Duran Duran, Taraji P. Henson Join amfAR Gala Cannes

TARAJI P. HENSON to HOST amfAR GALA CANNES

DURAN DURAN to PERFORM

Taraji P. Henson Approved Photo

Duran Duran Approved Photo

New York, NY- March 19, 2025 — amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, will return to the Cannes International Film Festival on Thursday, May 22, 2025, for the 31st edition of amfAR Gala Cannes. Iconic GRAMMY Award-winning rock band Duran Duran will return to the amfAR Cannes stage for the first time since 2013. The event, which raises funds for amfAR’s lifesaving biomedical research programs, will be hosted by Academy Award-nominated actor, producer and advocate Taraji P. Henson at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

We are so excited to have the iconic Duran Duran back with us at amfAR Gala Cannes and we are grateful for their longstanding support of our work,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “We are also thrilled that the incomparable Taraji P. Henson has graciously agreed to act as host for the evening.”

“I am proud and excited to be supporting amfAR at this year’s Cannes benefit gala, said Taraji P. Henson.  “AIDS is far from over and we must continue to stand together and support the lifesaving research that is our best hope of finally ending this deadly pandemic.”

The exclusive black-tie gala will feature a live auction of luxury goods, one-of-a-kind experiences, and exquisite works of art led by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury, and a spectacular fashion show curated by longtime supporter Carine Roitfeld.

Duran Duran’s performance at amfAR Gala Cannes marks their only French live show for 2025. The show comes ahead of the band’s anticipated European summer tour where they will perform in stadiums and arenas across the UK, Ireland, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Germany, and Spain, from June through early July. 

Since amfAR’s late Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor hosted the first amfAR Gala Cannes in 1993 at the Moulin de Mougins, the benefit has become the most coveted ticket of the Cannes Film Festival and to date it has raised $297 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research programs.

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 raised more than $900 million in support of its programs and has awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide. 

https://www.amfar.org/cannes – for tickets and tables

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

For credential requests please email: melissa.rubenstein@amfar.org

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