AmfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, returned to Venice on September 3, 2023, for its annual benefit gala during the film festival. Groundbreaking Filmmaker Ava DuVernay was awarded with the Award of Inspiration. The black-tie gala dinner, which took place at La Misericordia, included special performances by internationally acclaimed singer songwriter Rita Ora and Leona Lewis and a live auction of contemporary artworks and one-of-a-kind experiences.

Guests included Ava DuVernay, Rita Ora, Leona Lewis, Milla Jovovich, Kate Beckinsale, Michelle Rodriguez, Taika Waititi, Luke Evans, Bella Thorne, Carla Bruni, Beatrice Grannò, Jesse Williams, JC Chasez, Alberta Ferretti, Camila Mendes, Rudy Mancuso, Lara Leito, La La Anthony, Nolan Funk, Boman Martinez-Reid, Mohammed Al-Turki, Guy Burnet, Dilan Deniz, Daniela de Jesus Cosio, Renee Blythewood, Lauren Sintes, Francesco Vezzoli, Sofia Resing, Maryam Zolghadr, Sveva Alviti, Nicolò Beretta, Caroline Scheufele, Hofit Golan, Emir Uyar, Umberta Gnutti Beretta, Anna Lewandowska, Simone Marchetti, Raja Rajamanar, Thássia Naves, Ryan Greenawalt, Co-Chair del Board di amfAR, and Kevin Robert Frost, ceo di amfAR.

Milla Jovovich, a longtime supporter of amfAR, and Ryan Greenawalt, co-chair of the amfAR board of directors, opened the evening drawing attention to the importance to continue working for improving the lives of those who affected by the HIV, highlighting that despite progress achieved, there is still a great deal more to do and continuous support is essential. MasterCard CMO Raja Rajamanar also was on stage to emphasise the importance of supporting amfAR's research.

Later in the evening, award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi presented Ava DuVernay with the Award of Inspiration. While accepting her award, Ava described what it meant to truly inspire someone, she went on to say how it was her Aunt Denise who showed her West Side Story for the first time, which kindled her passion for filmmaking. Her new film, Origin, which is an official selection of the Venice Film Festival, explores issues around social justice and DuVernay drew the connection to the fact that the fight against HIV/AIDS is part and parcel of the global struggle for social justice; there are nearly 40 million people living with HIV worldwide with more than half in sub-suburban Africa.

Auctioneer Michael Macaulay conducted the live auction, which included a variety of contemporary artworks and one-of-a-kind luxury items and experiences. Among the items up for auction were pieces by Mr. Brainwash, Yves Scherer and Andy Warhol, a concert by Queen + Adam Lambert, a pair of Chopard Haute Joaillerie earrings and an experience with the UEFA Champions League player's mascot.

Photo: Ava DuVernay. Getty Image