Michelle Yeoh and David Beckham at the SGIFF Benefit Dinner at db Bistro & Oyster Bar

Singapore (5 December 2015) – The atmosphere was electrifying tonight as international icons David Beckham, Hollywood movie and television actor Dev Patel, superstar Michelle Yeoh and celebrity chef Daniel Boulud graced the red carpet at Marina Bay Sands during the 26th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF). Beckham, recently voted Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine, livened up the red carpet en route to the SGIFF Benefit Dinner at db Bistro & Oyster Bar, following his surprise appearance at the Silver Screen Awards held at the MasterCard Theatres. The football legend, together with Mr. George Tanasijevich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marina Bay Sands, presented the award for Asian Feature Film – Best Director to Happy Hour, Mr Ryusuke Hamaguchi at the Awards.

Beckham said: “Films are a great way to tell stories. I am honoured to be part of this year’s Singapore International Film Festival and meet Asia’s top filmmakers.” Beckham is in town to attend the Singapore International Film Festival, an event that Marina Bay Sands is supporting as part of its commitment to the local film and arts community. Over the past week, film enthusiasts immersed themselves in dialogue sessions and movie screenings hosted at the integrated resort and headlined by some of the biggest stars in the cinematic world today.

A-list celebrities who walked the red carpets and attended various SGIFF activities included British actor Dev Patel, Taiwanese model and actress Sonia Sui, Hong Kong actress and singer Josie Ho, Golden Horse Award winner Yeo Yann Yann and famed Singaporean film director Eric Khoo.

Acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud, recipient of the “The Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award 2015” in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, created a sublime culinary experience for 200 guests at the exclusive SGIFF Benefit Dinner, which included Beckham, Yeoh, and SGIFF Chairman Mike Wiluan.In conjunction with the Festival, a benefit dinner was held at DB Bistro and Oyster Bar in Marina Bay Sands. The evening saw 13 items – including a limited edition Haig Club™ Single Grain Whisky autographed by David Beckham, an original script of The Lady and DVD donated by Michelle Yeoh as well as a Slumdog Millionaire script and autographed photograph by leading actor Dev Patel – auctioned off to the collective tune of more than S$120,000. On Dec 4, Dev Patel and film director Matthew Brown - who were in town for the Singapore premiere of their latest movie, The Man Who Knew Infinity, at the Festival - became the first celebrities to walk the red carpet at the iconic Sands SkyPark, overlooking Marina Bay Sands’ famed Infinity Pool. 

Between Nov 26 and Dec 1, Marina Bay Sands held several red carpet events and film screenings at the Sands Theatres, including gala showcase films such as Taiwanese movies Panay and The Laundryman, and Eric Khoo’s latest film In The Room. The red carpets for these feature films were attended by the directors and cast of the films including actresses Sonia Sui and Josie Ho, as well as local actress and model Julie Tan and Narelle Kheng of popular homegrown indie band The Sam Willows.