Will Smith headlined the Starlite Foundation Gala dinner and auction in Marbella on Sunday, August 4. The event, held at the Starlite venue in Nagueles, was hosted by Antonio Banderas and Sandra García-Sanjuán.
The Hollywood star flew into Malaga to participate in the star-studded charity event. Smith was honored for his long-standing commitment to supporting charitable causes.
This year’s gala, marking its 15th anniversary, featured a Mexican theme with music and fine dining reflecting the culture. The red carpet was graced by Spanish celebrities, including comedian Carlos Latre, who served as the event’s MC. Banderas expressed his satisfaction with the event, saying, “I am very happy with the participation this year, which is dedicated to a country that I love.”
The evening’s fundraising began with an auction of donated items, including artwork and exclusive experiences. Will Smith took on the role of auctioneer, humorously mimicking the rapid-fire style of American auctioneers and making a spirited attempt to speak quickly in Spanish. During the event, Banderas presented Smith with a Spanish guitar as a birthday gift. Smith joked, “I can’t play guitar, but I’m an actor, so I can look good holding it.”
Banderas also shared details about the four charitable causes supported by the Starlite Foundation gala. These include the Lágrimas y Favores Foundation, which provides postgraduate grants to students in Malaga; the Cudeca Foundation, which offers palliative cancer care; the Corinto Foundation, which assists impoverished families in Malaga; and Banderas’ own nonprofit, which funds theatrical productions for emerging actors and theater professionals.
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