The Oscars are almost here, and that can only mean one thing: the legendary white tent is officially back in West Hollywood Park. As the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) prepares for its th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party this Sunday, David Furnish is giving fans an inside look at what to expect—and a much-anticipated update on the Rocket Man himself.
While Elton John has faced a few health hurdles over the last couple of years, Furnish says the -year-old icon is far from slowing down. In fact, he is thriving in his new chapter away from the grueling schedule of world tours.
“He is great. He is battling on. He is keeping busy and moving forward,” Furnish shared during a candid phone call ahead of the big night. “He is happy being at home as a family with our sons. That is why he came off the road. We really love parenting, we love our family, and we love being together, and that is everything for us.”
A Star-Studded Guest List and High Stakes
This year, the party is expected to be more viral than ever. Co-hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, the event will feature a performance by Grammy winner Lola Young. The guest list is a verified who’s who of Hollywood, with Dua Lipa, Donatella Versace, Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, and Charlie Puth all expected to make an appearance.
After a challenging year for Southern California philanthropy, Furnish has set his sights high. “I would hope that we could raise north of $ million,” he noted, adding that ticket sales are stronger than ever.
The “Tiny Dancer” Auction Moment
One specific item is already sparking massive buzz online. Furnish revealed a collaboration between Elton and Irish painter Jack Coulter that sounds like a fever dream for art and music collectors.
Coulter, who experiences synesthesia—a condition where he “sees” color while listening to music—painted a masterpiece while Elton played “Tiny Dancer” live on his piano right in front of him. “We have a beautiful painting that truly is one of a kind,” Furnish teased, and collectors are expected to drive the bidding into the stratosphere.
High-Tech Solutions and Urgent Warnings
Beyond the glitz and the “Tiny Dancer” art, the foundation is making headlines for its futuristic approach to healthcare. Furnish highlighted a program in Kenya that uses Zipline drones to deliver HIV tests and medications to rural areas that lack traditional healthcare access.
The tech-forward initiative was so successful it secured a $ million expansion from the U.S. State Department. However, Furnish also issued a stern warning regarding domestic issues, specifically pointing to recent coverage cuts in Florida that left , people without HIV treatment.
“I think everybody needs to have access to these medications,” Furnish insisted, explaining that rationing pills can lead to drug-resistant strains. “People not getting the coverage and the support to get their medication is a big, great concern to us.”
Looking Toward a Cure
Despite the hurdles, the couple remains optimistic about the future of science, specifically long-lasting injectable PrEP. When asked if he ever imagines the party they will throw when a cure is finally found, Furnish admitted the dream is always on his mind.
Until then, the focus remains on reaching the millions of people globally who still lack treatment. As the San Vicente and Robertson Boulevards glow with the lights of the iconic gala this Sunday, it is clear that Elton and David’s mission is just as powerful as ever—even if the Rocket Man is now more likely to be found at home with his boys than on a stadium stage.
