Sharon Stone to Be Honored at the Better World Fund Gala in Cannes on May 18

Better World Fund Cannes Gala for Humanity to Honor Egypt and Global Changemakers with Sharon Stone Expected to Attend: May 18, 2026

​Art at the Service of Humanity.
For Women’s Rights – Gender Equality – Education


The Better World Fund will once again take center stage during the Cannes Film Festival with its highly anticipated Gala for Humanity on May 18, 2026, at Copal Beach on the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette.
Bringing together influential figures from cinema, philanthropy, diplomacy, and innovation, the evening continues the fund’s mission of leveraging art and culture as catalysts for meaningful global change. A major highlight will be the presence of Sharon Stone, the internationally acclaimed actress,
humanitarian, and global advocate, who will receive the Best Engagement Award in recognition of her
remarkable cultural influence and longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes.

Held under the high patronage of Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support of H.E. Tarek
Dahroug, Egypt’s Ambassador to France, and his spouse, Alia El-Sirafi, this year’s edition honors Egypt,
celebrating its rich cultural legacy and global influence. The event is presented in association with The Hope Giver Campaign by Anwar Elkamony, further reinforcing its commitment to impactful humanitarian initiatives.

“We believe that the film industry today has an essential role to play as a vehicle for social, educational, and environmental values. Raising awareness is a vital pillar of the art form, as is the need to give greater visibility to powerful and engaging films driven by the desire to create a positive impact on the world,” - comments Manuel Collas de la Roche, President and Founder of the Better World Fund.

A Legacy of Honoring Impact

Over the years, the Better World Fund has recognized an extraordinary roster of global figures. Previous
honorees in attendance have included Hollywood icons such as Susan Sarandon, Sharon Stone, Kevin Costner, Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Huppert, and David Lynch, alongside renowned
activists, business leaders, philanthropists, ambassadors, and members of royal families.

An Evening of Purpose and Prestige

The Better World Fund’s Gala for Humanity, taking place from 8 PM to 1 AM, will celebrate the legacy of Egyptian director Youssef Chahine on the 100th anniversary of his birth, with an evening defined by purpose and prestige. The event will open with a red-carpet reception, followed by a charity dinner, artistic performances, and the presentation of the Better World Awards, alongside a special tribute to the iconic filmmaker.

A private charity auction featuring artworks, luxury experiences, and exclusive travel opportunities, conducted in collaboration with Tessier Sarrou and Artlys Patrimoine, will raise funds for key initiatives
supported by the Fund: Al Nas Hospital in Cairo, dedicated to pediatric healthcare; and Women’s Refugee Commission, the pioneering New York-based organization that protects and empowers displaced women and children around the world, transforming humanitarian policy and practice to prioritize refugee self-reliance. The gala will also feature a special musical program with performances by Egyptian soprano and opera singer Amira Selim. Multi-platinum vocalist Abi Flynn will also headline the event.
Flynn is a British singer-songwriter and multi-platinum vocalist whose journey is defined by resilience, strength, and the courage to step fully into her own power. With UK Top 40 success, a #1 on the U.S. Billboard charts, and major global releases alongside artists including Tinie Tempah, Joel Corry, and Nathan Dawe, she has become one of the most sought-after voices in contemporary dance music.

Highlights of the evening will include a speech by Dr. Gihane Zaki, in the presence of Egyptian celebrities including Laila Elwi, Hany Salama, and Yara Elsokkary, alongside esteemed guest, Iranian actress Mahnaz Afshar.
The evening will honor a distinguished group of figures from cinema, culture, diplomacy, and social impact through the Better World Awards, created by Dante Mortet. The Best Achievement Award will be bestowed upon Olga Kurylenko, the Ukrainian-French actress recognized for her involvement in Don’t Give Up!, which will be showcased in Cannes on May 17. The same award will also honor H.E. Dr. Tarek Dahroug, Egypt’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, as well as Nandana Dev Sen, the prize-winning actor, author, child-rights activist, and Director of the Women’s Refugee Commission. The Best Commitment Award will recognize Aurelia Khazan, French actress and singer; Beth Powell, a Jamaican-born airline captain, aviation leader, and emerging filmmaker; and Khen Thanh Nhat, film producer. Stephen Mao, American film producer, will receive the Cultural Ambassador Award 2026.

