Look To The Stars News: Elizabeth Taylor

Shirley Jones To Be Honored By Children's Charity

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Actress Shirley Jones, winner of the 1961 Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for “Elmer Gantry,” will be honored by Variety – The Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada, at Oscar Night Las Vegas.

Officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Oscar Night Las Vegas, Feb. 24-26, 2012, is a weekend destination event for movie fans nationwide to celebrate the 84th Academy Awards in The City of Entertainment.

Proceeds will benefit Variety, The Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada, dedicated to providing services for children with special needs in the Las Vegas community since 1950.

Oprah Awarded Honorary Oscar For Charity Work

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award – a special Oscar for her charity work – at a dinner in LA on Saturday night.

The award – which in the past has been presented to Jerry Lewis, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Sherry Lansing, Quincy Jones, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston and many others – is named after screen actor Jean Hersholt, who served as the president of the Motion Picture Relief Fund for 18 years.

“I never imagined myself receiving an Oscar, especially for what I’m considering my calling,” she said as she accepted the award. “All of us can make a difference through the life we lead. We’re all here to help each other.”

Stars Honor Elizabeth Taylor At Inspiration Gala

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Last week’s amfAR Inspiration Gala in LA – “A Celebration of Men’s Style” – welcomed some of the biggest stars and honored the late Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who helped created amfAR in 1985.

Alek Wek, Reca Group’s Paolo Diacci and Colin Farrell

Stars To Attend amfAR Inspiration Gala In Los Angeles

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) will host its Inspiration Gala Los Angeles on Thursday, October 27, and will have plenty of celebrity support.

Hosted by Andy Cohen – and with performances by Sinead O’Connor and Deborah Harry – the fantastic evening will include a special tribute to Elizabeth Taylor presented by Sandra Bullock. Guests expected include Chelsea Handler, Kevin Huvane and Kenneth Cole.

amfAR launched the Inspiration series in 2010 with events in New York, Paris, and Los Angeles. Last year, the LA event was hosted by Kylie Minogue and featured performances by Courtney Love and Dita Von Teese, as well as fashion presentations by Dsquared2 and Jean-Paul Gaultier. This year’s Inspiration Galas in New York, Sao Paulo, and Paris have featured Fergie, James Franco, Jennifer Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Ke$ha, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Liza Minnelli.

Heidi Klum Attends Celebrity Charity Gala In Milan

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Heidi Klum, Bar Rafaeli and Eva Herzigova were among the stars at amfAR Milano on Friday, the American Foundation for AIDS Research’s third annual benefit held in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week.

With special performances by Rufus Wainwright and Raphael Saadiq, and an appearance by amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, the event took place at La Permanente, and featured cocktails and dinner, as well as amfAR’s famed live auction of unique luxury items, conducted by guest auctioneer Simon de Pury.

Through the years, the Italian fashion community has been exemplary in its support of amfAR, with fashion houses and designers underwriting and leading many of the Foundation’s most successful fundraising efforts. Since amfAR’s first international benefit, held in 1993 during the Cannes Film Festival and hosted by amfAR Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the Foundation’s international galas in Cannes, Venice, Rome, and Dubai have become some of the most high-profile and eagerly anticipated charity events in the world and have helped raise more than $70 million for critical AIDS research programs.

Oprah Winfrey Awarded Humanitarian Award

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Oprah Winfrey is to be this year’s recipient of the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Since receiving her Oscar nomination for her debut film performance in “The Color Purple,” actress, television host and producer Winfrey has gone on to establish herself as one of the most influential figures in entertainment and philanthropy. She has been especially dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and raising awareness of issues that affect women and children, both in the United States and around the globe. Her philanthropic efforts have included Oprah’s Angel Network, the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which opened in 2007.

Gary Sinise Launches New Charity

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Gary Sinise has announced the official launch of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The new organization aims to provide programs to honor, educate, support,and entertain servicemen, their families, and people in need

“We’re a staff-specific mission,” Sinise said at a function at the National Press Club last week. “We’ll be working with a lot of different organizations.”

George Michael To Honor Elizabeth Taylor At Charity Concert

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

George Michael is organizing a charity concert in London to raise money for the Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund, an initiative of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“I have seen how HIV can affect people lives, how it can destroy families and communities,” said George, who had to cancel an appearance at Alicia Keys’ charity Black Ball in London earlier this month due to illness. "The way that the Elton John AIDS Foundation gets help to the people around the world who need it most – often the most marginalized communities – really spurred me on to do something.

“I also really wanted to honor the inspiring efforts that Elizabeth Taylor made – especially in the early years of the epidemic – and to mark her passing this year I am delighted to announce that the Elton John AIDS Foundation will use all the proceeds from this show to create and manage a new fund in her memory – The Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund.”

Elizabeth Taylor To Be Honored By Women In Film

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Women In Film has announced that film and television actress Melissa McCarthy will host this year’s Crystal + Lucy Awards on Thursday, June 16 evening, in the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom.

