'He's Very Passionate' (Exclusive): Jennifer Hudson Talks Interest She and Boyfriend Common Bond Over

Jennifer Hudson and Common share an interest close to each of their hearts.

The actress, singer and talk-show host spoke with PEOPLE about the couple's bond during the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS 2024 on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Asked whether activism is something she and her beau have a shared love for, Hudson, 43, says "definitely."

"He's very passionate about everything he's into," she explains of Common, 52. "He leads with the heart, and I lead with the heart in everything that I do, as well."

Held in Beverly Hills, California, the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS honored Hudson with the first-ever Elizabeth Taylor Rowdy Activist Award on Thursday night.

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Hudson and Common firstsparked dating rumorsback in 2022, when they worked together on their filmBreathe, but have known each other for a long time. Over the years, the two have mingled at various events, including award shows and charities.

Common seemingly confirmed their romance when Hudson asked him about his relationship status on her talk show this past January. The actor laughed before answering that he was, in fact dating someone. While he didn't say Hudson's name, everyone was in on the tease.

And in July, he opened up to PEOPLE in this week’s issue about another shared interest — which came in the form of collaborating with his girlfriend on hisalbum T -

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he Auditorium Vol. 1, which features Hudson on the song “A GOD (There Is).”

“I loved it, because when I played it to musician friends, they were like, ‘Who is that singing?’ ” Common said. “I’m like, ‘That’s Jennifer!’ It doesn’t sound like things you’ve heard from her before. I love that we were able to utilize her gifts in a new space. She brought it, man.”

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In her conversation with PEOPLE on Thursday, Hudson spoke about receiving the Elizabeth Taylor Rowdy Activist Award, which was bestowed upon her for her “ongoing support for people living with HIV and for the LGBTQ+ community,” per The Hollywood Reporter, citing the foundation.

"It means everything. Anything to help out the community to help make a difference in the world. And that's what we represent at our show," she says. "Anytime I can use my platform to help build awareness, to get rid of stigma, all of those things, I'm willing to do."

"So it's justthehonor to be here. The real gift is in the work," continues the Oscar winner and Jennifer Hudson Show host.

She goes on to say that "making a difference" and "making a world a better place for everyone" is her "focus," more than "the accolades or the words."

"It's inspiring to me to encourage me to want to do more, and hopefully inspire others to want to help make a difference too," Hudson adds.

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