EXCLUSIVE: Pamela Anderson has been set to receive amfAR’s Award of Courage at this year’s amfAR Venezia, taking place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Molino Stucky Venice during the 83rd Venice International Film Festival.
The actress is at the festival with movie Place To Be in which she stars with Taika Waititi and Ellen Burstyn who is getting 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 champion a diverse range of important causes,” said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford. “She is tireless in fighting for what she believes in, and her courage is an inspiration to us all. We could not 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 amfAR’s Award of Inspiration. Singer Bebe Rexha will make a special performance and English pop singer-songwriter Mimi Webb will open the evening. Waititi is confirmed as host.
The black-tie gala dinner will also feature a live auction of contemporary artworks and experiences.
Recent amfAR Venezia honorees have included Antonio Banderas, Richard Gere, Ava DuVernay, Ferzan Özpetek, Achille Boroli, Mohammed Al Turki, and, most recently, Julian Schnabel.
Anderson has garnered critical and mainstream acclaim in recent years thanks to dramatic and comedic turns including The Last Showgirl — which got her a Golden Globe nomination — and the Naked Gun reboot from Paramount.