Cannes: AIDS auction raises more than €26m

Film stars and celebrities helped raise more than €26m (£19.14m, $30m) on Thursday night (21 May) at the Cinema Against AIDS Gala -- more commonly known as the Cannes film festival event amfAR.

Those attending the auction, included a camera-shy Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as Sienna Miller, Jake Gyllenhaal, Diane Kruger and Michael Fassbender.

The first lot which attracted attention was the Pablo Picasso work 'L'Etreinte' which is signed by the artist and started off the bidding frenzy by selling for €600,000.

But street artist Banksy did better than Picasso by selling for €1m and even forced its donor, DiCaprio, to briefly step out of the shadows.

Classical singer Andrea Bocelli also offered a dinner for 12 people with him, complete with a performance which sold twice for a €1m each.

However, the highlight of the event, which is now in its 22nd year, saw a sculpture by American artist Jeff Koons sell for €12m, topping everything the evening.

Guests during the evening were entertained by the likes of British singer songwriter Charlie XCX, Bocelli, and American star Mary J Blige.