The Elton John AIDS Foundation Raises Historic $8.6 Million At 30-Year Anniversary Dinner, Presented By Cadill...

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation
Elton John may have not been physically present, but his annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards® Viewing Party was back and better than ever as the viewing party to beat on Oscar Sunday. And this particular Sunday was historic: in the nonprofit’s history, $8.6 million — the most money raised during any one Oscar event — was raised. It was a sweet and impactful way to celebrate the organization’s 30-year anniversary.

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

This year was different for other reasons, too. His sons, Zachary, 11, and Elijah, nine, attended the event at West Hollywood Park, and the evening had not two but four co-hosts: 12-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter/actress Lady Gaga, Emmy®, Tony®, and GRAMMY Award-winning artist Billy Porter and Emmy® Award-winning actor Eric McCormack, alongside CEO of Rocket Entertainment and chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (and Elton’s husband), David Furnish. The star-studded gala featured a sparkling performance by six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Brandi Carlile.

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Among the crowd of supporters, the Foundation welcomed Demi Lovato, Kevin Costner, Zooey Deschanel, Donatella Versace, Fran Drescher, Patricia Arquette, Christina Hendricks, Chris Pine, Lucy Hale, Heidi Klum, Chris Sullivan and Chrissy Metz, Andrew Rannells, Sofia Richie, Liam Payne, Beck, Bobby Berk, and Emily Hampshire, among others.

Photo Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

John joined via satellite from his rescheduled Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour stop in Lincoln, Nebraska, to express his appreciation for their support and treat the crowd to a special performance of “Your Song” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Guests were also treated to Limited Edition Elton John Eyewear “GOLD DUST” frames sold exclusively at Walmart in partnership with Elton John AIDS Foundation, to wear alongside Elton during his live-streamed performance. Capping off the evening, guests were treated to a full performance by Brandi Carlile and a duet with surprise guest artist, Jake Wesley Rogers, who covered Elton John’s classic song, “Rocket Man.”

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

The 2022 Academy Awards Viewing Party aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and also marks the Foundation’s return to live events. Since the gala’s inception in 1992, the Party has supported the Foundation’s efforts by raising more than $86 million for its lifesaving programs. All funds raised support the Foundation’s network of partners and local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections and provide treatment, as well as influencing governments to end AIDS.

Photo Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

“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,” says Sir Elton John, Founder, Elton John AIDS Foundation. “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!”

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS FoundationJamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Chef Wayne Elias and Crumble Catering designed and prepared the dinner for the evening, and the live auction was hosted by Simon de Pury. During the high-energy live auction, one of the highest selling lots represented the ultimate fan journey from past to present: two lucky winners received one of Terry O’Neill’s iconic images from the 1975 concert, and VIP tickets to the final Dodgers Stadium performance this November, Elton’s final performance in the U.S. Adding to the excitement was the sale of an original Andy Warhol, which depicts one of the most famous icons of New York- the Statue of Liberty.

Photo Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

“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 David Furnish, Chairman of the Elton John AIDS 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!”

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation

The event then turned into a party, which was attended by the likes of Jeremy Piven, Casey Affleck, Adam Lambert, Ashley Benson, G Eazy, and Miguel. 

Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

VIP guests arrived at the event in Cadillacs; the brand had its all-electric Cadillac LYRIQ on display.