Elton John’s 2025 Oscar Party Raises Over $8.6 Million

Elton John’s 2025 Oscar Party Raises Over $8.6 Million

by | Mar 5, 2025 | News, The Arts | 0 comments

Elton John co-hosted the event alongside Elton John AIDS Foundation Chair David Furnish, Golden Globe® and EMMY® Award-winning actress Jean Smart, EMMY® Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, EMMY® Award and Tony® Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris, and Award-winning actor, author, and chef David Burtka.

Presenting Sponsors of the event included A+E Networks, Chopard, e.l.f. Beauty, Gilead Sciences, Robert and Dana Kraft, and Bob and Tamar Manoukian. Many thanks to our supporting co-sponsors, Judy and Leonard Lauder, our official airline partner, American Airlines, our spirits partner, Tequila Don Julio, our wine partner, DAOU Vineyards, our Champagne and Caviar Reception partners, Moët Hennessy Private and Petrossian Caviar, and the City of West Hollywood.

“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. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who continues to stand with us to end new cases of HIV and save lives around the world. Now, more than ever, we need allies by our side to come together and finish this fight to end AIDS,” said Elton John, Founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“What an unforgettable night! Chappell Roan lit up the stage, our amazing co-hosts Jean Smart, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Neil Patrick Harris, and David Burtka kept the energy sky-high! We want to thank everyone who bought a ticket, bid in the auction, or made a donation—you made this night a true success. 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,” said David Furnish, Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards® Viewing Party welcomed over 1,000 attendees including top Hollywood actors, musicians, fashion designers, philanthropists, athletes and more. Attendees included Abby Elliott, Alton Mason, Alyssa Milano, Andrew Watt, Anwar Hadid, Antonia Gentry, Ashlyn Harris, Atiana De La Hoya, Bobby Berk, Brandi Carlile, Brianne Howey, Caitlin Reilly, Camila Cabello, Camilla Luddington, Charlotte Lawrence, Chris Colfer, Chris Olsen, Chrishell Stause, Christian Siriano, Christina Hendricks, Dan Bucatinsky, Daniel Scheinert, Derek Hough, Diplo, Donatella Versace, Dylan Mulvaney, Elizabeth Hurley, Emily Browning, Faouzia, Fortune Feimster, Harry Jowsey, Harry Shum Jr., Heather McMahan, Heidi Klum, Hozier, Jason George, Jackie Tohn, Jacob Lusk, Jake Wesley Rogers, Jane Seymour, JB Smoove, Jessica Gunning, Joe Locke, Jonathan Scott, Julia Fox, Katie Gavin, Kathy Hilton, Kevin Dias, Lana Condor, Lance Bass, Laufey, Lisa Ann Walter, Lucy Dacus, Luke Hemmings, MUNA, Madeline Brewer, Madison Bailey, Malin Akerman, Maria Bakalova, Matt Friend, Mayan Lopez, Megan Thee Stallion, Michael Urie, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Nic Kaufmann, Nicky Hilton, Nikki Glaser, NLE Choppa, Olivia Jade, Ozuna, Paris Jackson, Samantha Hanratty, Sonia Mena, Sophia Bush, Spencer House, Stephanie Hsu, The Linda Lindas, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Victoria Justice, Walton Goggins, William Stanford Davis, Whitney Cummings, Xochitl Gomez, Zooey Deschanel, and more.

The evening kicked off with a reimagined Champagne and Caviar cocktail reception, featuring a delectable culinary experience curated by Chef Wayne Elias, fine wines from DAOU Vineyards, and expertly crafted cocktails by Tequila Don Julio. As the gala unfolded, auctioneer Lydia Fenet energized the room, encouraging guests to bid generously in support of the Foundation’s mission to end the AIDS epidemic. Additional auction highlights included:

  • A chance to have dinner with Elton and David in Los Angeles or Windsor.
  • An iconic Rolex Cosmograph Daytona engraved with Elton John’s signature.
  • An Herb Ritts art piece – Female Torso with Veil, Paradise Cove 1984, edition 7/7.
  • A champagne and whiskey royal experience with the finest LMVH champagne for up to 6 guests, inclusive of one night in Paris, complete with a private dinner at the invitation-only Moet Hennessy Private Apartment.
  • Chopard Jewellery valued at $250K.

Chappell Roan brought the crowd to their feet performing her hit song “HOT TO GO!” and a special rendition of Elton John’s iconic “Your Song.” The Midwest Princess was joined on stage by Elton for a spellbinding duet of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” before paying an emotional tribute to her friend and mentor, stating: “You have sacrificed so much for the queer community and made it so I can be the artist I can be.” To close the set, Chappell crowned Elton with a pink cowboy hat before rocking the stage with a dazzling duet of “Pink Pony Club.”

