The amfAR Gala in Cannes, France, may be the only social event to rival the Met Gala. Held at the sprawling Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc during the Cannes Film Festival, the event raises money for AIDS research. As guests were reminded multiple times throughout the evening on May 25, H.I.V. is not extinct (about 38 million people were living with the virus in 2021).
So many models and actors showed up that the red carpet (this one was actually blue) lasted for more than three hours. Some skipped the photographers altogether, showing up fashionably late.
Orlando Bloom was spotted in the bathroom line (yes, even celebrities have to wait in line). Lucien Laviscount (Alfie in “Emily in Paris”) showed up at his table after starters, accompanied by the actor Aidan Walsh, a close friend . (“I was not in ‘Bridgerton,’” Mr. Laviscount said, laughing.)
They started drinking wine, supplied by Gerard Bertrand, a French winemaker who makes Hampton Water for Jon Bon Jovi and the one of the world’s most expensive rosés, before moving on to tequila shots. A handle was placed on each table for ease. That was free, unlike the phone chargers, which could be brought to your seat for 150 euros ($160).
Queen Latifah hosted the event, which opened with a performance by Gladys Knight. Later in the evening Adam Lambert belted out “Who Wants to Live Forever” in dedication to Tina Turner. Simon de Pury auctioned items that included a luxury sports car and a painting by an 11-year-old.
Festivities continued until the wee hours of the morning with attendees dancing under the stars overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. In the edited interviews below, a few of them gamely answered questions about the Cannes Film Festival, “Succession” and the debt ceiling.
Coco Rocha
Model
What’s the least glamorous thing about Cannes?
People think you arrive on these beautiful red carpets, and you have had some champagne in hair and makeup, but the logistics can be very stressful and are kind of insane. We even have to worry about things like, Do we have the tickets?
If you could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?
I’ve been a model for 20 years, and especially early in my career, mental health was not a conversation. I know we talk a lot more about mental health now, but I want us to talk even more about why it’s OK to feel the way we are.
Any words of advice on the debt ceiling negotiation?
How does money work?
Are you on Twitter?
I am. Before, as models, we didn’t feel like we had a voice. A reporter would just write things about us. Now we, and anybody who wants one, has a voice through social media, and I think it’s important.
Bebe Rexha
Singer
What’s the least glamorous thing about Cannes?
I am literally wearing a Spanx that is so tight I can’t breathe and a corset on top of another corset.
If you could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?
As someone with mental illness, it pains me all the time to know that I can afford mental health care and my fans can’t. That’s what we need to work on.
Any words of advice on the debt ceiling negotiation?
I am not going to give advice on that because I am not the best with money. I am crossing my fingers and my toes. It’s really scary.
Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz
Model and guitarist
What’s the least glamorous thing about Cannes?
Ms. Klum: To me it is all glamorous.
Mr. Kaulitz: The non-glamorous part is sitting in the car for a while. Other than the traffic, Cannes is beautiful.
If you could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?
Ms. Klum: This is too big of a question. Let’s try and kill one disease at the time. We’ll start with this one, AIDS, while we are here today.
Where are you going after this?
Ms. Klum: The after-party is in our hotel room. There are all these parties. People want to schmooze and meet people, but I don’t really want to meet anyone. I already met “the one” and that’s who I want to be with.
Mr. Kaulitz: We are happily married, and we always want to get to our hotel room at night.
Where will you be for the “Succession” finale on Sunday?
Ms. Klum: I don’t watch any television.
Mr. Kaulitz: I haven’t started the new season yet. I am waiting for the full season to come out, and then I will binge watch it.
Rebel Wilson
Actress
What’s the least glamorous thing about Cannes?
We saw a 30-minute queue of people trying to get in. Luckily we bypassed it.
Where are you going after this?
I’m a mother now, so I am a bit of a Cinderella. I try to go to bed by midnight.
Where did you go last night?
I am directing a film so we did a big event on my boss’s yard. It went until people jumped in the water.
Jasmine Tookes
Model
What’s the least glamorous thing about Cannes?
I have nipple covers on my toes. I had to find something to heal my feet. They are squishy and they stick.
Where will you be for the “Succession” finale on Sunday?
I’ve seen a few episodes. I know everyone is waiting for the finale, but I’m not there.
Are you on Twitter?
I am on it, but I haven’t used it in years. I’m on Instagram, Snapchat. I’m a visual person.
Jessica Wang
Fashion blogger
What’s the least glamorous thing about Cannes?
The traffic. There are times that you will be stuck there for an hour even though you could walk there in five minutes. The adrenaline keeps you going while you are waiting.
If you could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?
Poverty, especially for children. I have two kids, so that is definitely something I do not want to see.
Where will you be for the “Succession” finale on Sunday?
I have not watched “Succession” and have no plans to. I don’t feel left out. Everyone has different tastes.