#amfAR Gala Cannes: Duran Duran to Perform, Taraji P. Henson to Host for 2025 Program

The starry program for amfAR‘s 31st Cannes gala is starting to take shape with Duran Duran booked for a headline performance and Tajari P. Henson on board to host the festivities.

The gala, which takes place annually at the tail end of the Cannes Film Festival, is set to take place at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22. The gig brings Duran Duran back into the amfAR fold after having performed at the Cannes gala in 2013.

“We are so excited to have the iconic Duran Duran back with us at amfAR gala Cannes and we are grateful for their longstanding support of our work,” offered amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “We are also thrilled that the incomparable Taraji P. Henson has graciously agreed to act as host for the evening.”

Said Henson in a statement: “I am proud and excited to be supporting amfAR at this year’s Cannes benefit gala. AIDS is far from over and we must continue to stand together and support the lifesaving research that is our best hope of finally ending this deadly pandemic.”

The black-tie event will feature a live auction of luxury goods, experiences and unique art pieces led by auctioneer Simon de Pury. Fashion maven Carine Roitfeld will once again curate a fashion show. Duran Duran’s performance will mark the band’s only French live show for 2025. The appearance comes ahead of the band’s European summer tour that kicks off in Finland in June and wraps in Spain on July 9.

Since the first amfAR gala in Cannes — hosted by the late Elizabeth Taylor at Moulin de Mougins — the benefit has raised $297 million for the org’s AIDS research programs and services.