Cannes, May 21, 2025 — The Better World Fund (BWF) celebrated its 10th anniversary in spectacular fashion last night with a star-studded Gala Dinner at the historic Carlton Hotel in Cannes. Under the leadership of its founder and president Manuel Collas de la Roche, the organization commemorated a decade of using art and cinema to champion humanitarian causes and raise awareness for global issues.
This year’s edition, held alongside the Cannes Film Festival, honored India as the Country of Honor, applauding its vibrant cultural legacy and its contributions to international film and peacebuilding efforts.
The festivities followed a day filled with panels and networking events, culminating in a glamorous evening of celebration. Guests arrived for a photocall, cocktails, and a welcoming reception before the official program commenced. The night featured a special screening of the BWF film, performances by Jade Chantelle of the Paradis Latin and singer Maria Elena Infantino, and heartfelt tributes to partner organizations such as the Salam Balak Trust and the Amma Foundation.
A highlight of the evening was the charity auction, where a guitar signed by Sting emerged as the top-selling item. The auction supported BWF’s ongoing charitable initiatives worldwide.
One of the most talked-about moments came when Kevin Spacey took the stage to accept the Award for Excellence in Film and Television. “Who would have ever thought that honoring someone who has been exonerated in every courtroom he’s ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea. But here we are,” he remarked, acknowledging the controversy surrounding his appearance.
Additional honorees included acclaimed Indian director Mira Nair, Nandita Das, Patrick Doherty, Keni Silva, David Wood, Marc Peine, Christian Vosseler, and Chiara Tilesi. The awards, crafted by renowned sculptor Dante Mortet, recognized their outstanding contributions to film, humanitarian work, and social change.
A special Hope Giver Award was presented by Anwar El Kamony to Isabelle Lonvis-Rome, as part of BWF’s Hope Giver Campaign.
The gala drew an impressive guest list from around the world, including His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmed Jassim Al Thani of Qatar, His Royal Highness Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse of Thailand, and Her Royal Majesty Queen Angelique Monet Guerje-Thompson, Queen Consort of Eti-Oni, Nigeria. Other distinguished attendees included Indian Ambassador to France Sanjeev Singla, actress Julia Ormond, actor Joe Cortese, filmmaker Pan Nalin, and Indian social activist and singer Amruta Fadnavis.
The evening ended with a celebratory cake and medal ceremony, closing a night that highlighted a decade of artistic advocacy and a shared vision for a better, more compassionate world.
Photos by Victoria Mazurova.