A regal night for AmFAR in Antibes

Sean Penn and Robert De Niro at Thursday night's AmFAR benefit in Antibes.

Thursday night's annual AmFAR auction-gala at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes carried a distinctly regal feel.Prince Albert of Monaco and his fiancee Charlene offered up a tennis and swimming lesson plus lunch, then upped the offer to two such sessions during the bidding, bringing in a winning bid of 1 million euros."I promise that I'll give you a good match," the prince said. "She's an Olympic swimmer -- I think that's worth something."The evening set a new record by topping 10 million euros.The event, benefits the 25-year-old American Foundation for AIDS Research. The late Elizabeth Taylor drew multiple tributes."She taught us that we are all connected by our shared humanity," event co-chair Janet Jackson said. Program launched with a video of Elton John recalling Taylor's work with the org, which helped found 25 years ago."Elizabeth Taylor was a force of nature," he said. "She was our guiding star and will forever be with us."Harvey Weinstein, a co-chair of the event, told the audience that Taylor pushed for compassion and research for those AIDS at a time when fear was extensive. "It was an honor to work alongside her and it was an honor to watch her movies," he said.A print of a famed Herb Ritts photo of Taylor drew 150,000 euros and an Andy Warhol lithograph of her generated 400,000 euros.First item, introd by Jane Fonda, was a diamond bracelet that sold for 140,000 euros.Goldie Hawn introduced a week at a luxury resort in Bali for a dozen people -- "a sort of 'Eat Pray Love' thing," she said -- sold for 100,000 euros.An extensive package of Louis Vuitton goods drew a winning bid of 55,000 euros. And a signed portrait of Mick Jagger provoked a spirited round of bids concluding at 300,000 euros.Later in the evening, Prince Albert spent 170,000 euros for a collection of French wine. The Weinstein Company offered up a package of items -- a gown worn by Freida Pinto at the SAG Award, a private screening of "My Week with Marilyn" for 70 followed by a dinner reception hosted by Michelle Williams. The winning bid was for 60,000 euros.

Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Source: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118037349?categoryid=3628&cs=1&cmpid=RSS%7CNews%7CLatestNews

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