GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

9. Henry Winkler and Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"It's unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Adam Driver, Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were sombre in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about Wednesday tragedy, Lee immediately placed the blame on Trump.

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff," Lee said. "He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, isn't a big fan of the current POTUS either.

"Unbelievable," commented the "Barry" actor. "We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Recording artist/actress/honoree arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Actor/Honoree Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Director/honoree Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?)

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown.

9. Actor Henry Winkler and director/honoree Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"Unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Actress Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Actor Adam Driver, director-honoree Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

Actors attending a Screen Actors Guild event on Thursday commented on the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California which left 12 dead, just 35 miles from the event's location in Beverly Hills.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga, among those honoured by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

"What I really believe is number one is making mental health a global priority," she continued.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honoured studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings.

"It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

When asked about Wednesday's tragedy, Lee immediately placed the blame on Trump.

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff," Lee said.

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, isn't a big fan of the current president either.

"Unbelievable," commented the actor.

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real, in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh said it was "so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this," adding she didn't understand the US's gun rules and "I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Former marine Ian David Long shot and killed 12 people at a country music bar which was hosting a night for local college students.

Authorities haven't identified what motivated Long to open fire during college night at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, around 40 miles (64 kilometres) from central Los Angeles.

The dead included 11 people inside the bar and a veteran sheriff's sergeant who was the first officer through the door.

Beverly Hills, California - 8 November 2018

1. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Recording artist/actress/honoree arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is number one is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Actor/Honoree Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Director/honoree Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, film director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base is following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history of the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?)

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

9. Actor Henry Winkler and director/honoree Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"It's unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real, in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Actress Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have.... it's not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Actor Adam Driver, director-honouree Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

ELTON JOHN HOLDS ANNUAL ENDURING VISION BENEFIT FOR HIS AIDS FOUNDATION

It was a star-studded affair Monday (2 NOV. 2015) in New York as Alec Baldwin, Matthew Morrison, Kiefer Sutherland, and other celebrities walked the red carpet for the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual Enduring Vision benefit.

Sir Elton John continues his global humanitarian efforts to help raise money to fight HIV/AIDS through prevention programs, anti-stigma campaigns, and treatment services for people living with the disease.

John and husband David Furnish spoke about the foundation's ongoing mission on the red carpet.

The recording artist says he's proud of what the foundation has accomplished in saving lives.

"We all started out years ago where there was many a foundation. We have now amalgamated into a kind of Rolls Royce with other foundations. We all work together, which we have to do. It's not a single thing anymore. We work together, all of us, to try and prevent infections, to try and get medication to people, and to try and prevent the stigma. So I'm proud of what we've done, but the journey is not complete. I won't be proud until the journey is complete," John said.

Furnish, who acts as the foundation's chairman, talked about the positive advancements made since the organization began in 2001.

"We've come so far with treatment that actual treatment is prevention. You can reduce the load virus so low now in someone's body that the risk of passing it on to someone else is practically zero," Furnish said.

But he also stressed that awareness of the disease leaves much to be desired.

"What hasn't changed is the mindset associated with knowing your status and testing and then living a positive happy life if you are HIV-positive and staying on the medications," he said.

That frustrates John, because he feels some individuals have become cavalier about the disease.

"It bothers me a lot because people should know by now, with the amount of information out there, and the amount of medication available, that you shouldn't be - in this day and age - you shouldn't get infected, but unfortunately it's still a shame-based disease. It's a stigma - it's stigmatized and we're still fighting that and it's actually less of a problem in sub-Saharan Africa than it is sometimes in educated countries. People think, 'You know what, it's a livable disease...' But we can eradicate that whole - we can eradicate the disease if people just paid attention."

John also spoke candidly about his upcoming album.

"It's like a throwback to the 70s, but sounding even punchier. It's a rock 'n' roll record - up-tempo, joyous. I'm thrilled. T-Bone Burnett and I produced it, my band play on it. It's called, 'Wonderful Crazy Night," he said.

But when it came to Broadway, John almost said too much.

"We have a new musical in the works," John said, but was quickly hushed about the secret project.

"But I can't tell you any more than that," he said as he broke into laughter.

The jovial laughing continued as Furnish responded, "Good answer."

As for the new record, John can't wait to begin promoting it.

Matthew Morrison had high praise for the British singer.

"Just in his career, but what he's done with AIDS research and just helping people live their lives and live long lives. It's amazing. I love this organization, and I try to come to as many event as I can because there always so much fun," Morrison said.

