The Venice Film Festival is known for its star-studded premieres and red carpets, but last night, a different kind of glamour took over the city’s Lido island. The Giovanni Nicelli Airport, an architectural gem from the 1920s, hosted the amfAR Venezia 2024 gala, a dazzling affair dedicated to raising funds for AIDS research.
Guests arrived in style, stepping through the airport’s gilded lobby onto an enormous airstrip where vintage airplanes provided a stunning backdrop. Antonio Banderas posed for photos, models Toni Garrn and Maria Borge mingled with the crowd, and disco music filled the air.
Inside a cavernous aircraft hangar, transformed into a lavish dining room, guests dined on gourmet meals beneath gold-draped tables adorned with vibrant floral centerpieces. Kate Beckinsale, the evening’s host, welcomed the attendees, thanking them for their support and highlighting amfAR’s ongoing commitment to finding a cure for AIDS.
The evening included moving speeches, heartfelt performances, and a lively auction. Actor Rumer Willis delivered a captivating set of covers, including The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and Adele’s “I Drink Wine.” Antonio Banderas, accepting an award, spoke about the impact of the film “Philadelphia,” which helped shift public understanding of HIV/AIDS and homophobia.
Simon de Pury led an exciting auction, where lots including works by Andy Warhol and Kenny Scharf sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Eva Longoria presented the Philanthropic Leadership Award to her friend, Saudi Arabian film producer Mohammed Al Turki.
Richard Gere, receiving the Award of Inspiration, shared his personal journey of activism, emphasizing the power of collective action in combating AIDS. He reflected on the loss of close friends to the disease in the late 1980s and the importance of collaboration in fighting pandemics.
The evening concluded with a vibrant performance by Kelly Rowland, who captivated the audience with a medley of her greatest hits and Destiny’s Child classics. Guests danced the night away before heading back to the heart of Venice via water taxis, both entertained and inspired.
The amfAR Venezia 2024 gala raised over $2.5 million for AIDS research, exceeding its fundraising goals. As Richard Gere aptly stated, “Resources from events like this are saviors for this planet, not only for HIV/AIDS, but other pandemics and issues. Together, we can solve any problem.”
