Prince Albert II carried on his mother’s legacy of arts and philanthropy at the Princess Grace Foundation-USA’s annual gala at the Plaza in New York on October 29th. 

During the gala, the Prince presented the prestigious Prince Rainier III Award to filmmaker Jon M. Chu, director of Crazy Rich Asians, Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: For Good. This marked a historic moment for the foundation, as Chu became the first artist to receive this top honour after previously winning a Princess Grace Award.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prince Albert II said: “It is a profound honour 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.”

The evening also recognised 25 emerging artists across theatre, dance and film. Statue Awards were presented to Isabelle Boylston, principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, and Sky Hopinka, visual artist and filmmaker. Both were previous Prince Grace Award recipients from 2009 and 2015.

Chu originally received a Princess Grace Award in 2001, while still studying at the University of Southern California. In his acceptance speech, he stated: “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 honours 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.”

The award includes a $25,000 grant for a philanthropic cause, which Chu directed back to the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.

The gala also drew a star-studded crowd, including host Constance Wu, Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell, Emmy-nominated comedian Bowen Yang, composer Stephen Schwartz, and singer Jessica Vosk, who performed during the ceremony. Principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia from New York City Ballet were also in attendance.

Diana Kemppaine, president of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, said: “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 programme has long nurtured.”

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo of Bowen Yang, Paul Tazewell, Jon M. Chu, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Stephen Schwartz, and Constance Wu attending The Princess Grace Awards 2025 at The Plaza on October 29, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

See more of the evening at the photo gallery below…(all photos by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)