Photo Credit: David Furnish, Elton John, Lola Young for Elton John AIDS Foundation
Elton John’s annual Oscars viewing party, a fundraiser for his AIDS Foundation, raised an impressive $10.6 million on Sunday night.
On Sunday night, the 34th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars and advocates in West Hollywood, raising $10.6 million for the cause. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the leading AIDS organizations in the world, funding lifesaving HIV prevention, treatment, and care for the communities who need it most.
The party featured Grammy-winner Lola Young as the musical entertainment, alongside a cocktail reception, dinner, and an auction. The auction saw guests bid on an Elton John pinball machine, dinner with Elton and his husband David Furnish, jewelry, art, Rolex watches, and a painting that was created live while Elton played a solo piano version of “Tiny Dancer.”
“Elton, David, and the foundation are all about celebrating who you really are, and that’s exactly what my music is all about,” said Lola Young. “My generation didn’t live through the height of the AIDS epidemic, but that means we have a responsibility to speak up for the millions of people still pushing to live freely, especially LGBTQ+ communities who led the way from the start. It means so much to me to be part of a night that celebrates authenticity and supports a cause that really matters.”
“The Academy Awards Viewing Party reflects why we started this Foundation 34 years ago: to honor the friends that we lost and advocate for the people still vulnerable,” said Elton John, the Foundation’s founder. “Every year we come together, and every year artists like Lola Young make the night unforgettable. In a moment full of incredible British talent, Lola stood out. She’s bold, brilliant, and completely herself. West Hollywood, thank you for showing up and helping us keep pushing to end AIDS.”
“This evening captured the spirit of what makes this event so special—extraordinary talent, dear friends, and a shared commitment to making a difference. It was wonderful to welcome Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka back for their third year as co-hosts, who, time and time again, bring such generosity and heart to the stage. Thanks to the incredible support of everyone who joined us, the Elton John AIDS Foundation can continue expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health services worldwide,” said David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Guests included Olympic star Alysa Liu, Dua Lipa, Fran Drescher, *NSYNC’s JC Chasez, Brandi Carlile, The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, RuPaul, Adam Lambert, Orville Peck, Tove Lo, Tiffany Haddish, Yungblud, Donatella Versace, Bernie Taupin, Damiano David, and Keke Palmer, among others.
This year, the Foundation established its first-ever After Party Benefit Committee, hosted by supporters Becky G, Stephanie Beatriz, Diego Boneta, Dylan Effron, Tommy Genesis, Chase Hudson, Xochitl Gomez, Isabela Merced, Jessica Wang, and Juanpa Zurita. Elton’s viewing party has raised over $125 million for the Foundation’s efforts over the years.
