Solidarity, art and glamour at the summer’s most anticipated charity event in Marbella
The Starlite Gala 2025 celebrated its 16th edition under the enchanting Masquerade theme, transforming the quarry into a stage of solidarity and hope. More than just a party, it was an encounter where masks revealed the essential: the true face of generosity.
Hosts Sandra García-Sanjuán and Antonio Banderas once again gathered a constellation of celebrities and philanthropists in Marbella. Although Banderas followed the event live from his film set in London, he was represented by his partner Nicole Kimpel and his brother Javier Banderas, receiving the warm applause of all attendees. The date also marked the actor’s birthday, which was celebrated with a heartfelt onstage tribute.
Guests of honor
The evening was hosted with glamour and charm by Cayetana Guillén Cuervo and Valeria Mazza. Distinguished guests included Kerem Bürsin, Paula Echevarría, Hiba Abouk, María José Suárez, Victoria Federica, Irene Villa, Carmen Lomana, Gunilla von Bismarck, Béatrice d’Orléans, Marta and Jaime Martínez-Bordiú, as well as Spain’s upcoming Miss Universe representative Andrea Valero and designer Custo Dalmau.
Solidarity Awards
One of the highlights was the presentation of the Starlite Solidarity Awards 2025:
Kerem Bürsin, Influence Award, for his commitment to equality and social justice.
Lucy Doughty, Impact Award, for her work with The Doughty Family Foundation.
Ismael Cala, Soul Award, for his inspirational work with young people in the US and Latin America.
Begoña Arana Álvarez, Hope Award, for her dedication with Nuevo Hogar Betania.
Pedro Rodríguez, Lifetime Achievement Award, for his leadership at Fundación Sierra Blanca.
Unique performances
The evening featured unforgettable performances by Marilia Andrés (Ella Baila Sola), Juan Peña, Los Alpresa, and Argentine actress Fátima Florez, who delighted the audience with her hilarious impersonations of Raffaella Carrà, Shakira and Liza Minnelli.
Charity auction
The traditional auction broke fundraising records, offering exclusive pieces such as La menina del siglo XXI by Felipao, paintings by Jesús Arrué and Aldo Comas, works by Elisabeth Ollé Curiel and Salvador Antúnez del Cerro, a photograph of Omar Ayyashi intervened by SUSO33, and a cajón signed by Santana. Unique experiences were also auctioned, including a private visit to Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada’s atelier and an invitation to a masquerade ball in Venice.
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, social projects supported by the Starlite Foundation will continue to thrive, such as Fundación Niños en Alegría and Fundación Lágrimas y Favores.
The Starlite Gala 2025 once again shone as the summer’s most important charity event, reaffirming the boutique festival’s mission to transform lives through music, art and solidarity.