As I stood amidst the glitz and glamour of the 81st Venice Film Festival, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for the extraordinary individuals who turned this red carpet event into a battlefield against AIDS. The amfAR gala was more than just a star-studded affair; it was a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity and our collective determination to eradicate this devastating disease.
On Sunday evening, on the island of Lido, during the hustle and bustle of the 81st Venice Film Festival, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, hosted their annual gala. The World Gold Council, Red Sea International Film Festival, Chopard, Campari, San Clemente Palace Kempinski Hotel, Uber, Boroli Wines, and Rumor Rosé all contributed to making the event a success. The gala took place at Hangar Nicelli.
Visitors donned formal wear for a boat ride to the airport, where they snapped pictures on a blue carpet, later savoring the cocktail hour near a Campari bar. Guests also took turns posing at the amfAR photo booth and mingled among the art pieces that would be auctioned off during the evening’s gala, engaging in social interactions throughout the venue.
At the event, Julian Lennon shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he’s eager to contribute more to amfAR than he has previously, stating, “I’ve always wanted to make a greater impact.” His first-ever exhibition, titled “Whispers – A Julian Lennon Retrospective,” is currently on display in Venice and marks the largest showcase of his work. This exhibition is being held jointly by Marsilio Arte and Fondazione Giorgio Cinio, and will run until November 24th at La Stanze della Fotografia.
“The piece I’m donating is in the exhibition, and also at the same time next month will be the first time of the release of my photographer coffee table book. We chose a piece that will hopefully be auctioned off the most,” he continued. “It’s a special one with my dad [Beatle John Lennon] behind Bono, during his Hamburg days. Initially I was laying on the floor and I was looking up talking to Bono, and I saw Dad’s picture in the background and thought, ‘That’s a shot and a half.’ I took the shot and initially I called it ‘Lennon Sandwich.’ We got the thumbs up from Bono and hopefully we’ll get those signed off and do a good job raising a good amount.”
Kevin Robert Frost, head of amfAR, conversed with THR ahead of the dinner, discussing the shift in location for the gala. He noted that they alternate venues annually in Venice for various reasons, primarily due to the event’s expansion. “Our first year saw just 150 attendees, while tonight we’ll host 450,” he stated. “This year presented unique challenges due to the film festival and Biennale coinciding; when they overlap, spaces get snapped up rapidly,” he explained further. “We found it intriguing to hold it at an airport; it’s something we’ve never done before, and I believe the grandeur of the space is captivating. I’m quite content with our choice,” he concluded.
Speaking about progress since their last gala in Venice, Frost mentioned, “Since then, we’ve managed to cure seven individuals of HIV; two more cases were reported just last year.” He emphasized that finding a cure for AIDS won’t happen instantly but rather through a gradual process. His belief has always been that we would initially be able to heal some individuals occasionally, and as time goes on, we’d be able to heal more individuals more frequently. We are now in the early stages of this process; we can currently cure some individuals at certain times. While we still have a long way to go considering the 40 million people who are still infected, it’s all about laying the groundwork for scientific advancements.
Inside the gala, actress Kate Beckinsale greeted everyone, expressed gratitude towards sponsors, and showed a video highlighting amfAR’s efforts in AIDS prevention and research throughout the years, which was initiated by Elizabeth Taylor in 1995. Beckinsale acknowledged Taylor’s absence but emphasized her continued presence, asking the audience to applaud for the remarkable Elizabeth Taylor and her significant role in combating AIDS. Following this, Rumor Willis, daughter of actors Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, performed a moving soulful and jazzy version of “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. After her first song, she shared with the audience that amfAR’s work truly changes lives.
After taking a break off-stage, I stepped into the spotlight next, receiving amfAR’s Global Impact Award. As an actor, it was an honor to be here in Venice premiering my newest film, “Babygirl,” which is competing at this year’s festival.
He spoke to THR privately before the event, saying, “It feels to me more than a recognition to be here. It feels like an invitation. This is the way that they do it. In reality they are asking: ‘Help us.’ I’m totally open to do this because of the 1993 film Philadelphia with film director Jonathan Demme. In a way I have been very attached to the people with HIV/AIDS, to the families and to their friends. Many of my friends were victims of this disease, so for me it’s just that invitation and I’m going to open the door to collaborate with the activist inside of me.”
On stage, Banderas urged the crowd to join him in the fight against HIV/AIDS, recalling an incident from after filming Philadelphia. He had told an extra that they would meet at the premiere, but tragically, the extra wouldn’t be able to attend because AIDS had taken a heavy toll on his health and he was nearing his end.
At the same event, Richard Gere received amfAR’s Award of Inspiration. Delivering a somber address, everyone in attendance fell quiet, captivated by the actor’s heartfelt words about HIV and AIDS awareness. Reflecting on the global AIDS crisis that peaked in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Gere passionately declared, “I shudder at the thought of returning to those days. Back then, there was a lot of chatter suggesting God brought this upon us as a form of punishment. I lost numerous friends during that time. This is no game; collectively, we can tackle and overcome any problem.”
The organization often hosts events in cities such as Cannes, Palm Beach, and Los Angeles, but for Frost, there’s no place quite like Venice. “This city is simply enchanting,” he remarked. “Each time I arrive here, I feel the same sense of wonder, even after visiting numerous times throughout the years. And when you first set foot in Venice, it becomes immediately clear that it’s unlike any other place on earth – it’s truly magical,” he added.
Kelly Rowland closed the night with renditions of “Dilemma”, “This Is How It Goes”, “Call Me by My Name”, “Curvy Chick”, “When Love Takes Over” and Whitney Houston’s “Let’s Dance Together”.
Read More
- BODEN PREDICTION. BODEN cryptocurrency
- GHST PREDICTION. GHST cryptocurrency
- BETA PREDICTION. BETA cryptocurrency
- STRD PREDICTION. STRD cryptocurrency
- Mango Markets Exploiter Found Guilty Of Fraud And Manipulation
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- MATIC PREDICTION. MATIC cryptocurrency
- LOOKS PREDICTION. LOOKS cryptocurrency
- BRN/USD
- TNSR PREDICTION. TNSR cryptocurrency
2024-09-03 06:25