‘Tulsa King’ Walk-On Role Auctioned Off at amfAR’s Inaugural Las Vegas Gala

On Friday night, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, hosted its first-ever gala in Las Vegas — with the hopes that in the city where winning big is the goal, the nonprofit would hit the jackpot in fundraising for AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education and advocacy.

Held during Formula 1 race weekend in the garden of the Wynn Las Vegas, the night was made possible by Paramount Global, Roberto Cavalli, 101 Studios, the Wynn Las Vegas, Sazerac and RM Sotheby’s. AmfAR raised over $3 million at the event, and the foundation will receive close to $11 million from RM Sotheby’s in a live auction of rare luxury cars. Sylvester Stallone and wife Jennifer were the evening’s big honorees, receiving amfAR’s Award of Inspiration.

Jay Leno kept his hosting duties after news broke that he fell down a large hill over the weekend, leaving him with an eye patch and a large bruise. At the gala he walked around, took selfies with guests and hosted without a flaw.

Anyone who knows Leno knows he’s a major car collector, as he told the crowd, “It’s Grand Prix weekend and we’re auctioning off some amazing cars. I’ve had the privilege of driving all of these cars here tonight; the 1957 Mercedes SL300 Gullwing is the last one produced.” Reminding the audience of the significance of the night, the comedian also pointed out 40 minutes into the gala that every minute someone dies of AIDS in the U.S. “So, 40 people have died since we started this evening,” he said.

Glee star Amber Riley spoke to The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet about wanting to support communities around amfAR. “Things like this make it worth it, we’re raising money for awareness and research to eradicate AIDS and HIV,” she noted. “And I get to make people dance and sing while they’re giving their money.” In a sleek red velvet gown, Riley took to the stage before the auction to sing two songs.

Kevin Robert Frost, amfAR’s CEO, explained why the organization chose to hold its first Las Vegas gala, revealing the idea came from Tommy Hilfiger.

“He was here last year for the Formula 1 race and he looked around and he and David Glasser from 101 Studios — now I’m telling you what I heard second hand — they said ‘You know what Formula 1 really needs? They need amfAR.’ So, Tommy called and said, ‘We think we can put on a great event in Vegas, what do you guys think?’ We said, if Tommy thinks this, we’re good, we’re down for it,” Frost said. “This is a test run for us to see what might be possible. We don’t like to do just one-off events; if we’re going to do an event in Vegas we plan to build an event over the next 10 years. We like to have annual events.”

For the night’s big auction, Sotheby’s auctioneer Michael Macaulay started with a pair of Merry Belle diamond, emerald and white-gold earrings, modeled on stage by actress Jodie Turner-Smith. With a starting bid of $5,000, and after much playful jesting with the audience, Turner-Smith and Macaulay were able to convince the winning buyer to spend $65,000 for the earrings.

Drag queen Trixie Mattel later took to the stage to help sell Paola Pivi’s pink polar bear, which sold for $80,000, and Roberto Cavalli creative director Fausto Puglisi created a gown that was auctioned off and sold for $105,000. “This dress is a Cavalli quintessential beauty. It’s light and sexy with a sheer 3D effect with a tiger design and a tone of pink. I wanted it to be light with Hollywood essence, and the feathers add a dramatic feminine touch. It’s one of my favorite dresses because when you wear it you feel effortless,” Puglisi told THR.

Then one of the most intriguing auction items was introduced on a whim by Glasser. Bringing to the stage with him Turner-Smith, Jeffrey Wright, Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer, Michael Fassbender and Ian Bohen, Glasser introduced a walk-on role for Paramount+’s Tulsa King, starring honoree Stallone. Glasser, who executive produces the series, offered to write the winning bidder an on-screen part into the role; season two of the series premiered this fall, and a third season now seems to be on the way.

“Maybe we put them up in a hotel and provide them airfare, thanks to Paramount Studios.” At this, the crowd’s attention was hooked. “It’s getting very generous up here and I love it,” said Turner-Smith. “If it helps, my role in Yellowstone started as a walk-on role and it lasted seven years, so you are bidding on something really exciting,” added Bohen. The bid sold for $300,000. A painting by Stallone that he did after making Creed 2 also sold for $410,000.

Tommy and Dee Hilfiger then took to the stage to introduce Sylvester and Jennifer Stallone. Speaking before the ceremony to THR, Sylvester Stallone said, “This night humbles me. I have been very, very, very blessed. I’ve gotten more than I ever thought, so to be able to give back really does make me feel a little bit better. Like, with the painting, I don’t expect anything. I’m constantly surprised, and it really amazes me, and maybe I’m a little naïve. Once you realize you’ve got it all, you gotta give it back. I hate to receive, but I love to give.”

Dee Hilfiger pointed out Jennifer Stallone’s strength within her family and noted her 28-year marriage to Sylvester, “which is like 100 years in Hollywood,” the designer said. The two couples are neighbors in West Palm Beach and have become close friends.

In their speech, Jennifer noted how she had never received such an honor. Wearing a shimmering green gown, she said to the audience, “to be here in Las Vegas, in a city that knows how to bring people together to celebrate extraordinarily, is a testament to the power of the cause and dedication of everyone in this room.” Sylvester then paid homage to Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor for bringing awareness to AIDS. “Diana had the guts to go to hospitals and transform the public relations, and perceptions about the illness globally,” he added.

Closing out the night was legendary singer Diana Ross, who sang hits including, “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Upside Down” and “I Will Survive.” During the latter song, Ross handed Riley the mic to join in.