Making the announcement, Women In Film President, Cathy Schulman said, “This year, WIF is highlighting the impact women make on the media. Having laughed at Melissa’s years of trend setting and zeitgeist performances, topped by the wonderful ‘Megan’ in Bridesmaids, we’re thrilled to have Melissa hosting our event. We’re bound to have an unforgettable night.”

Gary Sinise To Announce New Charity Foundation

Thu, 19 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Gary Sinise, who stars as Det. Mac Taylor in the CBS television series “CSI: New York,” will announce the formation of The Gary Sinise Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising funds for charities supporting the military in a National Press Club luncheon address on Thursday, June 30.

The new organization aims to provide programs to honor, educate, support,and entertain servicemen, their families, and people in need

Celebrity Guests To Hit Cannes For AIDS Charity

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala will hit Cannes tomorrow, May 19, with some very special guests.

Janet Jackson, Brooke Shields, Gwen Stefani, Michelle Yeoh, Milla Jovovich and Patrick Dempsey are expected to be among the guests during the event at the 64th annual Cannes International Film Festival. Other event chairs include amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, amfAR Global Fundraising Chair Sharon Stone, Karl Lagerfeld and Donatella Versace.

The annual star-studded event at the Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, will include a formal dinner and a world-renowned live auction, all to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. As in previous years, Harvey Weinstein will recruit talent from the room to help with the live auction.

Celebrity Guests Announced For Charity Cannes Gala

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Janet Jackson, Brooke Shields, Gwen Stefani, Freida Pinto, Michelle Yeoh, Milla Jovovich, Patrick Dempsey and Harvey Weinstein are among those who will travel to Cannes to raise funds for AIDS research at amfAR’s annual Cinema Against AIDS gala, to be held on May 19 during the 64th annual Cannes International Film Festival.

Other event chairs include amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, amfAR Global Fundraising Chair Sharon Stone, Milutin Gatsby, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Ryan Kavanaugh, Karl Lagerfeld, Michel Litvak, Vincent Roberti, Carine Roitfeld and Donatella Versace.

United Nations Leader Pays Tribute To Elizabeth Taylor's Charity Work

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:30:00 +0000

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attended the Civil Society Hearing on HIV and AIDS in New York last week, and paid special tribute to Elizabeth Taylor.

“Last month, the world lost one of our greatest AIDS activists,” he said. "Elizabeth Taylor was known to so many people for her rare beauty and her many talents. I myself was a huge fan of her movies growing up. But to the United Nations family, her star shone brightest as a champion of action on HIV and AIDS.

“Some 15 years ago, speaking at the United Nations, she talked about how difficult it had been to organize her first event on AIDS. She said, “I never faced rejection like that before in my life. Everybody slammed doors, hung up phones and didn’t want to become involved.”

Elizabeth Taylor's Charity Legacy

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor – who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 – will be remembered off-camera for her philanthropy, her spirit and her unceasing generosity.

The Oscar-winning actress was an activist for those with AIDS since the virus first appeared in the early 1980s, courting controversy by her support in the face of the stigma attached to AIDS at the time. She was one of the first celebrities to publicly stand up against the disease, fundraising for the first major AIDS benefit ever held – a dinner organized by AIDS Project Los Angeles.

She founded the National AIDS Research Foundation in the early 1980s, and in 1985 she helped found the American Foundation for AIDS Research – better known as amfAR. In February 2011, amfAR honored Taylor at its 25th Anniversary Gala. Although her health prevented her from attending, she sent a message via her good friend and fellow AIDS activist Elton John: “I am there in spirit and I join you in saluting my fellow honorees and all these extraordinary leaders. I am inspired by their example, exhilarated by their vision, and encouraged by their compassion and love. And I love them in return.”

Elizabeth Taylor And Bill Clinton Honored For Charity Work

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth Taylor, Bill Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg were honored by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) last Wednesday.

The black-tie benefit marked amfAR’s 25th year, and featured a special reunion performance of “That’s What Friends Are For” by all of the original artists: Sir Elton John, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. Also in recognition of amfAR’s 25 years, special tributes were made to the Foundation’s co-founders, Mathilde Krim, Ph.D and Dame Elizabeth Taylor. The evening was presented by Hublot, and co-sponsored by M*A*C Viva Glam. More than $1.5 million was raised for AIDS research.

President Bill Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor were each presented with the amfAR Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission, and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research. Ms. von Furstenberg was presented with her award by her husband, Barry Diller. Chelsea Clinton presented the award to her father. Sir Elton John delivered a personal message from Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who could not be in attendance, stating “I am there in spirit and I join you in saluting my fellow honorees and all these extraordinary leaders. I am inspired by their example, exhilarated by their vision, and encouraged by their compassion and love. And I love them in return.” Sir Elton accepted the award on her behalf.

Elton John Announces Annual Celebrity Charity Oscar Viewing Party

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced today that the 19th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish will take place on Sunday, February 27, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

Sir Elton stated, “I am tremendously excited to announce that Best New Artist Grammy nominee Florence + The Machine has accepted my personal invitation to perform for guests attending this year’s gala event.”

