Rina Sawayama and Elton John performed at the March 12 Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party. (photo courtesy of Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation)

The 31st annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish with special guests Eric McCormack and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez raised over $9 million for the global effort to end AIDS with thanks to the foundation’s generous donors, sponsors and supporters. The star-packed fundraiser took place on Sunday, March 12 at West Hollywood Park and featured a show-stopping performance by singer-songwriter and actress Rina Sawayama.

Among the crowd of supporters, the foundation welcomed Donatella Versace, Maren Morris, Fan Bingbing, Emma Watson, Wiz Khalifa, Heidi Klum, Dove Cameron, Hilary Duff, Brooke Shields, Lucien Laviscount, Noah Schnapp, Kesha, Rege Jean-Page, Saweetie, Stella Maxwell, Tyga, Sharon Osboure, Sophia Bush, Maggie Rogers, Jenna Dewan, Julianne Hough, Smokey Robinson, Karen Pittman, Simona Tabasco, Michael Imperioli and other distinguished guests. An exclusive “Spotlight” sunglass frame from the Elton John Eyewear collection was gifted to dinner guests. The evening concluded with an electric performance by Sawayama, who performed “Minor Feelings,” “Hold The Girl” and ‘This Hell.’” Guests were also treated to a captivating duet between Sawayama and John himself, with the song “Chosen Family.”

The 2023 Academy Awards Viewing Party marks the 31st anniversary of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Since the inception of the party in 1992, the event has supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s efforts to raise millions for their life-saving work in progressing global health equity for vulnerable groups.

“I’m delighted to have reunited with all of my friends tonight after such a long time apart and better yet, to have raised over $9 million for the fight against AIDS,” John said. “We mustn’t forget that HIV is still causing needless suffering around the world and we must protect those most vulnerable to this disease with testing and compassionate care. We can see an end to AIDS in our lifetimes, but first we must break down stigma and discrimination and provide equal access to healthcare to finally end the epidemic for everyone, everywhere.”

“Elton and I are so touched and elated by the generosity we’ve seen throughout this glittering and massively successful evening,” Furnish, chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, said. “This funding will help us continue HIV and AIDS prevention and care programs across the world, save millions of lives and help countless people to have a brighter future.”