Jamie McCarthy, Michael Kovac, Amy Sussman
We could run another article on that incident at the Oscars, but we prefer to do something more positive: talk about the 30th annual Elton John Aids Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, which raised US$8·6 million to help end the Aids epidemic.
On Sunday at West Hollywood Park, Lady Gaga, Billy Porter, Eric McCormack, and David Furnish hosted the star-studded event, which featured a live performance by Brandi Carlile, and a surprise performance by Jake Wesley Rogers, who covered Sir Elton John’s ‘Rocketman’.
Guests included Heidi Klum, Tinashe, Raven-Symone, Hayley Erbert, Derek Hough, Jane Seymour, Karrueche Tran, Kathy Hilton, Rick Hilton, Lucy Hale, Melanie Lynskey, Jason Ritter, Patricia Arquette, Rosanna Arquette, Saweetie, Sharon Osbourne, Sophia Hutchins, Caitlyn Jenner, Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Chris Kattan, Maria Libri, Jeremy Piven, Metta World Peace, Maya Ford-Artest, Miguel, Nazanin Mandi, Amber Riley, Emily Ruhl, Jay Shetty, Miranda Maday, Violet Chachki, Gottmik, Adam Lambert, Ashley Benson, Erika Christensen, Kevin Costner, Christine Baumgartner, Layla Crawford, Daniele Lawson, Mikayla Lashae Bartholomew, Tom Kaulitz, Donatella Versace, Zooey Deschanel, Jonathan Scott, Demi Lovato, Janet McCormack, and Ed Harris. The Foundation also noted the presence of Fran Drescher, Chris Sullivan and Chrissy Metz (wearing a custom Sheila Frank), Andrew Rannells, Sofia Richie, Liam Payne, Beck, Bobby Berk, and Emily Hampshire. Also attending were Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s sons, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John.
Sir Elton John himself spoke live remotely from Lincoln, Nebraska, while on his rescheduled Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, and performed ‘Your Song’ and ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
Guests received limited-edition Elton John Eyewear Gold Dust frames sold exclusively at Wal-mart to benefit the Foundation.
The gala has raised over US$8·6 million for the Foundation, which then supports programmes on four continents challenging discrimination, preventing infections, and providing life-saving treatment.
‘I’m so grateful to my friends Lady Gaga, Billy Porter and Eric McCormack for joining David in hosting such an incredible evening, and of course Brandi Carlile for bringing down the house with an electrifying performance,’ said Sir Elton. ‘Most of all, I’m thankful to all who attended and participated to ensure that we can continue our lifesaving work to end Aids. I could feel the love and support all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska!’
The dinner was designed and prepared by Chef Wayne Elias and Crumble Catering, and Simon de Pury hosted the live auction. Items included an original work featuring the Statue of Liberty by Andy Warhol.
‘Even though Elton was not able to be with us in person, we were so happy to bring Elton to the Oscar Party while he performed live from Nebraska,’ says Furnish, who chairs the Foundation. ‘It was an especially unforgettable and emotional evening with our sons in attendance for the first time. They made their fathers extremely proud representing our family at the Foundation’s most important night of the year!’
‘What an incredible way to mark our 30th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party! A truly memorable evening which was record breaking,’ said Anne Aslett, the Foundation’s CEO. ‘Thanks to the amazing generosity and compassion of our attendees, we can continue supporting life-saving programmes across the globe to challenge HIV stigma, prevent infection and provide treatment to those who need it most.’
Presenting sponsors were Neuro Brands, Elton John Eyewear, a Walmart exclusive; Christian Lundberg and R. Martin Chavez in partnership with Equality Utah; Bob and Tamar Manoukian. Co-sponsors included Cadillac, Gilead Sciences, Robert K. Kraft, the Leonard & Judy Lauder Fund, and MAC Viva Glam. The City of West Hollywood and American Airlines also support the Foundation.
Jamie McCarthy, Michael Kovac, Amy Sussman
Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough
Hayley Erbert
Emily Ruhl
Ashley Benson
Tinashe
Lucy Hale
Jane Seymour
Karrueche Tran
Kathy and Rick Hilton
Melanie Lynskey and Jason Ritter
Patricia Arquette and Rosanna Arquette
Saweetie
Sharon Osbourne
Sophia Hutchins and Caitlyn Jenner
Chris Pine
Casey Affleck
Chris Kattan and Maria Libri
Jeremy Piven
Metta World Peace and Maya Ford-Artest
Miguel
Nazanin Mandi
Jay Shetty
Amber Riley
Raven-Symone and Miranda Maday
Violet Chachki and Gottmik
Adam Lambert
Erika Christensen
Brandi Carlile and Jake Wesley Rogers live
Sir Elton John live from Nebraska
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