Elizabeth Taylor, Selena Gomez Honored at WIN Awards

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Tuesday night saw Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Suzanne Roberts among the honorees at the Women’s Image Network’s WIN Awards, along with thirteen other outstanding film and television nominees.

The nominee list included films and shows such as Temple Grandin, Glee, Made In Dagenham, Capturing Mary, Secretariat, You Don’t Know Jack, and actresses Diane Lane, Sally Hawkins, Hope Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Dame Maggie Smith, Jane Lynch, Susan Sarandon, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sasha Alexander and Selena Gomez.

The annual award ceremony, which took place this year in Santa Monica, strives to foster positive public opinion on the value of women who are committed to promoting gender equality, creativity and leadership. Men are also included in the nomination category.

Woman's Image Network Awards To Hit California

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The 12th annual Women’s Image Network Awards (WIN) will take place January 18 in Santa Monica, California.

The event honors those in the media that portray accurate and powerful images of women and those that shape positive public opinion about the value of women and girls.

It has celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Miranda Richardson and Jane Lynch repeating the catch phrase See me in 3-D, not just double D.

SAG Foundation Launches Online Celebrity Charity Auction

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Screen Actors Guild Awards kicks off the first of its three online auctions to benefit the SAG Foundation at www.sagawards.org/auction with a Holiday Auction on Friday, Dec. 10, 2010.

Coming up in January, the Red Carpet Bleacher Seat auction from Jan. 3-10, 2011 will offer fans the opportunity to cheer the 17th Annual SAG Awards’ nominees and presenters as they make their way down the red carpet. The Ceremony auction that launches Jan. 27-31 will feature one-of-a kind experiences and memorabilia donated by our nominees and their films and television programs as well as sponsors and media.

The SAG Awards Auctions benefit the SAG Foundation to help make possible the Foundation’s public children’s literacy programs: BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools) and Storyline Online. The auction also supports Foundation programs providing emergency relief to SAG members in economic distress, video and audio preservation of the creative legacy of SAG members, scholarships for performers and their children, emergency funds for members with catastrophic illnesses and The Actor’s Center. Details are available at www.sagfoundation.org and www.bookpals.net.

Celebrities Doodle For Disabilities

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Life Steps Foundation, with the support of M*A*S*H star, Mike Farrell is hosting Doodle for Disabilities: a celebrity art silent auction that will take place at the Farrell home, on Wednesday, October 13 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Creative contributions and doodles have been created by Elizabeth Taylor, Al Pacino, Martin Sheen, Jay Leno, Glenn Close, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ed McMahon and other celebrities. To view their doodles, click here.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served; the event is free and open to the community.

Adam Lambert To Perform At GLAAD Awards

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) announced today that recording artist Adam Lambert will perform at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards Presented in Los Angeles on April 17, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

“GLAAD has advocated for out music artists, including myself, and I am proud to be part of the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year,” said Adam Lambert. “GLAAD’s work to share stories that grow acceptance and understanding about the gay and transgender community is so important in our culture today.”

Drew Barrymore To Be Honored By Gay And Lesbian Alliance

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:10:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has announced that Golden Globe Award-winning actress and producer Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award, and Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Wanda Sykes will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards on April 17 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans.

Actress Drew Barrymore will receive the Vanguard Award which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community. In 2009, Barrymore took on the role of the lesbian daughter of a widower played by Robert De Niro in Everybody’s Fine, nominated for Outstanding Film – Wide Release at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, and in 1995 starred in Boys on the Side which won the Outstanding Film award at the 7th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. She also joined thousands of marriage equality advocates in the streets of West Hollywood when the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, which eliminated marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Past recipients of The Vanguard Award include Charlize Theron, Antonio Banderas, Sharon Stone, Eric McCormack, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Kathy Griffin and Whoopi Goldberg.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

Bill Clinton To Attend AmfAR Gala

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Former US President Bill Clinton is to address the annual amfAR charity gala at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21.

Hosted by Sharon Stone, the Gala is one of the hottest tickets at the Cannes film festival each year, with hundreds of guests traveling to nearby Mougins for an auction dinner held in a giant marquee. This year’s gala will be held for the first time at the Riviera palace, the Eden Roc, at Cap d’Antibes, and will also see Annie Lennox perform.

Last year’s event raised over $10 million for amfAR, an organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Madonna was guest of honor at the event, and she auctioned off a private concert for $560,000.

President Obama Inspires Elizabeth Taylor To Give

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor has made a $100,000 donation to the Alliance for Christian Education and is crediting Barack Obama for her inspiration.

The Jewish 77-year-old said she chose the Christian charity “because our new president challenged us to break down barriers that divide us. To honor that challenge and to help rebuild our nation, I feel we have to reach beyond the limitations we place on ourselves in the name of religion or other ways we define ourselves.”

The money will go towards funding the organization’s pilot program for global outreach: a Providence Hall Christian High School in Santa Barbara. More information about the organization can be found here.