A-List stars like Gerard Butler, James Franco (who was also honored), Nicole Richie, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eva Mendes, Kristen Dunst and others gathered at the California Science Center for the 4th Annual Art of Elysium “Heaven” Awards Gala, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. What an inspiring event! The mission of the Art of Elysium is to encourage working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. And many of these inspiring children, who benefit from this amazing charitable organization, were in attendance and had most of the guests in awe of their courage and strength. So much so that many of the celebs, including Harvey Weinstein and Butler, generously opened up their wallets for this deserving cause.
Kristen Dunst and Eva Mendes with Art of Elysium participant, Anna image: getty
And the stars were definitely glammed up this eve before the Golden Globes. In fact, I think I enjoy the fashions more at this event than the big awards shows because they tend to be more edgy, fashion forward, riskier, and age-appropriate. How many times have you seen a young starlet in an over-the-top ball gown that ages her beyond her years? Here are some of my favorites from last night’s gala:
Amber Heard in Julien MacDonald:
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Nicole Richie in Pucci:
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Busy Phillips in vintage Karl Lagerfeld:
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Kristen Dunst:
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Gerard Butler:
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James Franco in Gucci:
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Guests were treated to a Vogue fashion show-with models’ hair done by Angus Mitchell-as well as the sounds of Devo (who, earlier in the evening, gave me a sampling of “Whip It” and actually made me sing along with them to it!) and Yo Gabba Gabba! Jake Gyllenhaal and a beard-wearing Mark Ruffalo palled around most of the night, and Butler and Franco sat only a few seats away from one another, directly behind 50 Cent, who had a lively conversation with Kelly Osbourne in the lobby. Designer to the stars, David Meister, acknowledged that client and pal Valerie Bertinelli was “so low maintenance” that he was able to create her wedding dress in just one week! Fashion pals Richie (who gobbled down a Fatburger at the cocktail party-much to the amazement of party goers-only minutes before), Rachel Bilson, and Amy Smart chatted together, while Joe Mangeniello and his fiance worked the room, as well as David Spade. Kat Von D and Jesse James (who talked with me about their Valentine’s Day plans) held hands practically the whole night, as did happy couple Alex Beh and Jennifer Love Hewitt-who revealed to me a couple of days ago that a “great date” like Beh was the key to surviving awards season. Awwww!
Check out the video below for my chats with James Franco, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kat Von D, Jesse James, Busy Phillips, Amber Heard, Justin Bartha, Julianne Hough, David Meister, Amber Heard, and Candice Accola at the star-studded awards gala.
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