The Fifth Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala in L.A.

It’s hard to not have fun at a party that opens and closes with surprise performances by Chris Martin and Diana Ross respectively, which is exactly why Justin Timberlake was standing on his chair dancing at last night’s amfAR Inspiration Gala in Los Angeles. Gwyneth Paltrow, the evening’s host, welcomed guests like January Jones, Eddie Redmayne, Dita Von Teese, Rita Wilson, and Amber Valletta to the dinner wearing a black double-breasted tuxedo jacket and trousers. Apparently the President isn’t the only man whose good looks have caught her off guard recently; she thanked cochair, Bryan Lourd, for the evening, adding, “Doesn’t he look exceptionally handsome tonight?”

Scattered between the unexpected musical bookends were three courses, remarks by Sharon Stone and Lisa Kudrow, and a live auction facilitated by Stone and Sotheby’s Andrea Fiuczynski.

Miley Cyrus wore a revealing dress by Tom Ford and battled it out in the auction with the designer himself over a Ryan McGinley photograph. Cyrus ultimately won the charitable duel while Rihanna’s bids won both a pair of Harry Winston diamond link earrings and a photograph of Elizabeth Taylor shot by Willy Rizzo. Rihanna later presented the award of the evening to Ford, noting, “Everyone looks good in Tom Ford.”

Others in attendance included Alessandra Ambrosio, Rose McGowan, Camilla Belle in a coral Carolina Herrera gown, and Lea Michele who wore a sparkling gold Versace frock and stayed close to Matthew Paetz all night.

Kristin Davis quoted amfAR chairman of the board, Kenneth Cole, “It’s great to be known for your shoes but it’s better to be known for your soul.” Despite some beautiful yet painfully high shoes, everyone in the room rose to their feet to dance and sing along with Diana Ross to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “I Will Survive.” Afterwards, Kelly Osbourne invited all to the after-party she was hosting at STK & Bagatelle. It seems the night was only just beginning.