As always glamour and glitz led the way at the 31st annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, but behind the party vibe was a more serious focus around continuing to fundraise for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The event raised over $9 million for the global effort to end AIDS, thanks to the Foundation’s generous donors, sponsors, and supporters.
The star-packed fundraiser took place on March 12 at West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles and featured a show-stopping performance by singer-songwriter and actress Rina Sawayama.
Among the crowd of supporters, the Foundation welcomed Donatella Versace, Maren Morris, Fan Bingbing, Emma Watson, Wiz Khalifa, Heidi Klum, Dove Cameron, Hilary Duff, Brooke Shields, Lucien Laviscount, Noah Schnapp, Kesha, Rege Jean-Page, Saweetie, Stella Maxwell, Tyga, Sharon Osboure, Sophia Bush, Maggie Rogers, Jenna Dewan, Julianne Hough, Smokey Robinson, Karen Pittman, Simona Tabasco, Michael Imperioli and other guests.
An exclusive “Spotlight” sunglass frame from the Elton John Eyewear collection was gifted to dinner guests, who were also treated to a captivating duet between Sawayama and Elton John himself, with the song “Chosen Family.”
The 2023 Academy Awards Viewing Party marks the 31st anniversary of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Since the inception of the party in 1992, the event has supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s efforts to raise millions for their life-saving work in progressing global health equity for vulnerable groups.
“I’m delighted to have reunited with all of my friends tonight after such a long time apart and better yet, to have raised over $9 million for the fight against AIDS,” says Sir Elton John, Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“We mustn’t forget that HIV is still causing needless suffering around the world and we must
protect those most vulnerable to this disease with testing and compassionate care. We can see an end to AIDS in our lifetimes, but first we must break down stigma and discrimination and provide equal access to healthcare to finally end the epidemic for everyone, everywhere.”