Antonio Banderas, Richard Gere, and Mohammed Al Turki Honored

Kate Beckinsale Hosted

Kelly Rowland and Rumer Willis Performed

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Venice, Italy, September 2, 2024

Over $2.5 million was raised at amfAR Venezia last night, a gala dinner and live auction which took place during the Venice International Film Festival. Internationally celebrated actor and director Antonio Banderas was presented with amfAR’s Global Impact Award. Humanitarian, actor, producer and Golden Globe winner Richard Gere was presented with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration and film producer, businessman, and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki was presented with amfAR’s Philanthropic Leadership Award. Kelly Rowland and Rumer Willis gave special performances. The evening was hosted by Kate Beckinsale.

Guests in attendance included Guests in attendance included Richard Gere, Alejandra Gere, Antonio Banderas, Mohammed Al Turki, Kelly Rowland, Rumer Willis, Kate Beckinsale, Eva Longoria, Edward Enninful, Stella Maxwell, Lucien Laviscount, Harry Goodwins, Zhang Ziyi, Rose Bertram, Andrei Gillott, Sofia Resing, Toni Garrn, Sean Koons, Simon de Pury, Caroline Scheufele, Edoardo Leo, Juliana Paes, Moran Atias, Julian Lennon, Lior Raz, Luna Bijl, Jon Kortajarena, Sergio Castellitto, Margaret Mazzantini, Maria Borges, Tarina Patel, Zarina Yeva, Barbara Meier, Niclas Castello, Shivani Pandya Malhotra, Jessica Prenzel, Keni Silva, amfAR Trustees Tony Mancilla and Vin Roberti, amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost, and more.

Kate Beckinsale kicked off the evening by thanking guests and sponsors for their support and emphasizing the importance of supporting amfAR’s work to find a cure for AIDS. Shivani Pandya Malhotra celebrated three years of partnership between amfAR and The Red Sea International Film Festival. Rumer Willis’s performance soon followed as a powerful opening to the night with beautiful renditions of The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and Adele’s “I Drink Wine.”

amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost presented the first award of the evening to honoree Antonio Banderas. In accepting the Global Impact Award, Banderas spoke about the privilege of being able to use his public persona for good. In his presentation to Banderas, Frost spoke about how his performance in the 1993 film Philadelphia was an important moment for destigmatizing HIV. “While the stigma that often prevents people from seeking treatment for HIV or preventive care persists, amfAR continues its work breaking down these old beliefs that seek to divide us,” said Frost.

Auctioneer Simon de Pury led the live auction, which included a variety of contemporary artworks and one-of-a kind luxury items and experiences. Auction items included pieces by Andy Warhol, Kenny Scharf, and Sean Koons, sculptures by Fred Allard and Niclas Castello, a pair of Chopard earrings, and a South African wildlife conservation experience for eight people.

In between auction lots, longtime amfAR supporter Eva Longoria presented close friend Mohammed Al Turki with amfAR’s Philanthropic Leadership Award. Al Turki began his remarks by expressing gratitude to amfAR for its “dedication to making AIDS history, finding a cure, and ending this epidemic,” which he described as truly inspiring. He also shared how proud he is to be part of this important cause. Al Turki also extended his thanks to his Red Sea Film Foundation family, praising their commitment to championing the work of female storytellers.

Upon completion of the auction to benefit amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research, Eva Longoria came back to the stage to introduce Richard Gere to accept amfAR’s Award of Inspiration. Gere, a tireless humanitarian who has supported amfAR and people living with HIV/AIDS for decades, made a heartfelt speech about his personal journey through the dark early days of the epidemic and the work that still needs to be done. 

“There are tens of millions of people that need yet to be saved,” amfAR Award of Inspiration recipient Richard Gere said, issuing a passionate call on behalf of the estimated 23% of people living with HIV who do not currently have access to medication. “And resources from events like this and fundraising and great donors who have helped amfAR and other groups are really saviors for this planet. Not only for HIV/AIDS, other pandemics and other issues. Together we can solve any problem.”

The evening closed with the crowd on its feet for Kelly Rowland’s electric medley of her hits “Dilemma,” “Like This,” “Say My Name,” “Bootylicious,” “When Love Takes Over,” and Whitney Houston’s iconic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

Presenting Sponsors of the event were World Gold Council and The Red Sea International Film Festival, with Chopard and Campari as Signature Sponsors. San Clemente Palace Kempinski was the official hotel partner.

The event was generously supported by Uber, Boroli Wines, RUMOR Rosé, and Unopiù.

About amfAR
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $660 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.

About The Red Sea International Film Festival
The Red Sea Film Foundation is a rapidly emerging force in the global film industry. As an independent, non-profit organization, it fosters the film sector in Saudi Arabia, Arab world, Asia and Africa. Its initiatives are closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s plans for nurturing film and culture, emphasizing the pillars of a vibrant society and a thriving cultural scene. Leading the charge on the cultural and cinematic front, the Red Sea Film Foundation is transforming Saudi Arabia into a prominent global hub for film and a platform for storytellers. Jomana Al Rashid is Chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation.

About World Gold Council
We are a membership organisation that champions the role gold plays as a strategic asset, shaping the future of a responsible and accessible gold supply chain. Our team of experts builds understanding of the use case and possibilities of gold through trusted research, analysis, commentary, and insights. We drive industry progress, shaping policy and setting the standards for a perpetual and sustainable gold market. You can follow the World Gold Council on X (Twitter) at @goldcouncil and LinkedIn.

Contact: Bennah Serfaty, amfAR Senior Director, Communications, Bennah.serfaty@amfar.org

Credential Requests: Melissa Rubenstein, melissa.rubenstein@amfar.org

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