Hollywood goes Gaga for Natasha Richardson

Some of Hollywood's biggest stars joined a British acting dynasty for a charity gala in memory of Natasha Richardson.

Pearly queen: Lady Gaga performs from the top of her piano at the Aids charity gala in New York

The Foundation for Aids Research annual benefit event in New York was dedicated to the actress, a long-time Aids campaigner, who died in a skiing accident last March at the age of 45.

Among those treated to a typically high-octane performance by Lady Gaga were Natasha's mother Vanessa Redgrave, sister Joely Richardson and actresses Meryl Streep and Brooke Shields.
Natasha was a long-term supporter of Aids research after losing her father Tony to the disease in 1991.

Tribute: Vanessa Redgrave with Meryl Streep and a picture of Natasha Richardson

Vanessa, 73, who today learned she will be honoured for her movie career at this month's Baftas, described Natasha's Aids charity work as her "life's mission".

Shields was among those who paid tribute to Natasha, holding back the tears as she described her friend as "a beautiful woman and brilliant mother".

Support: Chloe Sevigny was one of the many Hollywood stars at the event

The actress's widower Liam Neeson was absent from the amfAR event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street, because he has just begun filming his new movie Unknown White Male in Berlin. He has said he and his two sons were "taking each day as it comes" as they get over their loss.