Lady Monika Bacardi attended the amfAR Gala Cannes 2023. This year’s event was headlined by Queen Latifah and Leonardo DiCaprio, who raised $17 million.

As the sun sank into the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the distinctive sound of stilettos on gravel could be heard reverberating down the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc’s promenade. With a harbor full of yachts (including James Packer’s 108-meter Azimut Benetti vessel, which was rumored to be hosting Leonardo DiCaprio) and a view framed by twisting Aleppo pine trees, the amfAR Cannes gala unfurled in a manner that was expectedly fabulous.

While roving fundraising galas are held throughout the year in Palm Beach, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Venice, this event follows the Cannes Film Festival and may as well be amfAR’s Super Bowl for raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS research. Last night, a staggering $17 million was raised, beginning with cocktails where the evening’s sponsors—Chopard, Aston Martin, and Red Sea International Film Festival—displayed their products alongside the artworks that would be auctioned off later in the evening. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rebel Wilson, Eva Longoria, Kate Beckinsale, Fan Bing Bing, Teyana Taylor, and Heidi Klum sashayed through the throng of 850 guests in taffeta, tulle, feathers, and rhinestones, along with Ashley Graham, disguised under a large Nina Ricci hat.

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 nearly $617 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams worldwide.