Madonna and Sharon Stone last night attended a star-studded event in Cannes to raise funds for Aids research.

Stone wore a full-length leopard print dress while Madonna, who arrived with husband Guy Ritchie, opted for an understated pink coloured dress.

The fading light was peppered with flashes from scores of photographers shouting and crowding towards the two women, with Madonna arriving later than Stone.

Earlier yesterday, Madonna gave a press conference on her documentary I Am Because We Are, raising awareness about children orphaned by Aids in Malawi.

A clip of the film was being shown tonight and Mary Jay Blige was also performing.

The women were joining AmfAR, the foundation for Aids research.

Others on the guest list were Dennis Hopper, rapper P Diddy, Christian Slater, Tamara Mellon and Natalie Portman.

AmfAR chairman Kenneth Cole and actress Rose McGowan, who sported a black cast on one foot, underneath her dress, also attended.

Dita Von Teese arrived in a military-influenced purple dress with a plunging neckline.

Sir Cliff Richard and Joely Richardson boosted the British presence at the event.

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