Celebrities out in force at HIV/AIDS fundraiser

Stars of music, cinema, and fashion were out in force for the annual amfAR fundraiser in France on Thursday, raising money for AIDS research.

Held during the Cannes film festival, the event attracts a large number of celebrities -- with the star power helping to pull in top end bids at a special charity auction.

Alec Baldwin, singer Kylie Minogue and reality star Paris Hilton were among the many celebrities enjoying the particularly warm weather.

CEO of amfAR Kevin Robert Frost highlighted the importance of the night.

SOUNDBITE: Kevin Robert Frost, amfAR CEO, saying (English):

"Yeah, it's absolutely more difficult, these are tough economic times, everybody knows that and feels that so that makes it all the more special that the film community turns out in such great numbers and that people come here in such great numbers to help us raise that kind of money. In these difficult times, that's really special."

Pop star Janet Jackson said she was proud to support the cause of HIV/AIDS research as she walked the red carpet.

SOUNDBITE, Janet Jackson, singer, saying (English):

"Why not put beauty and life to it, bring great positive energy to it? Which is what this is. And we'll get it, we're going to find a cure for this."

At the end of the evening, organisers said the auction, which was followed by a star studded party, raised more than 10 million U.S. dollars.

Edward Baran, Reuters