The 34th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards Viewing Party brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars and advocates at West Hollywood Park on March 15, raising $10.6 million toward ending AIDS.

 

The evening featured a raw and unfiltered performance by double-platinum-selling British artist and BRIT and Grammy Award winner Lola Young. Performing songs from her third studio album, I’m Only F**king Myself, including “d£aler” and “SPIDERS,” she brought her signature grit and honesty to the stage and had the crowd singing every word of her breakthrough hit, “Messy.”

 

“My generation didn’t live through the height of the AIDS epidemic, but that means we have a responsibility to speak up for the millions of people still pushing to live freely, especially LGBTQ+ communities, who led the way from the start,” said Young. “It means so much to me to be part of a night that celebrates authenticity and supports a cause that really matters.”

Lola Young

Lola Young@EJAF/Instagram

 

In addition to introducing Young to the stage, Elton John cohosted the benefit alongside David Furnish, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, continuing a tradition that has made the EJAF’s viewing party an impactful event during Oscars weekend.

 

“The Academy Awards Viewing Party reflects why we started this foundation 34 years ago: to honor the friends we lost and advocate for the people still vulnerable. Every year, we come together, and every year, artists like Lola Young make the night unforgettable. In a moment full of incredible British talent, Lola stood out. She’s bold, brilliant and completely herself. West Hollywood, thank you for showing up and helping us keep pushing to end AIDS,” said John.

 

Additional attendees included Adam Lambert, Bernie Taupin, Billie Jean King, Brandi Carlile, Chris Colfer, Colton Haynes, David Geffen, Dua Lipa, Eric McCormack, Fran Drescher, Jane Seymour, Jason Ritter, JC Chasez, Kate Beckinsale, Laverne Cox, Melissa McCarthy, Orville Peck, Patricia Arquette, RuPaul, Tiffany Haddish, Tina Knowles, Donatella Versace, Zoe Saldaña and others.

 

This year had the first-ever After Party Benefit Committee, which kept the festivities going late into the night.