Exclusive: Pamela Anderson is set to receive the amfAR Courage Award at this year’s amfAR Venice, which will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Molino Stucki Venice during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
The actress is at the festival with the film A place to be She stars with Taika Waititi and Ellen Burstyn, who received the festival’s Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.
“Pamela Anderson is not only an outstanding and iconic actress, but she has always used her platform to raise awareness and advocate for a variety of important issues,” said Kyle Clifford, CEO of amfAR. “She is tireless in fighting for what she believes in, and her courage is an inspiration to us all. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event this year.”
As previously announced, the event, which raises funds for amfAR’s mission to support HIV research and improve global health, will also honor conceptual and performance artist Marina Abramović with the amfAR Inspiration Award. Singer Bebe Rexha will give a special performance, and English pop singer and songwriter Mimi Webb will open the evening. Waititi has been confirmed as host.
The gala dinner will also include a live auction of contemporary artworks and experiences.
Recent amfAR Venice honorees include Antonio Banderas, Richard Gere, Ava DuVernay, Ferzan Ozpetek, Achille Buroli, Mehmet Alturki, and most recently, Julian Schnabel.
Anderson has received critical and mainstream acclaim in recent years for his dramatic and comedic turns including… The last showgirl – which received her nomination for a Golden Globe Award – and Naked gun Reboot from Paramount.
