On September 6, 2026, the sixth annual amfAR Venezia took place in Venice. The charity gala, organized by amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, brought together prominent figures from the international film industry, fashion, art, and music. The event was held at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice on the island of Giudecca during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
The evening was dedicated to raising funds for amfAR’s biomedical research and programs focused on HIV/AIDS and global health. The program included a black-tie dinner, a live charity auction, the presentation of awards, and special musical performances.
This year’s amfAR honorees were two internationally recognized women whose careers and personal stories reflect themes of courage, resilience, and social impact.
Marina Abramović received the amfAR Award of Inspiration in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to contemporary art and her ability to inspire generations of artists and audiences. The award was presented to Abramović by actor Orlando Bloom.
The evening’s second major honor, the Award of Courage, was presented to actress Pamela Anderson. During her acceptance speech, Anderson spoke openly about her experience with hepatitis C, recalling the fear and uncertainty that followed her diagnosis and reflecting on her eventual recovery after effective treatment became available. The award was presented by Taika Waititi.
The gala was hosted by Oscar-winning director, actor, and filmmaker Taika Waititi. The musical program opened with British singer-songwriter Mimi Webb, followed by a special performance by Bebe Rexha. Rexha’s energetic set became one of the highlights of the evening, with the singer returning for an additional performance at the request of guests.
Another central part of the evening was the live charity auction, conducted by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury. The selection included artworks, jewelry, photographs, luxury experiences, and other exclusive lots.
Particular attention was drawn to Marina Abramović’s digital work Slow Walking. The lot included the digital artwork as well as a private lunch with the artist and was sold for €500,000. Other works offered during the auction included pieces by Andy Warhol and Banksy.
The gala brought together a notable group of international guests, including Orlando Bloom, Caroline Scheufele, Maria Bakalova, Geoffrey Rush, Rodney Hicks, Caylee Cowan, Leonie Hanne and many others.
According to reports following the event, the 2026 gala raised approximately €2.5 million to support amfAR’s work. The organization uses funds raised through its events to advance biomedical research, including efforts to develop new approaches to HIV treatment and ultimately find a cure.
The gala also highlighted the broader scope of amfAR’s current research efforts. On July 28, 2026, the organization announced nearly $2 million in new funding for four HIV cure-focused studies. Each researcher received a two-year award of $480,000 to investigate innovative approaches, including next-generation immunotherapies, mRNA technology, CAR T cells, and broadly neutralizing antibodies.
For amfAR, the Venetian gala is part of a long-term international effort to support scientific research and accelerate progress toward ending the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. The organization also supports research in related areas where viruses and the immune system play an important role, including cancer, neurological conditions, and autoimmune diseases.
AmfAR Venezia 2026 therefore became more than a high-profile social event during the Venice Film Festival. It brought together cinema, contemporary art, fashion, music, and philanthropy around a common goal: supporting scientific research and raising awareness of the continuing global challenge of HIV/AIDS.
The evening once again demonstrated how major cultural events can use their international visibility not only to celebrate creativity and achievement, but also to draw attention to issues that directly affect the lives and health of millions of people.
