The Tamesis
While the Academy Awards take place across town, attending the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Gala on Sunday afternoons, evenings and all-nighters has become a favorite tradition in the industry. This year’s show included a performance by recent Grammy winner Lola Young, and the night raised a staggering $10.6 million.
Now in its 34th year, this fun-filled event has raised more than $25 million since its inception to support HIV prevention and treatment worldwide. “The Oscars reflect why we started this foundation 34 years ago: to honor the friends we’ve lost and advocate for those who remain vulnerable,” said Elton John.
Starting with the first arrivals at 2pm, guests can enjoy the finer things in life – including a Petrossian caviar buffer station, Bollinger Champagne, orange wine and Don Julio’s tequila flights. The guest list was also top notch. Faces in attendance included Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, Donatella Versace, Tina Knowles, Shanina Shaik, Josephine Skriver, Dove Cameron, Lana Condor, Tiffany Haddish, Fran Drescher, Keke Palmer, Sharon and Jack Osbourne, Betsey Johnson, Nicola Peltz Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham.
Unforgettable moments enliven the long days and nights. Eric McCormack – aka Will will and grace— joked on stage with hosts Neil Patrick Harris and husband David Burtka, while Keke Palmer shared an impressive “girl moment” in the bathroom, adjusting her vintage Yves Saint Laurent corset. On the dance floor, Amaya from love island Steal the show in a shimmering sequin suit.
David Furnish reminded attendees of the purpose of the gathering, thanked everyone for their continued support, and highlighted the ongoing impact of their generosity. A moving montage also highlights the progress still being made in HIV research and treatment around the world.
The highly anticipated auction is a highlight, featuring coveted items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Top bids included Chopard diamond earrings, a Rolex Daytona watch signed by Elton John and David Furnish, and an exclusive private dinner with Elton John performing on the piano for the lucky winner. One of the standout pieces was a pink jumpsuit worn by Dua Lipa, which sold for a whopping $260,000.
Best of all, it was thanks to double platinum-selling British artist Lola Young, who was hand-picked by Elton John to headline the night. The chart-topper had the room singing along to songs from her third studio album Daler, Spiders and smash hit Messy. “Elton, David and the foundation are all about celebrating who you are and that’s what my music is about,” she said. “Our generation did not live through the worst of the HIV epidemic, but that means we have a responsibility to be a voice for the millions of people who are still struggling to live freely, especially the LGBTQ+ community who have been leading the way from the beginning.”
