Photos: The Arts & Business Council Awards Celebration

The Arts & Business Council held their 29th annual awards celebration and cocktail party at the Philadelphia Art Museum on Tuesday, May 13. Over 600 business leaders and innovative business owners gathered to network and recognize 10 individuals from the area for their outstanding leadership, innovation, volunteerism, and partnership with Philadelphia's arts, culture and creative sector.

Nominated by their peers throughout the 11-county region, and selected by a jury comprised of Arts & Business Council Advisory Board Members, the awards were presented in 10 different categories. Winners included Alfred P. West, Jr., Founder & CEO, SEI and Paige West, Curator, The West Collection, Business On Board Volunteer Leader of the Year Andrea Wikerd, Senior Manager, Ernst & Young LLP, Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Volunteers of the Year James Holman, Partner, Duane Morris LLP and others, but the biggest award of the evening went to Academy Award nominated director, writer, and producer Lee Daniels who was recognized with the Anne d'Harnoncourt Award for Artistic Excellence.

Daniels brought along his partner Jahil Fisher, who he thanked several times from the podium. He also recognized the support from his mother, Claire Mae, and sister, Leah. After the awards ceremony, the guests enjoyed a 90-minute cocktail hour with a dinner buffet by Stephen Starr in the Grand Hallway of the Art Museum.