Los Angeles - Hollywood royalty turned out in force to back Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama in two glittering events Monday night that raised a record 9 million dollars.

In the midst of the worst US financial crisis in decades, Obama kept television cameras away from the star-studded parties in a bid to minimize criticism that he was celebrating as the country suffered.

Obama's campaign sold between 250 to 300 tickets for 28,500 dollars each for a reception and dinner at Hollywood's historic Greystone Mansion. Snapping them up were celebrities like director Steven Spielberg and actors Will Ferrell, Jodie Foster and Leonardo DiCaprio. Actor Tobey Maguire and comedian Chris Rock also splashed on tickets.

Barbara Streisand serenaded the guests at a later party at the Regent Beverley Wilshire Hotel, where some 800 guest paid some 2,500 dollars a ticket. Guests there included comedienne Sarah Silverman, director Ron Howard, basketball star Magic Johnson and actor Pierce Brosnan.

According to the nonpartisan Centre for Responsive Politics, the entertainment industry had given Obama more than 5.6 million dollars prior to the Monday fundraiser. In contrast McCain's take from the entertainment industry has reached 885,000 dollars, the center said.

Using his famous rhetorical skills Obama even managed to connect the turmoil in the financial system to the elections and Hollywood. "It's reminded people that this is not a game," said Obama referring to the financial crisis. "This is not a reality show, no offense to any of you. This is not a sitcom." (dpa)