 The gala has been hosted by various celebrities, such as Gayle King and Anderson Cooper.Unlike the Academy Award Party, which usually features an upcoming or lesser known artist, the musical guests for the EJAF "An Enduring Vision" Gala are usually well-known artists from a variety of genres; previous performers for the event include Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow.Until her death in 2011, actress and activist Elizabeth Taylor and Elton John were close friends.