And Jason Collins, the first openly gay player to play in a professional basketball game shared high praise for the recording artist too.

"The beauty of sports is it allows you to go places where sometimes talking about AIDS or talking about LBGT issues they're taboo, but when you put it in the realm of sports, and you put it in the realm of music, it changes the conversation. It's an easy way to start the conversation. I think Elton has done a masterful job of doing that," Collins said.

He also spoke of his own courage of 'coming out.'

"I just hope that my actions have made it easier for someone else to live their authentic life."

Created in 2001 as a collaborative fundraising effort by the National AIDS Fund (NAF) and EJAF, 'An Enduring Vision' has become a major source of funding for EJAF and NAF's grant-making programs.

+++ FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY++++

AP ENTERTAINMENT

New York, 2 Nov.2015

1. Wide of Elton John and David Furnish entering red carpet

2. Medium of Elton John and David Furnish posing for photographers, walking down carpet

3. Wide of Elton John and David Furnish talking to reporter, push in

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Elton John/Recording Artist - on being proud of the foundation and its mission:

"Well, to save lives. Educate people, save lives. We all started out years ago where there was many a foundation. We have now amalgamated into a kind of Rolls Royce with other foundations. We all work together, which we have to do. It's not a single thing anymore. We work together, all of us, to try and prevent infections, to try and get medication to people, and to try and prevent the stigma. So I'm proud of what we've done, but the journey is not complete. I won't be proud until the journey is complete."

5. Wide of Elton John and David Furnish talking to reporter

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Elton John/Recording Artist - on frustration of some no longer taking the disease seriously:

"It bothers me a lot because people should know by now, with the amount of information out there, and the amount of medication available, that you shouldn't be - in this day and age - you shouldn't get infected, but unfortunately it's still a shame-based disease. It's a stigma - it's stigmatized and we're still fighting that and it's actually less of a problem in sub-Saharan Africa than it is sometimes in educated countries. People think, 'You know what, it's a livable disease...' But we can eradicate that whole - we can eradicate the disease if people just paid attention."

7. Tilt up, Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria posing on red carpet

8. Medium of Whoopi Goldberg on red carpet

9. Elton John AIDS Foundation signage, pull out to Elton John and David Furnish

10. SOUNDBITE (English) David Furnish/EJAF Chairman - on advancements since the organization began:

"The biggest change is advancement in treatment. We've come so far with treatment that actual treatment is prevention. You can reduce the load virus so low now in someone's body that the risk of passing it on to someone else is practically zero. That's a huge breakthrough, it's not a cure but it's very, very close. What hasn't changed is the mind set associated with knowing your status and testing and then living a positive happy life if you are HIV-positive and staying on the medications. Because the sooner you know your status, the sooner you get on the treatments, the better the news is for everybody."

11. Medium of Elton John talking to reporter

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Elton John/Recording Artist - on his new album:

"It's like a throwback to the 70s, but sounding even punchier. It's a rock 'n' roll record - up-tempo, joyous. I'm thrilled. T-Bone Burnett and I produced it, my band play on it. It's called, 'Wonderful Crazy Night,' and I can't wait to start promoting it."

(Reporter: What about Broadway?)

Elton John: "We have a new musical in the works."

(Voice: "No.")

Elton John: (Laughs) "But I can't tell you any more than that."

David Furnish: "Good answer, good answer."

13. Tilt up of Spike Lee on red carpet

14. Medium of Kiefer Sutherland walking down red carpet

15. Matthew Morrison and Renee Puente on red carpet

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Matthew Morrison/Actor - on Elton John:

"Just in his career, but what he's done with AIDS research and just helping people live their lives and live long lives. It's amazing. I love this organization, and I try to come to as many event as I can because they're always so much fun as well."

17. Andy Cohen and Padma Lakshmi

18. Wide of Susan Lucci and husband

19. Medium of Benjamin Maisani, left, and Anderson Cooper (right)

20 . SOUNDBITE (English) Jason Collins/Former NBA player

"Well I think Elton - the beauty of music, the beauty of sports is it allows you to go places where sometimes talking about AIDS or talking about LBGT issues they're taboo, but when you put it in the realm of sports, and you put it in the realm of music, it changes the conversation. It's an easy way to start the conversation. I think Elton has done a masterful job of doing that."

(Reporter: Tell me about finding your own courage?)

Jason Collins: "I just hope that my actions have made it easier for someone else to live their authentic life."

21. Wide of red carpet