12 Jun Jon M. Chu (Film 2001) to Receive Prince Rainier III Award at the 2025 Princess Grace Awards Gala
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco will Present Award to Jon M. Chu
October 29th at Celebration Recognizing Community of
Emerging Artists in Theater, Dance and Film
New York, NY (June 11, 2025) – The Princess Grace Foundation-USA (www.pgfusa.org) is pleased to announce that Jon M. Chu will be this year’s recipient of the 2025 Prince Rainier III Award, the highest honor celebrated at the Foundation’s annual Princess Grace Awards Gala. Bestowed upon an entertainment luminary whose prestigious career is matched with philanthropic service, the Award will be presented to Mr. Chu by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco on Wednesday, October 29th at The Plaza in New York City. The evening also celebrates a growing community of emerging extraordinary artists in theater, dance and film.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Prince Rainier III Award which commemorates the memory of Prince Rainier III of Monaco (Princess Grace’s Husband) who established the Foundation as a public charity in memory of Princess Grace of Monaco. The Prince Rainier III Award includes a grant of $25,000 to the philanthropic organization of the recipient’s choice. Mr. Chu has chosen for his grant to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
Jon M. Chu was first recognized by the Princess Grace Foundation-USA with a Princess Grace Award in 2001 while still a student at University of Southern California with a vision to create a musical short film for his thesis. Since then, his extraordinary journey as a director and entertainment leader has shaped the landscape of modern cinema, including his role in bringing Asian American representation to Hollywood in Crazy Rich Asians and reviving the Hollywood musical through In the Heights, and now Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: For Good.
“Jon’s work has exemplified a dedication to artistry and storytelling, demonstrating the very spirit of craftsmanship that we celebrate through the Princess Grace Foundation. This marks the first time the Foundation will bestow the Prince Rainier III Award on a previous Princess Grace Award winner—underscoring both Jon’s singular talent and the promise our program has long nurtured,” stated Diana Kemppainen, President, Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
“Over 20 years ago, the Princess Grace Foundation opened a door for me at a time when few others would and, in doing so, made me feel like I was part of a larger artistic family: one built on generosity, grace, and belief in potential. Princess Grace’s legacy of nurturing young artists shaped the very foundation of my career. To now receive the Prince Rainier III Award, which honors not just artistic excellence but a commitment to giving back, is a profoundly humbling reminder that I’m still part of that family and continuing the cycle of support she began,” Jon M. Chu stated.
Prince Albert II of Monaco said of Jon M. Chu: “It is a profound honor for My family and Myself to uphold My Mother’s commitment to the arts and philanthropy. This year marks the 70th anniversary of her Academy Award for The Country Girl. To mark this milestone by presenting the Prince Rainier III Award to Jon M. Chu—whose artistic achievements and generosity are both exceptional—is a fitting tribute. It gives Me great joy to preside over this legendary event, celebrating Jon and Princess Grace Award winners whose artistry will shape the future of the entertainment industries.”