Uniting stars and advocates on Hollywood’s biggest night of the year since 1992, the annual Academy Awards® Viewing Party has supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s efforts to raise over $123 million for their life saving work towards their mission of ending AIDS and the stigma associated with it for everyone, everywhere.

“At a time when HIV resources are being cut, our work has never been more urgent. Thousands are being denied life-saving care, and decades of hard-fought progress are at risk. 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. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, we’re able to keep pushing forward when it matters most,” said Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Wildfire Update from Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Wildfire Update from Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

by | Mar 5, 2025 | Coming Up, News | 0 comments

Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County.

As government officials have reinforced with their public remarks, the first priority is keeping residents safe, getting people to evacuate from areas close to the fires, and providing the fire departments with the resources to battle the multiple fires. For more information, go to

The Food Bank is reaching out to our network of more than 600 partner agencies to assess their needs, and if they are in an evacuation area, if they continue to operate.  We continue to update our Find Food information on our Pantry Locator web page.

For other resources, please go to 211la.org/ or call 211

Additional Resources

STATUS REPORT (3/3/25)
DISASTER RELIEF
AGENCY RESOURCES
FIND FOOD
FOOD RESOURCE PDF
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
DONATE NOW

Ways to Get Involved

The Food Bank is accepting financial donations and food donations at our two distribution centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, located at:

1734 East 41st Street
Los Angeles, California 90058

-and-

2300 Pellissier Place
Industry, CA 90601

Greater Los Angeles Wildfires Information

Los Angeles County Emergency Updates
Los Angeles Fire Department

The Food Bank continues to accept volunteers. For more information, go to LAFoodBank.org/volunteer. For more information on Food Drives, please contact Camryn Gordon at [email protected]. The following are food and non-food items needed by our community at this time:

Non-food Items (must be new, in original packaging): Diapers (babies & adults), Wipes (preferably flushable), Toilet Tissue, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Kids KN95 Masks, Paper Towels, Lotion, Soap, Deodorant, Shampoo (preferably waterless)

Food items:
Peanut and other Nut Butters
Crackers
Peanut Butter Crackers
Cheese Crackers
Trail Mix
Fruit Snacks
Energy Bars
Pop Top Tuna
Pop Top Chicken
100% Juice Boxes
Raisins and other Dried Fruit
UHT Milk
Individual Cereal Boxes

Many organizations locally coordinate disaster response during times of disaster, including the American Red Cross, 211LA, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army and others through Emergency Network Los Angeles. Please consider supporting our many disaster response partners.

For more information, contact the Food Bank at (323) 234-3030 or email us at [email protected].

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

19th Annual LA Skins Fest Offers Visability for Native American Filmmakers

19th Annual LA Skins Fest Offers Visability for Native American Filmmakers

by | Mar 3, 2025 | Coming Up, Feature, General, News, The Arts | 0 comments

Los Angeles, CA. The Barcid Foundation is a Native American non-profit organization dedicated to providing initiatives and opportunities for indigenous peoples within media, tech, and STEM. It’s calling for film submissions for its 19th annual Skins Fest that will be taking place in November. Alongside Comcast NBCUniversal and many other sponsors, Barcid oversees the yearly LA Skins Fest in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The festival takes place November 16th – 21st, 2021 in Hollywood. It aims to showcase the rising talent in Native American filmmaking. 

Skins Fest Native Youth Filmmakers feature

At the 2018 LA Skins Fest, President and CEO of Barcid, Ian Skorodin, remarked on how Native American artists and cinema has grown with the festival: “We have seen Native Cinema grow into a genuine force with a voice that is finally being heard. Native filmmakers have been pushing creative limits and will have the acknowledgement they deserve.”

14th Annual LA Skins Fest.

Information about how to make a submission can be found on the Skins Fest website.

In addition to the LA Skins Fest, Barcid runs a host of other events and workshops to help foster Native American artists and help people grow their professional careers. Barcid Foundation’s goal is to use media as a tool for cultural, educational, technological and economic development to help the Native American community.

The Native Current: Multimedia Workshop introduces children ages 9-17 to new ways of thinking about the LA River through film.

About Barcid

The Barcid Foundation is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501c3 that oversees several Native American endeavors, including the LA SKINS FEST. Barcid was founded in 2004 to offer educational opportunities to Native American communities through multimedia programs. Barcid projects include the preservation of decaying library materials that pertain to Native American history, video production of PSAs for local Native American non-profits, and the LA SKINS FEST.

