Amid the glitz and glamour of Oscar week, Sean Penn's relief organization CORE hosted a Pre-Oscars Benefit that raised an impressive $1.4 million for humanitarian efforts. The star-studded event, sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter, saw a gathering of celebrities and philanthropists coming together to support CORE's mission.
The benefit, co-hosted by Penn, CORE CEO Ann Lee, and CAA's Bryan Lourd, featured a heartfelt speech by Penn reflecting on the organization's origins in response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010. Since then, CORE has provided aid in various crises worldwide, including Ukraine, Maui wildfires, and COVID relief efforts.
Penn emphasized the importance of unity in the face of man-made disasters, urging attendees to set aside differences and focus on commonalities. The evening included a dinner and live auction, with notable items such as artwork by Edward Ruscha and a tour of the Palace of Versailles fetching high bids.
The event also featured musical performances by Chris Martin, Leon Bridges, and Cat Power, with Penn leading a final fundraising push by pledging $100,000 himself. The night concluded with a call for continued support for CORE's work in Ukraine.
Guests at the benefit included a mix of Hollywood stars and industry figures, all coming together to contribute to CORE's humanitarian efforts. The event showcased the power of collective action in addressing global challenges and promoting unity in times of crisis.
