The Princess Grace Foundation-USA (PGF-USA) is proud to announce that award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer Queen Latifah will accept the prestigious Prince Rainier III Award for her outstanding contribution to the Arts and her exemplary give-back.
Ms. Latifah will be honored at the Princess Grace Awards Gala in New York on October 24 at Cipriani 25 Broadway. The evening will be hosted by supermodel, actress, and activist, Naomi Campbell, with a special performance by New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck (past Princess Grace Award winner) and Robert Fairchild.
The 2016 Princess Grace Awards Gala will continue the legacy of Princess Grace (Kelly) of Monaco, who helped emerging artists pursue their artistic goals during Her lifetime. In total, the Foundation is awarding over $1 million to artists in theater, dance, and film. In the presence of Their Serene Highnesses The Prince and The Princess of Monaco, the evening is co-chaired by Lisa and Richard Plepler, Katia and Sidney Toledano, and Gillian Murphy and Ethan Stiefel. Major Gala supporters include: Christian Dior Couture as Presenting Sponsor and Lady Tina Green and Mrs. Lily Safra as Crown Sponsors.
The Prince Rainier III Award recognizes a renowned leader in the Arts whose own accomplishments are coupled with demonstrated service to their community. Past recipients of the Award include: Julie Andrews, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Glenn Close, George Lucas, Mandy Patinkin, Twyla Tharp, Denzel and Pauletta Washington, Cicely Tyson, Dick Van Dyke, and Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars Redford. The Prince Rainier III Award includes a grant of $25,000 to the philanthropic organization of the recipient’s choice and a uniquely designed sculpture by artist Alex Soldier.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco said, “We are privileged to present this year’s Prince Rainier lll Award to Queen Latifah. She has demonstrated a devotion to helping others throughout her illustrious career as an award-winning actress, musician, and producer. Her deep commitment to AIDS and cancer research and to programs that help the hungry, youth, women and LGBTQ community have made a difference in the lives of so many.”
Gala Co-chair Richard Plepler (HBO) shared: "Queen Latifah is a rare talent. Her celebrated career began as a hip-hop artist, and she has become one of the most dynamic and diverse artists of our time. Professionally, Queen has delighted audiences with gritty roles from Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago, which earned her an Academy Award nomination to her 2015 critically acclaimed role as Jazz singer, Bessie Smith, in HBO’s “Bessie,” garnering her an Emmy nomination. Personally, her passion for giving back rivals the passion she exhibits on the big and small screens. We are so proud to call Queen Latifah our friend and honor her with the Prince Rainier lll Award."
PGF-USA Executive Director Toby Boshak said, “To honor the outstanding artistry and give-back of Queen Latifah in an evening hosted by Naomi Campbell celebrates the arts on so many levels. Together, they represent the multi-faceted artistry that pervades our culture. Individually, they pursue their crafts, as did Princess Grace, with fervor, breaking barriers and redefining stereotypes. We are truly proud that they are taking part in this year’s Princess Grace Awards Gala.”
In addition to Queen Latifah’s Prince Rainier lll honor, past Princess Grace Award winners, choreographer, Camille A. Brown and actor Leslie Odom Jr. will receive 2016 Princess Grace Statue Awards for their continuing excellence in their chosen disciplines.