About LA Skins Fest

The prestigious Los Angeles Skins Fest ranks among the country’s best film festivals and is an annual gathering for film industry insiders, cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and critics. The LA Skins Fest is considered a major launching ground for Indian Country’s most talked about films. Founded in 2007, the Los Angeles Skins Fest, now presenting screenings in the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, is a multi-day and multicultural event celebrating the art of film, TV and new media. The Los Angeles Skins Fest’s long-standing commitment is to join filmmakers and film connoisseurs together to experience great cinema. The exciting schedule consists of dozens of filmmakers presenting their newest works, special artist development programs, tributes to community leaders, special events, and remarkable films. Festival headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA.

LACMA’S 10TH Annual Art+Film Gala Raises $5 Million

LACMA’S 10TH Annual Art+Film Gala Raises $5 Million

by | Nov 17, 2021 | General, Lifestyle, News, The Arts

Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosted its 10th annual Art+Film Gala on November 6th, honoring artists Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The event, attended by more than 650 prominent guests from the art, film, and fashion industries, was co-chaired by LACMA trustees Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio. Honorees Kevin Pemberton, Amy Sherald, Kate Capshaw, and honoree Steven Spielberg, were all wearing clothing by the event’s sponsor, Gucci. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for LACMA) This year’s event raised $5 million to support LACMA’s film initiatives, as well as future exhibitions, acquisitions, and programming. Returning once again as presenting sponsor of the Art+Film Gala, Gucci expanded its longstanding and generous partnership with the museum by supporting LACMA’s presentation of The Obama Portraits Tour and the companion exhibition Black American Portraits. Audi provided additional support for the gala for the third year.

Art+Film Gala Co-Chair Leonardo DiCaprio and honoree Steven Spielberg, both wearing Gucci, and Bob Iger  (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Diane Keaton and Serena Williams, both wearing Gucci, attend the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus, both wearing Gucci. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for LACMA)

Paris Hilton attends the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Chris Martin and Judd Apatow  (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Blackwell and Lil Nas X, both wearing Gucci, (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Morgan Spector, Rebecca Hall, Sophie Hunter, and Benedict Cumberbatch, wearing Gucci, (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Julia Carey and James Corden, both wearing Gucci, The Bullitts, Nicole Avant, and Ted Sarandos (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for LACMA)

“It meant so much to honor Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley, both artists of extraordinary vision, as we welcomed their iconic portraits of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama to LACMA, alongside Steven Spielberg—one of the greatest artists of American cinema,” said Michael Govan, LACMA CEO, and Wallis Annenberg Director. “As co-chairs of the Art+Film Gala for 10 years, Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio have made this such an important event for all the creative industries in Los Angeles, and I’m so appreciative of their dedication to the gala and the museum.”

The Obama portraits by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, at LACMA through January 2, 2022.

Art+Film Gala co-chair Eva Chow said, “I am delighted that the return of the Art+Film Gala was such a tremendous success. It was such a pleasure to recognize the creative achievements of all three of our honorees and to celebrate a decade of art and film at LACMA with our longstanding partner Gucci. I’m so grateful to Alessandro Michele, Marco Bizzari, and everyone at Gucci for their friendship and steadfast support, as well as to Celeste for giving us a spectacular performance that no one will soon forget.”

Renowned artists, distinguished guests, and luminaries from the art, film, fashion, music, and entertainment industries arrived at the Art+Film Gala’s red carpet adjacent to Chris Burden’s iconic Urban Light (2008) on Wilshire Boulevard. Guests then enjoyed a cocktail reception and a DJ set by the legendary D-Nice outdoors. Guests also visited the Resnick Pavilion to see two new exhibitions, The Obama Portraits Tour featuring paintings by honorees Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, as well as Black American Portraits. Following cocktails, guests moved into the Art+Film pavilion overlooking Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass (2012) for a special dinner—a collaboration between chef Joachim Splichal of Patina Restaurant Group and chef Mattia Agazzi of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Beverly Hills. Recently awarded a Michelin Star, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Beverly Hills represents a culinary universe by interlacing the colors and flavors of Italy with its new Californian surroundings.

After Michael Govan and Eva Chow welcomed the crowd, Tracee Ellis Ross gave a tribute to honoree Amy Sherald. Ava DuVernay then gave a tribute to honoree Kehinde Wiley, which was followed by a short film about the artists by Christine Turner. Guillermo del Toro then presented a tribute to Steven Spielberg, and guests enjoyed a montage of the director’s films.

