Lionel Richie, Sir Elton John, Miley Cyrus, and Ricky Martin
Photo: Getty Images
Elton John’s Academy Awards Viewing Party is the one night of the year when texting over dinner is not only okay but encouraged because it is for a great cause—sending donations to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) for its global mission to end AIDS.
Guests including Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Ricky Martin, Lionel Richie, Sofia Richie, Heidi Klum, Lea Michele, Quincy Jones, Matthew Morrison, Zooey Deschanel, Gladys Knight, George Hamilton, Jennifer Garner, Spike Lee, Darren Criss, Adriana Lima, Caitlyn Jenner, Judith Light, Chris Colfer, Grammy Awards producer Ken Ehrlich and John’s longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin helped raise $5.9 million for EJAF.
The gala evening on Oscar night, held in a custom-built tent in West Hollywood, began with cocktails, followed by a viewing dinner for the 90th Annual Academy Awards and a lively auction conducted by Alexander Gilkes of Paddle8.
Among the items being auctioned, a 13-carat Bvlgari Divissima white gold and diamond necklace, a one-of-a-kind purple Lalique “Music is Love Heart” designed by Elton John, a rare Herb Ritts photograph called “Back Flip: Paradise Cove, 1987” and 31 signed and framed heart images designed by celebrities for the Elton John AIDS Foundation AIDS awareness campaign– and two tickets to the Vanity Fair Oscar party.
The renowned Roca Brothers of the Michelin three-star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain prepared the five-course meal. Hatt & Söner provided champagne, wines were provided by Domaine Bertaud Belieu and spirits were provided by Chopin Vodka and Clase Azul Tequila.
Greta Van Fleet performs with Elton John
Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish thanked the guests for their generosity in supporting EJAF. Those who donated $5,000 or more received a Greg Gorman limited edition 1991 photograph depicting actress Laura Dern evoking the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
“This is an especially critical time in the effort to end AIDS,” said Elton. “Even without a cure, we currently have the necessary prevention and treatment methods in hand to achieve an AIDS-free generation. What we lack are the dollars and the political will to achieve universal access to these lifesaving programs. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is helping to lead the way, and our work has never been more urgently needed.”
The festivities continued as Michigan-based hard rock band Greta Van Fleet played an hour-long set with Elton joining them for two songs, his hit “Saturday Night’s Alright,” as well as the band’s single, “You’re the One.”
“It’s one of those overwhelming moments,” said lead singer Josh Kiszka, who many said reminded them of Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant.
