Brave face: Joely Richardson, who has been rocked by a series of family tragedies over the past 14 months, wowed in a Valentino gown at the amfAR charity gala in Cannes tonight in support of Aids researchIn the past 14 months her family has been rocked by one tragedy after another.
But despite her raw grief Joely Richardson braved the red carpet for a charity ball for Aids research.
The 45-year-old star lost her younger sister Natasha last March in a skiing accident.
In the past two months her uncle Corin and aunt Lynn both died after battling cancer.
This was one of her first public appearances since their deaths and she wore a daring red thigh-splitting Valentino gown for the occasion.
Face of pain: Close up, lines could be seen under her eyes, with the strain of recent months clear to seeHowever, close up, the stress of the past few months could be seen etched on her face in the form of deepening lines under her eyes.
Miss Richardson's late sister was a big supporter of Aids research and a charity foundation has been set up in her name.
She said of the amFar charity gala: 'its such a good cause. This is really important.'
The gala may be the main event in the French social calendar.
But it seemed a very British affair at the annual auction to raise money for Aids research at the Cannes Film Festival.
As well as Miss Richardson, Sir Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Gerard Butler, Kate Beckinsale, Kristen Scott Thomas and Emily Blunt descended on the exclusive Hotel du Cap for the dinner and benefit.
They were joined by A list stars Jennifer Lopez, Mischa Barton, Paris Hilton, Russell Crowe, Diane Krueger and Giorgio Armani at the party which aimed to raise money for Aids research.
Hollywood star Kirsten Dunst arrived with a motorcade of police to protect her.
Sir Mick, who is in Cannes to promote his film Stones in Exile about the bands time in France in the 1970s, wore trainers with his tuxedo on the red carpet.
Head-turning: British actress Emily Blunt also opted for a red number with Cannes juror Kate Beckinsale dressed in an asymmetrical gown
Whoops: Kate laughed as she replaced an earring which had dropped off and fallen down her dressAlan Cumming hosted the gala while fashion designer Tom Ford and actress Miss Blunt were auctioneers.
Among the pieces up for auction was a signed photograph by Karl Lagerfeld and an Audi sports car.
Mary J Blige entertained guests with a special performance and there was a guest performance from American singer songwriter Patti Smith.
Ruffled feathers: Jennifer Lopez slipped into a stunning layered outfit while Paris Hilton donned angelic white
Be my date: The singer and actress poses with husband Marc Anthony while, right Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and partner L'Wren Scott She said: ' I am going to be singing for everyone. I've been looking forward to this.'
Carrying an old camera the eccentric star was dressed down in jeans and a blazer, despite the high glamour of the gala.
The event was organised by film producer Harvey Weinstein: 'I've done this for 15 years and if it takes another 15 years to beat this disease then I will do it.'
Standing out: Supermodel Naomi Campbell in a floor-length number and, right Grace Jones wore a purple dress and a mask
Glamorous: American actress Mischa Barton looked stunning in a flowing white strapless ensemble He was accompanied by wife Georgina Chapman, who designs the luxury Marchesa gowns. The couple are expecting their first child in the autumn.
Miss Chapman's baby bump was barely visible in her stunning flowing white dress from her own collection.
Last year the event raised more than £5million for charity.
VIP guests: Kristin Scott Thomas, Swedish model and TV personality Victoria Silvstedt and Mary J. Blige 
Classic black: U.S. actresses Camilla Belle, left, and Kirsten Dunst and French star Marion Cotillardsource: dailymail