Following the dinner program, guests were invited back outside where Sienna Miller introduced the evening’s performer, Celeste, who delivered a captivating performance of soulful hits from her debut album “Not Your Muse.” Shabaka Hutchings and the Free Nationals shared the stage for her set, and Florence Welch joined Celeste for a special duet of the Marvin Gaye classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

About LACMA:
Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of more than 147,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. Committed to showcasing a multitude of art histories, LACMA exhibits and interprets works of art from new and unexpected points of view that are informed by the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. LACMA’s spirit of experimentation is reflected in its work with artists, technologists, and thought leaders as well as in its regional, national, and global partnerships to share collections and programs, create pioneering initiatives, and engage new audiences.

‘L.A. GOAL’ Hosts Annual Art Show Celebrating Unique Artists

‘L.A. GOAL’ Hosts Annual Art Show Celebrating Unique Artists

by | Oct 26, 2021 | Feature, General, News

Los Angeles, CA  L.A. GOAL presented its Annual Art Show on October 23rd. It’s a non-profit committed to creating opportunities and equity for adults with developmental disabilities so they can live more fulfilling lives. The theme of this year’s art show was “In a Different Way.” It celebrated the unique differences of each artist and the work they did during the last 18 months, over the pandemic.

Michael B, one of the artists who presented his work said, “My favorite part about being in the studio is working with ceramics and paintings because it is fun.”

L.A. GOAL provides its members with a variety of programs to help them in every aspect of their lives: work, health, relationships, creative expression and fun. The nonprofit based in Culver city offers vocational training as well as paid employment at the nonprofit.

Inside Our Productions is a professional art studio launched by L.A GOAL in 1991 in order to employ Members and Artists and sell their artwork. The organization’s vision is that when people’s core needs are met and their talent recognized, they can grow, express themselves, and engage in meaningful work.

This nonprofit benefits greatly from support by the local community in order to continue its mission of providing opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities to live more fulfilling lives.

If you want to learn more about L.A. GOAL and contribute to their work, click on the link here.

If you wish to volunteer, click on the link here.

About L.A. GOAL

L.A. GOAL is a non-profit organization that partners with adults with developmental disabilities and their support networks to assist them in living more fulfilling lives. Our goal is to create more opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to thrive across all aspects of life, have meaningful relationships, and feel a sense of belonging within society. We continuously strive to understand our Members’ needs, how they evolve over time, and how they are affected by shifting societal dynamics and inequities. We help the public see beyond ability or disability to honor the core being of our Members and ourselves.

L.A. Activists Come Together to Support Women’s Reproductive Rights

L.A. Activists Come Together to Support Women’s Reproductive Rights

by | Oct 21, 2021 | Feature, General, News

Los Angeles, CA. Women’s March Foundation hosted the March for Reproductive Rights on October 2nd. Women’s March Foundation is a non-profit, women-led movement bringing together people of all genders, ages, races, and backgrounds. In response to Texas’ six-week abortion ban, which allows individuals to sue abortion providers and patients, the foundation calls upon L.A. activists to take to the streets to support women’s reproductive rights.

People of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds attend the march and unite to spread reproductive justice across the country.  

Marchers proudly display their signs and views.

Signs reading “Reproductive Rights are Human Rights” and “We Need to Talk About the Elephant in the Womb” are held high as marchers go from Pershing Square in Downtown L.A. to City Hall. 

UCLA student, Lauren, talks about her experience at the march: “It is great to see not only women, but people of all ages and genders coming together to fight for what should be basic rights. We still have so far to go in regards to reproductive justice, but seeing all the support here gives me hope for change and a better future where women are the sole masters of their bodies.”

Creative homemade posters and signs address the issues surrounding reproductive rights.

Speaking at the march in front of City Hall is a wide range of people from health care providers to celebrities to politicians. All calling for a change in legislation and equal reproductive rights for all individuals. 

Raven Simone speaks about the importance of women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

Partnering with other non-profit organizations like Planned Parenthood, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, and SisterSong, Women’s March hopes to get the attention of the Supreme Court before they reconvene on October 4th. 

For more information on the march and to view the full panel of speakers, visit the Women’s March Foundation Facebook page.

About Women’s March Foundation

Women’s March Foundation (WMF) is a women-led, non-profit 501c3 organization with no affiliation with Women’s March Inc. As an independent organization, WMF continues to work towards the vision of shared humanity and equity for all, regardless of race, religion, gender identity or sexuality.

About Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.