Cannes Chivalry Alert: Day 9, from "Fair Game" to the "amfAR"

The Chivalry alerts are daily reports from Cannes with Chivas, Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival. Each alert gives you an exclusive, insider’s view of the most chivalrous moment witnessed by Olivier Bassil each day at the Festival.

Last night, Sean Penn chose to miss the red-carpet premiere of his latest film Fair Game in order to join Mark Schneider, senior VP of the International Crisis Group (ICG), to testify before the US Congress on Haiti earthquake relief.

Penn, who is co-founder of the J/P Haitian Relief Organisation, told the Senate committee that healthcare in the struggling country needs ‘immediate attention.’ Penn’s chivalrous decision to attend the hearing showed how real values remain a priority for him, even admist the glamour of the festival.

Proving that glamour can also be chivalrous, the international community of stars in Cannes gathered for the Cinema Against AIDS benefit to raise money for AmfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. Regular host Sharon Stone was unable to attend, but showed her steadfast loyalty to the cause by sending a video message instead. In her place, an array of star guests took turns hosting the event: with their natural charisma, Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Lopez and Karl Lagerfeld supported the hosts in their efforts, while Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem ran an auction of red-carpet dresses, and Kate Beckinsale took time from her busy judging schedule to take part.