The amfAR Gala Cannes, the hottest event of the Cannes Film Festival (apart from the Palme d’Or itself), takes place this evening, 21 May 2026, at Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc on Cap d’Antibes.
This year the annual event, which raises money and awareness for Aids research programmes, will be hosted by Academy Award winning actress Geena Davis. Previous host Sharon Stone has been in Cannes this week to receive an award for her humanitarian work with refugee women. Sharon took over from Hollywood legend and amfAR co-founder Elizabeth Taylor who first launched the event in the hills of Mougins at the legendary Le Moulin de Mougins in 1993, and hosted it there for around 15 years.
The current location – the luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, which overlooks the Mediterranean – suits many of the celebrity guests who have booked into the five-star palace during the Cannes Film Festival.
In previous years, fans and local residents gathered near the hotel entrance to watch as the most famous cinema faces in the world stepped out of their limousines. Many would wander over to sign autographs. But with the rise in social media and so-called ‘influencers’, protocol has had to change to ensure artists’ privacy.
Some interesting signs have been erected today, letting guests know where to not get out of their cars; and the roads have been closed to all but Cap d’Antibes residents and hotel guests.
Marquees have also been installed across the grounds of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc ahead of tonight’s amfAR Gala Cannes, where an evening of glamour, celebration and vital fundraising is set to unfold.
Who will perform at amfAR Cannes 2026?
Tonight the glamorous crowd will be entertained by Robbie Williams, Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress. followed by a super-cool after-party DJ set by Honey Dijon.
We’re not sure of the menu, but there’ll definitely be bottles of Champagne Telmont popping, Rumor Rosé flowing and plenty of Don Julio tequila poured long into the night. (All supporting sponsors of the evening, presented by Chopard.)
What is amfAR?
amfAR stands for the Foundation for AIDS Research. it’s one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations and is dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy.
“Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $950 million and awarded in excess of 3,000 grants to scientists worldwide,” according to its website.
The organisation was founded in 1985 with Dr Krim and Dr Michael Gottlieb as its Founding Chairmen, and Elizabeth Taylor as its Founding National Chairman. Its Hollywood support was fundamental from the start, with actor Rock Hudson being one of the first donors to amfAR. He gifted the organisation $250,000 not long before died from AIDS in October 1985.
