amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. Since its founding in 1985, amfAR has accelerated the pace of HIV/AIDS research and contributed to numerous breakthroughs that are extending and saving lives around the world. amfAR identifies critical gaps in our knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and supports promising early-stage studies that often lack the preliminary data required by more traditional funders. Through its Research program, amfAR is advancing efforts to prevent HIV infection in those who are vulnerable and to improve treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the virus. amfAR’s TREAT Asia program is a network of clinics, hospitals, and research institutions working with civil society to ensure the safe and effective delivery of HIV/AIDS treatments throughout Asia and the Pacific. TREAT Asia has become a model for regional collaboration on treatment preparedness, education, training, and clinical research. The MSM Initiative strives to reduce worldwide rates of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in developing countries by providing small grants to grassroots groups that help expand HIV education and prevention. The MSM Initiative also works to build understanding and awareness of HIV epidemics among MSM, and advocates for effective policies and increased funding. Informed by thorough research and analysis, amfAR is a highly respected advocate of Photo: Kevin Tachman Photo: Kevin Tachman rational and compassionate AIDS-related public policy. The Foundation’s Public Policy program is engaged in efforts to increase investments in HIV/AIDS research; ensure a robust response to the global epidemic; expand access to prevention, treatment, and care; and protect the civil rights of all people affected by HIV/AIDS. Through its Public Information program, amfAR generates awareness of the need for better treatment and prevention methods, and publishes educational materials on important AIDS-related research, treatment, prevention, and policy issues. As a respected voice on HIV/AIDS, amfAR frequently provides media commentary on research developments and other aspects of the epidemic. Photo: Kevin Tachman Cinema Against AIDS Cannes, France Photo: WireImage Photo: WireImage Cinema Against AIDS Many know amfAR through the Cinema Against AIDS galas, which are among the most high-profile and consistently successful charitable events in the world. Since the first Cinema Against AIDS in 1993, hosted by amfAR’s Founding International Chairman Elizabeth Taylor, these signature amfAR benefits have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continuing fight against AIDS and have generated more than $70 million in support for the Foundation’s innovative AIDS research programs. In addition to the annual gala held in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival, Cinema Against AIDS events have been held during the Dubai, Toronto, Sundance, and Venice film festivals. For the 2012 Cannes event, amfAR will return to the legendary Hôtel Du Cap-Eden-Roc. Star Power amfAR’s international fundraising events are world-renowned for their ability to attract a glittering list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society— as well as the press that goes along with such star power. Traditionally, celebrities in attendance participate in the live auction. In just the past few years, the guest list has included such luminaries as: Ben Affleck George Clooney Mick Jagger Natalie Portman Jessica Alba Sofia Coppola Wyclef Jean Vanessa Redgrave Prince Albert of Marion Cotillard Scarlett Johansson Natasha Richardson Monaco Russell Crowe Elton John Carine Roitfeld Marc Anthony Penélope Cruz Milla Jovovich Zoë Saldana Giorgio Armani Alan Cumming Nicole Kidman Claudia Schiffer Lance Armstrong Matt Damon Beyoncé Knowles Julian Schnabel Lauren Bacall Rosario Dawson Diane Kruger Liev Schreiber Elizabeth Banks Benicio Del Toro Lady Gaga Gwen Stefani Javier Bardem Catherine Deneuve Karl Lagerfeld Sharon Stone Kate Beckinsale Johnny Depp Laura Linney Meryl Streep Photo: Kevin Tachman Photo: Kevin Tachman Photo: WireImage Harry Belafonte Leonardo DiCaprio Jennifer Lopez Quentin Tarantino Gael García Bernal Kirsten Dunst Madonna Charlize Theron Mary J. Blige Tom Ford Sienna Miller Uma Thurman Emily Blunt Richard Gere Liza Minnelli Christy Turlington Adrien Brody Danny Glover Kylie Minogue Donatella Versace Carla Bruni- Ryan Gosling Angela Missoni Dita Von Teese Sarkozy Goldie Hawn Mary-Kate and Sigourney Weaver Gerard Butler Salma Hayek Ashley Olsen Harvey Weinstein Naomi Campbell Eva Herzigova Clive Owen Robin Williams Guillaume Canet Elizabeth Hurley Dev Patel Michele Yeoh Roberto Cavalli Iman Robert Pattinson and many, many Don Cheadle Jeremy Irons Sean Penn more. Cher Janet Jackson Freida Pinto Press Coverage Cinema Against AIDS is eagerly anticipated and widely publicized every year, earning extensive press coverage that reaches around the globe. Virtually all major international broadcast and print media outlets cover the event. Coverage is featured in the pages of InStyle, People, Entertainment Weekly, US Weekly, Vogue, Daily Mail, Paris Match, Hello, Bunte, Le Figaro, Chi, Oggi, La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, Vanity Fair Italia, China Daily, The New York Times, and countless other newspapers, magazines, websites, and trade publications worldwide. Broadcast leaders such as Entertainment Tonight in the U.S., RTL in Germany, TF1 in France, Hong Kong TV in China, and RAI in Italy, are always present to cover the event, as are major wire services such as the Associated Press, Reuters, Bloomberg News, and Agence France-Presse. Photo: Kevin Tachman Photo: WireImage Photo: Kevin Tachman.