Madonna hosted a fundraising event at the UN, in New York, in aid of Unicef and Raising Malawi. She arrived at the red-carpet reception with her 11-year-old daughter, Lourdes.

Rapper Pharrell Williams was one of many figures from the world of music, fashion and film to attend the $2,500-a-head dinner.

Tom Cruise, who arrived with wife Katie Holmes, was one of many stars who bid during the live auction. He said the whole evening had been "quite moving".

Gwyneth Paltrow wore a short baby-pink dress, complete with oversized bow. The fundraiser coincided with New York fashion week.

A heavily-pregnant Jennifer Lopez - who is rumoured to be expecting twins - arrived with husband Marc Anthony.

The guests, including actress Salma Hayek, dined on salmon, goat cheese tart, foraged mushrooms, truffled mashed potatoes and sticky toffee pudding.

Music during the evening was provided by Rihanna (pictured), Alicia Keys and Timbaland.

Thanks to celebrity guests like Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, the event raised an estimated $5.5m (£2.8m).