Jon M. Chu to Receive Prince Rainier III Award from Prince Albert II
The acclaimed director of 'In the Heights' recognized for his contributions to musical cinema.
Jon M. Chu, the American director known for revitalizing the Hollywood musical, is set to receive the prestigious Prince Rainier III Award on October 29, 2025, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
This esteemed accolade, presented by Prince Albert II, honors Chu's exceptional career, which includes notable films such as 'Crazy Rich Asians,' 'In the Heights,' and the upcoming 'Wicked.'
This award carries significant symbolism, marking Chu as the first recipient of the Prince Grace Award to achieve this honor, occurring twenty-four years after he was initially recognized by the foundation as a student at the University of Southern California.
Chu announced that he will donate the accompanying prize of $25,000 back to the Princess Grace Foundation, which has played a crucial role in supporting emerging artists.
Diana Kemppainen, president of the foundation, emphasized the historical importance of this award, highlighting both Chu's unique talent and the longstanding promise of the program.
The year 2025 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Prince Rainier III Award along with the 70th anniversary of Grace Kelly's Academy Award for 'The Country Girl.' Established in 1982, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA has distributed nearly $20 million in grants to over 900 emerging artists.
Among past recipients are prominent figures such as Oscar Isaac, Leslie Odom Jr., and recent Oscar winner Paul Tazewell, showcasing a legacy that continues to honor Grace Kelly, the former Hollywood star who became the Princess of Monaco.
This esteemed accolade, presented by Prince Albert II, honors Chu's exceptional career, which includes notable films such as 'Crazy Rich Asians,' 'In the Heights,' and the upcoming 'Wicked.'
This award carries significant symbolism, marking Chu as the first recipient of the Prince Grace Award to achieve this honor, occurring twenty-four years after he was initially recognized by the foundation as a student at the University of Southern California.
Chu announced that he will donate the accompanying prize of $25,000 back to the Princess Grace Foundation, which has played a crucial role in supporting emerging artists.
Diana Kemppainen, president of the foundation, emphasized the historical importance of this award, highlighting both Chu's unique talent and the longstanding promise of the program.
The year 2025 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Prince Rainier III Award along with the 70th anniversary of Grace Kelly's Academy Award for 'The Country Girl.' Established in 1982, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA has distributed nearly $20 million in grants to over 900 emerging artists.
Among past recipients are prominent figures such as Oscar Isaac, Leslie Odom Jr., and recent Oscar winner Paul Tazewell, showcasing a legacy that continues to honor Grace Kelly, the former Hollywood star who became the Princess of Monaco.
