Elton John’s Oscar Viewing Party
It’s been a great Oscars run for The Artist and Hugo – both scooped top honours at this year’s ceremony, although The Artist took the most coveted of them all – the Best Motion Picture statue.
While the likes of Meryl Streep, Christopher Plummer, Octavia Spencer and Jean Dujardin have golden statues to now parade around with, those nominees who lost out on Oscars will have something to distract them from their loss. Distinctive Assets, a company that specializes in gift bags for the stars, delivers a gift bag to the glamorous losers the morning after the awards ceremony. Its contents are valued at around half a million Rand, and they include clothes, food, skincare and a trip to Botswana to go on an elephant safari. The loot is aptly called the, “Everyone Wins at the Oscars” bag.
As for other winners on Oscar night – Sir Elton John held his annual Oscar Viewing Party, which commemorated the 20th Anniversary of his Aids foundation. As a result of the auction, held during the event, the iconic singer raised a huge chunk of money to further the work of his organization, which focusses on helping those affected by HIV and Aids.
Sir Elton, who had been rooting for The Artist, said he and partner David Furnish always want to spend the money they receive in the right way. Having their annual dinner on a night where most of Tinseltown is in high spirits has been a positive influencer. “Being a 4 star charity, 96 percent raised goes to where it needs to. Getting people to come here year after year, to support our charity on Oscar night is what’s been the highlight for me over all these years,” he added.
Forster the People performed, with front man Mark Forster telling me he is a big fan of Elton’s and so to perform in front of him and his guests is “a true honour.”
Guests who attended, among others, Jean Dujardin who popped in after his Oscar-winning turn for Best Actor, Dave Grohl, Steven Tyler, Gwen Stefani and her band No Doubt, Quincy Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Heidi Klum, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus, and the cast of the hit music series, Glee, could be seen singing along to the band’s tracks. Jones was full of praise for Sir Elton, saying that he wanted to come out and support the great efforts the singer has made.
Auction items included a tennis lesson with 10-time Grand Slam Champ Rafael Nadal – so popular it was sold twice – $190 000, while the chance to attend the Vanity Fair afterparty with Sir Elton and David, went for $230 000 – that’s one expensive ticket! But perhaps, at that price, it covers next year too!