Stars turn out for Aids benefit

Last updated at 12:12 21 May 2004


Cabaret star Liza Minnelli brought a star-studded Aids benefit at the Cannes film festival to an emotional close yesterday with a heartfelt tribute to her mother Judy Garland.

"I've never done this before," a nervous Minnelli told the audience at the gala before launching into an a cappella rendition of the classic You Made Me Love You.

The performance capped an evening of musical entertainment from the likes of Sheryl Crow and Natalie Portman, which raised more than $1.8 million for the American Foundation for Aids Research.

"Have a cocktail kids, it's gonna be a long night," emcee Sharon Stone, dazzling in a skin-tight red satin Versace gown, told guests at the start of the auction.

With tables costing up to $100,000, the annual Cinema Against Aids benefit is traditionally the high point of the festival, attracting a mix of movie stars, fashion designers and international jet setters.

Guests included jury president Quentin Tarantino, rocker Rod Stewart, actors Ashley Judd and Kevin Kline and Mexican heartthrob Gael Garcia Bernal.

Comedian Chris Tucker of Rush Hour fame launched into an impromptu stand-up routine to kick off bidding for a private tennis lesson with ace Monica Seles.

"If you don't have $1 billion, you shouldn't be here. Security, get them out!" he cracked.

Miramax studio chairman Harvey Weinstein made a sly reference to the controversy over U.S. director Michael Moore's anti-Bush documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, one of 19 films vying for the Palme d'Or best film award.

Miramax is buying back distribution rights to the film after its parent company, Disney, said it did not want to handle the politically polarising picture during an election year.

"I screened 'Fahrenheit 9/11' and I got my first unemployment cheque from Disney," Weinstein said.

"My resume is outside. Hopefully somebody needs domestic help."

Stewart, wearing a kilt, was accompanied by his statuesque girlfriend Penny Lancaster and a posse of boisterous Scotsmen.

"I thought you were not supposed to wear underwear under your kilt and immediately, he shows me his underpants," said a rueful Stone.

"I've seen his ass twice and we haven't even had an appetiser."

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