Two pieces of Bulgari jewellery together netted $180,000 at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s (EJAF) annual Oscars charity gala in the US, which raised a total of $6.2 million towards the fight against the killer disease.

Held on February 28 at West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, the 24th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party was sponsored by Bulgari, M∙A∙C Cosmetics, and Neuro Drinks and Diana Jenkins.

Hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, the event also marked the start of a partnership between the Bulgari and the EJAF, which the Italian luxury brand will support the foundation’s philanthropic efforts over the next three years.

Amongst the guests were an array of celebrities including those wearing Bulgari pieces such as Hilary Swank, Bellamy Young, Andie McDowell, Sheryl Crow, Lana Del Rey, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Jon Kortajarena, Natasha Poly, YouTube star Joey Graceffa, Ian Somerhalder, Princess Lilly zu Sayn Wittgenstein Berleburg, and more.

At the event, Bulgari auctioned off an 18-karat white gold, full pavé diamond Serpenti necklace, raising $140,000 for the foundation. 

Two Bulgari signature timepieces were also awarded to two lucky guests who guessed the most correct Oscar Awards winners. 

Then, Hilary Swank surprised the audience and offered her Serpenti ring in white gold and diamonds as part of the auction, raising an additional $40,000.  

For a fourth consecutive year, award-winning Chef Gordon Ramsay prepared a sumptuous dinner while party guests enjoyed watching a live telecast of the 88th Academy Awards. Entering the tents, guests walked through a gallery of images and sparkling vitrines featuring Bulgari jewels that have been worn by the celebrities and featured in various films throughout the years. Dinner was followed by the auction of the Serpenti necklace presented on stage by international model Martha Hunt. 

Elton and his band performed various selections including songs from his new album, Wonderful Crazy Night, co-produced by Elton and T-Bone Burnett with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. The night wrapped with guests moving in to a disco area where DJ Johnny Dynell kept them dancing until the wee hours.

The EJAF Academy Awards Viewing Party is the most highly visible and successful fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscars Night. Over the past 24 years, the annual event has raised more than $56 million, thanks to the generosity of its supporters. EJAF has raised more than $349 million for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS since its inception in 1992. 

Bulgari is a name emblematic of Italian excellence. Emboldened by 2,700 years of Roman history, Bulgari honours its rich past with modern designs. Known for stylistic audacity and a penchant for colour, Bulgari pieces are immediately recognisable. Designing with the sensuality of volume, a love of linearity and a reverence for the art and architecture of Bulgari’s Greek and Roman roots, these iconic features are found in each of Bulgari’s creations.