Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing Party Raises $8.6 Million with Star-Studded Event
A Night of Music, Advocacy, and Fundraising
For over three decades, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party has been a highlight of Oscars night, blending entertainment with philanthropy. Now in its 33rd year, the 2025 event raised an impressive $8.6 million to support the foundation’s mission of ending AIDS worldwide.Held on March 2 at West Hollywood Park, the evening was hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, with co-hosts Jean Smart, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Neil Patrick Harris, and David Burtka. The event brought together celebrities, sponsors, and supporters for a night dedicated to both celebration and purpose.
Chappell Roan Joins Sir Elton for an Unforgettable Performance
Rising pop sensation Chappell Roan took the stage, delivering an electrifying set that included her hit “Hot to Go!” and a cover of Elton John’s “Your Song.” The highlight of the night came when Roan and Sir Elton performed a powerful duet of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”Before their performance, Roan expressed her admiration for Sir Elton’s dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy:
“You have sacrificed so much for the queer community and made it so I can be the artist I am today.”
In a playful moment, Roan crowned Sir Elton with a pink cowboy hat before the duo closed their set with “Pink Pony Club.”
Auction Highlights and Generous Contributions
As always, the event featured an exclusive charity auction, with high-profile items including:- A private dinner with Sir Elton John and David Furnish
- A Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, engraved with Sir Elton’s signature
- A Herb Ritts art piece, Female Torso with Veil
- A luxury LVMH champagne and whisky experience
- Chopard jewelry valued at $250,000
Bids soared as auctioneer Lydia Fenet encouraged attendees to contribute to the foundation’s mission.
A-List Guests and Sponsors
The star-studded guest list included Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, Camila Cabello, Jonathan Scott, Zooey Deschanel, Heidi Klum, Paris Jackson, Lance Bass, Stephanie Hsu, and many more. Sponsors such as A&E Networks, Chopard, ELF Beauty, Gilead Sciences, and American Airlines played a vital role in making the event a success.Sir Elton, David Furnish, and Foundation Leaders Reflect on the Night
Sir Elton John shared his gratitude for the ongoing support:“I can’t believe this is the 33rd year of hosting our annual Academy Awards Viewing Party. Nothing means more to me than being surrounded by friends, family, and supporters for a cause so close to my heart. Now, more than ever, we need allies by our side to come together and finish this fight to end AIDS.”David Furnish, chair of the foundation, echoed his appreciation:
“What an unforgettable night! Chappell Roan lit up the stage, and our amazing co-hosts kept the energy sky-high! Because of your generosity, we were able to celebrate with purpose, helping communities around the world access life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health support.”Foundation CEO Anne Aslett reinforced the urgency of their work:
“At a time when HIV resources are being cut, our work has never been more critical. But tonight proved what’s possible when we unite—people coming together to fight for a future where lives are saved, stigma is shattered, and no one is left behind.”
