Cruz joins gala event

Penelope Cruz was among a bevy of stars who attended a charity gala in Cannes last night.

Hollywood actress Sharon Stone hosted the party which raises money for Aids research.

The annual Amfar (American Foundation for Aids Research) party is the glitziest event of the Cannes Film Festival.

Cruz was joined on the red carpet by Joely Richardson, Salma Hayek, Brittany Murphy and model Mila Jovovich.

The Spanish actress wore a pale grey strapless silk gown with diamonds in her hair.

Nip/Tuck star Richardson sparkled in a silver dress and diamond necklace.

British actor Clive Owen was among the guests - his latest film Sin City has proved one of the biggest hits of the festival so far.

Stone, dressed in a pale pink gown, co-hosted the gala with Liza Minnelli.

The 47-year-old actress announced last week she had adopted a second baby son whom she has called Lair.

"I'm changing a lot of diapers and I'm loving doing it," Stone said.

The Basic Instinct star has been involved with Amfar for the past 10 years. She said: "I can't watch one child die every minute of Aids and not do something about it. Every person with a good heart should want to stand up and help."

Last night's event aimed to raise two million dollars (£1.1 million) for the charity.