fundraising impact to nearly $315 million since its inception.

A Night of Glamour, Giving, and Global Impact

Presented by Chopard, the black-tie evening featured captivating performances by Duran Duran, Adam Lambert (with a surprise appearance by Queen’s Roger Taylor), and Ciara, who opened the night with an electrifying medley of her greatest hits including “Goodies,” “1,2 Step,” and her new single, “Ecstasy.”

A standout moment came when amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost — who is retiring after 30 years — addressed the room with an emotional call to action: “At amfAR, we’ve been dedicated to curing AIDS for forty years. Thanks to events like this one and people like you, we’re getting close. Did you know that so far, 10 people have been cured of AIDS? We need to do a lot better than that.” His words sparked spirited bidding during the live auction led by Simon de Pury. 

Auction highlights included:

• A one-of-a-kind George Condo artwork (€1.15 million)
• Original art pieces by Adrien Brody and James Franco
• A walk-on role in an upcoming Spike Lee film — plus courtside Knicks tickets he added live on stage
• A 2017 Dodge Charger from Fast X, auctioned by Michelle Rodriguez
• Chopard Haute Joaillerie earrings totaling over 36 carats

A Fashion Show That Killed

Curated by Carine Roitfeld, the From Cannes With Love runway show paid homage to iconic international spy thrillers. Latex couture by Atsuko Kudo and dazzling pieces by Chopard graced models including Barbara Palvin, Valery Kaufman, Ella Richards, and Kit Butler, wearing original creations by over 30 fashion houses.

Participating brands included:

• Alaïa
• Ami Paris
• Atsuko Kudo
• Balenciaga
• Chanel
• Courrèges
• Dior
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Dsquared²
• Duran Lantink
• Elie Saab
• GCDS
• Jacquemus
• LaQuan Smith
• Loewe
• Louis Vuitton
• Miu Miu
• Nina Ricci
• North Face x Skims
• Off-White
• Prada
• Richard Quinn
• Rick Owens
• Saint Laurent
• Skims
• Valentino
• Yanina Couture

Best Dressed at the 2025 amfAR Gala Cannes

The red carpet was, as always, a masterclass in glamour. Highlights included:

• Lauren Sánchez in a silver-and-blue sequined Roberto Cavalli gown, paired with her emerald-cut diamond engagement ring from Jeff Bezos
• Ciara in a sleek, architectural Stéphane Rolland ensemble
• Janhvi Kapoor blending vintage Yves Saint Laurent with modern Indian glamour
• Colman Domingo in custom Valentino, with lace socks and a feathered Boucheron ear cuff
• Paris Jackson in a shimmering, sheer cream gown with bold shoulder pads and a thigh-high slit

Other notable guests included Leonardo DiCaprio, Heidi Klum, Adrien Brody, Odell Beckham Jr., Mariska Hargitay, Coco Rocha, Teri Hatcher, Michelle Rodriguez, Sofia Resing, and Julian Lennon.

GRAZIA USA was live on the red carpet, capturing every unforgettable fashion moment firsthand. From front-row views of jaw-dropping couture to exclusive interviews with A-listers, we had unparalleled access to the night’s biggest style stars.

Keep scrolling for all the must-see red carpet photos and behind-the-scenes video coverage from the most glamorous night of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival season!

Red carpet photos and video interviews with GRAZIA USA:

What to Wear to the amfAR Gala: Style Tips from the Carpet

Attending the amfAR Gala is an opportunity to embrace high fashion with purpose. This year, I wore a gold Mac Duggal gown that perfectly married elegance and modern glamour, paired with matching gold statement earrings, a Cartier love bracelet, Aquazzura rhinestoned heels, and a Gucci clutch. The gown of the hour featured an embellished silhouette with a Cannes-worthy, dramatic open back — that felt just as perfect for a red carpet photo (unintentionally matching this year’s golden backdrop) as it did interviewing Hollywood’s biggest names in head-to-toe couture.

Mac Duggal Gold Embellished Mesh Sleeveless High Neck Fitted Gown: SHOP NOW

If you get the invite to the amfAR Gala Cannes, here’s GRAZIA’s tips on how to show up in style!

• Own your moment: Go bold with color, silhouette, or sparkle — this isn’t the place to play it safe.
• Statement accessories matter: A killer earring, clutch, or heel can elevate your entire look.
• Comfort counts: You’ll be sitting, standing, walking, and dancing — choose a gown that lets you do all of the above confidently.

The Final Curtain Call

From showstopping performances to once-in-a-lifetime auction moments and jaw-dropping fashion, the 2025 amfAR Gala Cannes didn’t just raise millions — it reminded us of the power of unity, glamour, and giving back.