Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, Kevin Spacey Spotted at amfAR Cannes Gala as James Franco and Adrien Brody Auction Their Art for Over $300,000

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Following his second win for Best Actor at the Oscars, Adrien Brody assumed the position of an artist during the amfAR Cannes Gala on Thursday evening.

Brody, who often refers to painting as his “initial passion,” stepped into the spotlight at the glamorous auction event, showcasing a multimedia artwork depicting Marilyn Monroe that he had created. Eager to capture everyone’s attention in the bustling crowd, the actor donned a dazzling black suit and silenced the room with a gesture akin to his memorable five-minute speech at the Oscars. “Excuse me for just a moment,” he requested. “I understand this is quite a large space.

Drawing from my own perspective as a film critic, I must say that the director’s motivation behind this work was intriguingly revealed. He expressed that it symbolizes “what Marilyn Monroe could not experience in her life”: “A chance to live completely and treasure every moment, along with the flaws and imperfections that life presents.

Brody went on to say, “Women are frequently reduced to objects in media and social platforms. While their physical appearance is significant, it’s their inner selves that truly matter in our world. I aim to respect and uphold that.

Following the astonishing $425,000 sale, Brody hastened towards Leonardo DiCaprio‘s table to offer him a friendly brotherly hug. Throughout the otherwise formal event, DiCaprio, hiding under a ball cap, was often seen snuggled up with his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti.

Brody and Leonardo DiCaprio were among the prominent figures at a lavish function held during the Cannes Film Festival, specifically at the fashionable Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes. This event brings together heavyweights from both entertainment and business industries. Some of the attendees included Jeff Bezos and his future spouse Lauren Sánchez, Mariska Hargitay with her husband Peter Hermann, Heidi Klum, Colman Domingo, Helen Mirren, Michelle Rodriguez, and many others. (I, as a reporter for EbMaster, found myself in the company of Ian Bohen from “Yellowstone” and Elijah Wright, son of Jeffrey Wright, who is featured in Lee’s Cannes-debuting film “Highest 2 Lowest,” alongside his father and Denzel Washington.)

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself at Cannes this year, where my latest film was being showcased and I received an honorary award from the Better World Fund. While the A-list stars took their usual front row seats, I chose to sit towards the back, perhaps as a subtle reminder of the journey I’ve been through. You see, it was just three years ago that I hosted the gala before my career took a sudden turn due to sexual assault allegations.

However, the night wasn’t entirely somber. Adam Lambert, who graced us with a medley of Queen songs later on, came over to greet me. It was a small gesture, but it felt like a symbol of understanding and acceptance in this industry I deeply love.

James Franco was present as well, contributing a piece of art he’d spent decades creating for the auction. Given recent events involving his own sexual misconduct accusations, Franco found himself seated nearer to the front and was warmly welcomed by the auctioneer, Simon du Pury, who praised him as an exceptional individual. It was Franco who then stepped onto the stage to present his artwork (which fetched $368,000).

At the five-hour dinner, along with Lambert, there was a showcase from Ciara. She energized the crowd with some of her most popular songs like “1, 2 Step” and “Level Up.” The event was hosted by Taraji P. Henson who maintained a serious demeanor to address the evening’s purpose: the quest for an AIDS cure.

Each of us contributes to ending this worldwide health crisis, the AIDS epidemic. Tonight, let’s unite with amfAR in their quest for a cure and complete our mission. We gather today to bolster research efforts aimed at saving countless lives across future generations.

Among the auctioned items was a 16-person stay at the extravagant mansion showcased in “Knives Out” movie sequel “Glass Onion,” offered by Robin Thicke. Repeatedly emphasizing that the house boasts 11 swimming pools, he encouraged bidding by addressing audience members. “Adrien Brody is interested, I know!” Thicke declared. “He only has two pools.” In the end, it was sold for $368,000.

An event inspired by James Bond’s style, kickstarted by Cara Delevingne, captivated spectators with outfits from various eras of the series. The show’s opening number featured Teri Hatcher, who donned a black gown and diamonds, reprising her role as the “Tomorrow Never Dies” Bond girl. Post-event, it was disclosed that all displayed pieces were up for auction; Jeff Bezos and his upcoming wife Lauren Sánchez, accompanied by two security guards, purchased the collection for an impressive $510,000.

Among the last items available for auction was a chance to appear as an extra in Lee’s upcoming movie, which Henson humorously suggested she might also star in. Additionally, there were tickets for a Knicks game with the director. “Who will act alongside me in Spike Lee’s next production? Leonardo DiCaprio? Colman Domingo?” she joked, drawing laughter. The item eventually sold for $454,000 to the highest bidder.

One of the last things being auctioned was a role as an extra in Spike Lee’s next movie and tickets to a Knicks game with him. Henson joked about who would star alongside her in this movie. “Will it be Leo or Colman Domingo?” she said, making people laugh. The item was sold for $454,000 to the person who bid the most.

To wrap up the evening, Duran Duran took over the stage with a rendition of their most popular tunes such as “Notorious” and “Girls on Film”, causing both the audience and Spacey himself to leap out of their seats and boogie down. After that, everyone made their way to the afterparty.

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2025-05-23 16:18