Against the glamorous backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival, the Better World Fund brought together leading voices from cinema, diplomacy, philanthropy, and global advocacy for its annual Gala for Humanity on May 18, 2026, at Copal Beach along the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette.
One of the evening’s most significant moments was the presentation of the Better World Fund’s Best Engagement Award to acclaimed actress, humanitarian, and global advocate Sharon Stone. The honor recognized Stone’s enduring cultural influence and her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes around the world.
Presented by Manuel Collas de la Roche, Founder and President of the Better World Fund, the award became the catalyst for a deeply moving address that transcended celebration and evolved into a powerful reflection on humanity’s shared responsibility to one another.
Speaking candidly about the role of women in society, Stone emphasized the intrinsic connection between how humanity treats women and how it values itself.
“It is important for men to recognize that you are the child of a woman,” she told the audience. “The respect, dignity, and care that you give to women is a reflection of the respect, dignity, and care that you give to yourself, because that is your origin story.”
She continued by underscoring the importance of investing in women through education, healthcare, housing, and opportunity, describing such commitments as a direct measure of society’s collective conscience and vision for the future.
Expanding her message beyond gender, Stone delivered a compelling appeal for global solidarity. Calling on guests to move beyond divisions of nationality, religion, ideology, and culture, she urged the audience to recognize a deeper and more universal truth.
“It is very important that we understand that we are one,” she said, challenging the narratives that often separate people from one another. Reminding attendees that every individual began life as “a small, helpless, innocent child,” Stone called for greater empathy, compassion, and understanding in an increasingly fragmented world.
Her remarks resonated deeply throughout the room, transforming an award presentation into a profound moment of reflection and shared humanity. The speech emerged as one of the defining highlights of the evening, earning a standing ovation and reinforcing the values at the heart of the Better World Fund’s mission.
Held under the High Patronage of the Arab Republic of Egypt’s Embassy in France, with the support of H.E. Ambassador Tarek Dahroug and his spouse Alia El-Sirafi, the 2026 edition celebrated Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and global influence. Presented in association with The Hope Giver Campaign, founded by Anwar Elkamony, the gala welcomed distinguished guests from across the worlds of culture, diplomacy, philanthropy, and entertainment.
Among those in attendance were celebrated Egyptian actors Laila Elwi, Hani Salama, and Yara Elsokkary, alongside an international gathering of artists, changemakers, and thought leaders.
The evening also paid tribute to legendary filmmaker Youssef Chahine on the centenary of his birth, celebrating his enduring contribution to world cinema and cultural dialogue.
Guests enjoyed an elegant red-carpet reception, a charity gala dinner, artistic performances, and the presentation of the Better World Awards, designed by acclaimed sculptor Dante Mortet.
Additional honorees included Olga Kurylenko, recognized for her involvement in Don’t Give Up!, alongside author, actor, and child-rights advocate Nandana Dev Sen, as well as Aurelia Khazan, Beth Powell, Khen Thanh Nhat, Stephen Mao, and Vialina Lemann for their respective contributions to humanitarian and social-impact initiatives.
The gala’s artistic program featured performances by acclaimed Egyptian soprano Amira Selim and multi-platinum recording artist Abi Flynn. A private charity auction, organized in collaboration with Tessier Sarrou and Artlys Patrimoine, raised vital funds for initiatives supported by the Better World Fund, including Cairo’s Al Nas Hospital and the Women’s Refugee Commission.
Earlier that day, the Better World Fund convened an international masterclass at Copal Beach, bringing together policymakers, innovators, artists, and global leaders to explore women’s empowerment in diplomacy, the transformative role of cinema, and the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
Through Sharon Stone’s recognition and the broader programming of the Gala for Humanity, the Better World Fund once again demonstrated how cinema, culture, and public leadership can serve as powerful catalysts for dialogue, compassion, and meaningful global change.
In a world often divided by differences, the evening offered a timely reminder of a simple yet profound message—one that echoed throughout the Croisette long after the final applause: humanity’s greatest strength lies in recognizing that we are all connected.
The Better World Fund proudly acknowledges the following partners and supporters of the 2026 Gala for Humanity:
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt
• Embassy of Egypt in Paris
• EgyptAir – A Star Alliance Member
• Al Nas Hospital Cairo
• 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
• Travel Setter Italy
• The Hope Giver Campaign
• Camelot Films
• Christian of Roma
• NGO La Princesse Murat
• ENIF Makeup Academy
• Il Palagio Vineyard
• Tony Sasa
• RepoStage Magazine
• Joanna Plafsky
• Maison Gabrielle
• Maia Wine
• Oorvi Desai London
• Artesia Artlys Patrimoine
• Dr. IVY London
• SANCTA CRUX Wine
• Breaking News Arabia
• JEWLSCPH by Mai Manniche
• La Giuva
• SANTÉ
• Amal Ameen Beauty
• Christophe Romo – Leganovo
• Anastasija Atanasovska
• Julien Spiewak
• NAKHLA Jewellery
Together, these organizations and individuals helped transform the Better World Fund’s Gala for Humanity into one of the most impactful philanthropic gatherings of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