A second Best Engagement Award will be awarded to Vialina Lemann, an international model and former rhythmic gymnast born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. After beginning her runway career in Kazakhstan, she went on to walk during Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. Committed to girls’ education, the support of deaf and mute children, and women’s rights, she has transformed her singular journey into a source of strength. Featured on the covers of Elle, L’Officiel, Grazia, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Numéro, she is emerging as one of the new fashion figures between Paris and Milan.

Beyond the Gala: A Platform for Dialogue

Just before the gala, the Better World Fund will convene global leaders, policymakers, artists, and innovators for a high-level masterclass on May 18, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Copal Beach. Structured around three sessions: “Women Empowerment in Diplomacy,” “Stories, Scripts, Screens: Can We Sculpt a Better World through Cinema?”, and “Artificial Intelligence for a Better World,” the program will examine how diplomacy, cinema, and technology can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. The discussions will address the role of artificial intelligence across education, sustainability, film, and global development, while placing women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the future of education at the center of the conversation. Key themes will include the legacy of AI for future generations, as well as its impact on storytelling, culture, and society.
The “Women Empowerment in Diplomacy” session will be moderated by UNESCO Artist for Peace and Femina Pax initiator Guila Clara Kessous. The panel “Artificial Intelligence for a Better World” will be led by Enzo Di Taranto, President of XZEN Technologies, with Ehsan Adouane representing a new generation of AI educators and innovators.

The program will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists, including H.E. Rania Al- Mashat, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Egypt; H.E. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt; H.E. Ghada Zaki, Minister of Culture of Egypt; H.E. Tarek Dahroug, Egypt’s Ambassador to France, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, former Egyptian Minister and UNESCO leader; DR. Daniel Pompa; H.R.H. Princess Béatrice de Bourbon des Deux Siciles; Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, former French Minister and senior advisor; Anwar Elkamony, CEO of The Hope Giver Campaign; Dr. David Dupree, health and wellness expert, as well as Alia Elhabrdy and Nada Abdel Salam. The cinema-focused session, “Stories, Scripts, Screens: Can We Sculpt a Better World through Cinema?”, moderated by Valentina Castellani Quinn, will bring together, Matt Hookings, CEO of Camelot Film; Alain Mamou-Mani; Barry Alexander Brown; Beth Powell; Riccardo Romani; Luce Cardinale; Jihan K; Ariel Lavi, and Nandana Sen to explore how film can help shape a safer, fairer, and more welcoming world.
Together, these sessions reflect the Better World Fund’s mission to foster dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, using culture, technology, diplomacy, and cinema as catalysts for a more inclusive and forward-looking future.

World Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival - Don’t Give Up!

The documentary Don’t Give Up! will have its world premiere during the Better World Fund event, in partnership with Thalie Paris, represented by Nathalie Dionne, and in the presence of Olga Kurylenko and Jules Errard. Filmed over 10 years through encounters with 100 Guardian Angels of the planet around the world, the documentary follows a new generation of committed individuals and raises a fundamental question: how can awareness be transformed into action? More than a film, Don’t Give Up! also marks the launch of The Reserve, an international initiative dedicated to preserving natural lands and creating spaces of learning for future generations. The world premiere stands as a key moment at the crossroads of cinema, impact, and action, bringing together artists, changemakers, and international partners.

The Better World Fund is taking place with its partners: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt; the Embassy of Egypt in Paris; EgyptAir, A Star Alliance Member; Al Nas Hospital Cairo; the Women’s Refugee Commission; Casino Partouche Cannes 50 Croisette; Thalie Paris; RJC Project Management LLC; A Pinch of Soul; Studio Mao; L. Raphaël; La Prairie Switzerland; Dante Mortet; Adalgisa Conte of Travel Setter Italy; Anwar El Kamouni and The Hope Giver Campaign; Camelot Films; Christian of Roma; NGO La Princesse Murat; ENIF Makeup Academy; Sting and Il Palagio Vineyard; Tony Sasa; RepoStage magazine; Joanna Plafsky; Maison Gabrielle; Maia Wine; Oorvi Desai London; Artesia Artlys Patrimoine; EgyptAir; Dr. IVY London; SANCTA CRUX Wine; Breaking News Arabia; JEWLSCPH by Mai Manniche; La Giuva; SANTÉ; Amal Ameen Beauty; Christophe Romo of Leganovo; Anastasija Atanasovska; Julien Spiewak; and NAKHLA Jewellery.