LOS ANGELES — The 34th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards® Viewing Party once again proved why it remains one of the most influential and emotionally resonant events of Oscars weekend, raising an impressive $10.6 million in support of the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

Held at West Hollywood Park on March 15, the event brought together a constellation of Hollywood talent, music icons, and activists, all united by a shared mission: ending the AIDS epidemic.

At the heart of the evening was a striking live performance by British artist Lola Young, whose raw, emotionally charged set became one of the night’s defining moments. Performing tracks from her third studio album I’m Only F**king Myself, including “d£aler” and “SPIDERS,” Young captivated the audience with her unfiltered style, culminating in a crowd-wide singalong to her breakout hit “Messy.”

“My generation didn’t live through the height of the AIDS epidemic,” Young said during the event. “That means we have a responsibility to speak up—for the millions still fighting to live freely, especially LGBTQ+ communities who led the way from the start.”

The evening was co-hosted by Elton John, David Furnish, Neil Patrick Harris, and David Burtka, continuing a longstanding tradition that has elevated the Viewing Party into a cornerstone of both Hollywood’s social calendar and global philanthropy.

Reflecting on the event’s legacy, Elton John emphasized its enduring purpose: honoring those lost while continuing to advocate for vulnerable communities worldwide. “Every year we come together, and every year we’re reminded why this work matters,” he said.

The guest list read like a cross-section of contemporary pop culture, with attendees including Dua Lipa, Zoe Saldaña, Laverne Cox, RuPaul, Kate Beckinsale, Donatella Versace, Tiffany Haddish, and David Geffen, among many others.

The night began with a Champagne Bollinger reception celebrating American Airlines’ centennial anniversary, followed by a curated culinary experience from Chef Wayne Elias and cocktails by Tequila Don Julio. But beyond the glamour, the evening’s core purpose remained firmly anchored in impact.

A high-energy fundraising auction led by Lydia Fenet drove major contributions, with standout lots including a bespoke Rolex Cosmograph Daytona set, a Jean Paul Gaultier corset worn by Dua Lipa, and an intimate dinner with Elton John and David Furnish. A particularly poignant highlight came with the sale of artist Jack Coulter’s “Tiny Dancer,” a synesthetic visual interpretation created during a rare solo piano performance of Elton John’s iconic song.

The celebration extended late into the night with a newly introduced After Party Benefit Committee, featuring supporters such as Becky G, Diego Boneta, and Xochitl Gomez, signaling a new generational wave of engagement with the Foundation’s mission.

Yet amid the glamour, the message remained urgent.

“The truth is that we can end AIDS,” said Anne Aslett, CEO of the Foundation. “What stands in the way is stigma, inequality, and declining global funding. Nights like this allow us to reach those too often left behind.”

Founded in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation continues to lead global efforts in HIV prevention, treatment, and advocacy. The funds raised during the evening will directly support initiatives aimed at reducing new infections, expanding access to care, and combating discrimination worldwide.

As the event made clear, the fight is far from over. Someone still dies of AIDS-related causes every minute. But with continued visibility, advocacy, and support from the global community, the Foundation remains steadfast in its mission: to end AIDS for good.

Featured image : Jack Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Tani Austin, Natalie Dawson and guests attend Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 34th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 15, 2026 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation)