This year, Montecito was graced with something truly celestial. Under the creative direction of Lee Daniels, The Art of Elysium’s annual gala, HEAVEN 2025, unfolded as an extraordinary fusion of filmic storytelling, emotion, and immersive art—an invitation to reconnect with one’s inner child and rediscover the innocence of imagination.
Jason Segel (C) and Bob Baker Marionettes attend The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025—photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
The Art of Elysium: Where Compassion Meets Creativity
For nearly thirty years, The Art of Elysium has been where artistry meets altruism, pairing creative talents with communities in need. Since 2007, the nonprofit’s HEAVEN gala has redefined what it means to experience art, transforming philanthropy into a living, breathing installation guided each year by a chosen VISIONARY.
In 2025, the organization took a bold leap—hosting HEAVEN beyond Los Angeles for the first time at the stunning Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito. Daniels’ concept, “reconnecting with your inner child,” became the heartbeat of the evening, setting the tone for a night that was equal parts whimsical, soulful, and profound.
A Blue Carpet that Sparkled with Wonder
The experience began on a deep blue carpet that shimmered beneath the Montecito moonlight. Guests arrived in couture and anticipation, greeted by an unexpected dose of childhood wonder—Jason Segel appeared with puppets from The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, signaling that the night ahead would be anything but ordinary.
Rachel Bilson attends The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025—photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
Kevin Costner attends The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025—photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
Jordana Brewster attends The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025.
The festivities opened on the Great Lawn with Zuri Marley at the DJ booth, setting a radiant tone that flowed seamlessly into a powerful live performance by Autumn Rowe and Andrae Alexander, featuring an original song inspired by Daniels’ vision.
Zuri Marley attends The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025—photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
Emotion, Artistry, and Purpose
The formal dinner began with a ceremonial procession, grounding the audience in The Art of Elysium’s mission of using art to heal and connect. Shanola Hampton introduced founder Jennifer Howell, who spoke on the organization’s enduring purpose and the inspiration behind HEAVEN.
Shanola Hampton speaks onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
Jennifer Howell speaks onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
Then came a defining moment: Andra Day took the stage, delivering two soaring performances before presenting Daniels with the VISIONARY Award. His acceptance was unguarded and moving—reflecting on childhood memories with his mother and how those moments shaped his understanding of love and belonging.
You could feel the entire room holding its breath.
Andra Day performs onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025.
Honoree Lee Daniels speaks onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
Ashley Grace speaks onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
Celebrating Service and Soul
Co-chair Sima Morrison officially welcomed guests to Montecito before Paul Song of Bonham’s led a high-energy live auction that raised vital funds for the foundation’s creative programs.
The Spirit of Elysium Award, presented by Mike Einziger, went to beloved sisters and long-time volunteers Aly & AJ Michalka, who charmed the room with a heartfelt speech that ended with a sweet dedication to Aly’s baby son, Jack.
Sima Morrison speaks onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025.
Honorees Aly & AJ Michalka speak onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium.
L-R) Andra Day and honoree Lee Daniels attend The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025.
The dinner closed with a breathtaking mashup by Yola and Leoni, blending “This Little Light of Mine” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” As their voices intertwined, the child and adult seated at Daniels’ table rose and began the procession out—a symbolic passage from adulthood back into innocence.
(L-R) Jason Segel, Shepard Fairey, Ashley Grace, and Ike Barinholtz attend The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025
Camilla Belle attends The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025
Ragan Thomson speaks onstage during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025
A Return to Play
As the night deepened, guests gathered on the Grand Lawn once more for another whimsical moment—Jason Segel introducing a nostalgic performance by The Bob Baker Marionettes.
Soon after, the evening’s most charming transformation took place: guests reemerged dressed in custom Christian Siriano HEAVEN pajamas, trading black-tie formality for unguarded joy.
(L-R) Vivica A. Fox and Lee Daniels attend The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025.
(L-R) Topher Grace, Ashley Grace, Shanola Hampton, and Camilla Belle attend The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025.
Dita Von Teese attends The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025.
The Manor Bar became a haven of intimate artistry, featuring live sets by Thomas Dekker, Nikka Costa, Yola, and The Brothers Koren with Ragan Thomson, while behind the scenes, the dining room was being reinvented into something straight out of childhood fantasy.
The Inner Child Room
When the doors reopened, guests entered a technicolor dream: balloon-filled spaces, glowing lights, plush textures, and a sense of play that filled the air. DJs Ana Calderon and Daisy O’Dell spun vibrant sets, while David Arquette, appearing as Bozo the Clown, delivered a surprise performance that left everyone laughing and dancing like kids again.
David Arquette (as Bozo the Clown) attends The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025 After Party.
(L-R) Jennifer Howell, Founder and CEO, The Art of Elysium, and Nikka Costa attend The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025 After Party.
Aly Michalka, Mike Einziger, and AJ Michalka perform during The Art of Elysium Lee Daniels’ HEAVEN 2025 After Party
