Camilla Belle and Stevie Wonder to be honoured for philanthropy

Actress Camilla Belle and Stevie Wonder are set to be honoured for their charity work at next year's (17) Art of Elysium Heaven Gala.

Bosses at the organisation, which helps celebrities visit sick children in hospital, have chosen the 10,000 BC star as the recipient of the Spirit of Elysium Award in recognition of her "continued support and tireless volunteerism" with Art of Elysium.

"I am honored and humbled to be receiving the Spirit of Elysium award for being involved with an organization that I believe in so deeply," Belle says in a statement. "The Art of Elysium has become a part of my daily life over the years, and I couldn’t be more grateful to (charity founder) Jen for creating a platform for artists to give back to the community in such a meaningful way."

Founder Jen Howell reciprocated Belle's praises right back, saying, "All of the past and present Spirit of Elysium award recipients are so much more than supporters, they are family to me. Camilla has been part of The AofE family for over 10 years and has given endless hours volunteering, raising money and supporting us through her art.

"She just completed filming The Mad Whale where she was the lead of the film with 100% of the profits coming in to support our community service programs. I am absolutely elated to honor her for all that she has given."

The Mad Whale, a gothic drama set at a women's mental asylum in the late 1800s, also stars James Franco and is being produced by his new production company Elysium Bandini Studios.

The effort is a collaboration between the actor's Rabbit Bandini Productions and USC's School of Cinema, and all the films produced by the new studio benefit programmes for the Art of Elysium.

Meanwhile, soul legend Wonder has been chosen as the Visionary Award recipient, in honour of his creative contribution to the community.

Both Belle and Wonder will be presented with the awards at the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala on 7 January (17).