An unforgettable evening of grace, artistry, and heritage illuminated New York City as distinguished guests gathered at The Plaza Hotel for the 2025 Princess Grace Awards Gala by the amazing Princess Grace Foundation presided by the great Diana Kemppainen.
The Princess Grace Foundation once again delivered a night of brilliance and elegance, bringing together royalty, philanthropists, and artists to celebrate excellence in performance and creativity. H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe attended the grand affair and congratulated the sold-out gala for its exceptional success, applauding the remarkable award winners and the evening’s heartfelt
The gala, held in the glittering ballroom of The Plaza Hotel, represented the enduring legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco through its commitment to supporting emerging talents in the performing arts. The distinguished presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco added profound significance to the night as he addressed the assembled patrons, honoring his mother’s legacy with sincere words that resonated across the room.
Guests experienced an exquisite dinner that reflected the refinement of the evening. The menu opened with roasted baby beets paired with whipped ricotta, Kyoto carrots, and sunflower seed vinaigrette, followed by a beautifully presented grilled branzino with crispy parsnip cake, trevisano, and medjool dates finished with fig vincotto. A delicate yuzu white chocolate cheesecake with toasted meringue and blueberry compote completed the meal, accompanied by Domaine Paul Buisse wines from France.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed moments of artistry and emotion as award recipients were honored for their dedication to theater, dance, and film. The Foundation’s president, John Lehman, spoke of the organization’s mission to continue empowering new generations of talent, a sentiment echoed by every member of the distinguished audience.
Among the many luminaries in attendance, actress and singer Jazmin Grace Grimaldi drew admiration for her radiant presence and her continued philanthropic efforts, including her support of the Jazmin Rose from the Monte Carlo Winery. The night also welcomed actress Ginna Le Vine, attending with her parents, including Chris Le Vine, a direct descendant of Grace Kelly’s family and steward of the Grace Winery and Hotel in Philadelphia, named in honor of his sister Grace.
The evening’s atmosphere was one of genuine celebration and unity. H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe emphasized the significance of the Princess Grace Foundation’s work and its global influence in supporting the arts community. He highlighted the extraordinary dedication of those involved and praised the event’s seamless orchestration, led by an exceptional team of organizers and patrons.
Notable philanthropists Dennis and Phyllis Washington were warmly acknowledged for their steadfast generosity and ongoing support of the Foundation’s mission. Their presence underscored the spirit of giving that has long defined the gala’s history.
Adding sparkle to the evening’s visual splendor, Sasha Lehman appeared in a dazzling gown that became one of the fashion highlights of the night. Lady Denise Fraile from Palm Beach made an impression with her refined elegance, while New York celebrity Nina Yacovino captivated guests with her stunning couture. Together, the attendees created a tableau of refinement and grace that reflected the timeless spirit of the Princess Grace legacy.
As the final course was served and toasts filled the air, the event transitioned into its exclusive afterparty at ARORA – L’art Du Cocktail, located on Park Avenue. This private reception, hosted for Guild members, Trustees, and select VIP leadership, continued the celebration in a more intimate setting. The soirée honored the achievements of the evening while allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed gathering among peers.
Christina Murphy, Co-Chair of the Princess Grace Foundation Young Patrons Guild and Steering Committee member, was recognized for generously underwriting part of the reception, ensuring that the night concluded in the same spirit of generosity and camaraderie with which it began.
The Princess Grace Awards Gala remains one of New York’s most anticipated annual events, admired for its impeccable presentation and enduring purpose. Each year, it brings together a rare blend of cultural influence, philanthropy, and international heritage. The 2025 edition upheld this legacy with distinguished grace, reinforcing the Foundation’s vital role in cultivating artistry that inspires audiences across the world.
As guests departed The Plaza, their conversations reflected admiration for the evening’s artistry, its honorees, and the profound vision that continues to guide the Princess Grace Foundation. Through its ongoing work, the organization ensures that the legacy of Princess Grace endures—not only as a memory of Hollywood royalty but as a living, thriving force supporting the creative future of generations to come.
The 2025 Princess Grace Awards Celebrate a New Generation of Artistic Excellence
A new chapter of the Princess Grace Foundation legacy honors 2025’s outstanding voices in theater, dance, and film.
Each year, the Princess Grace Foundation–USA reaffirms the enduring vision of its namesake, Princess Grace of Monaco, by uplifting emerging artists whose creativity defines the future of American performance. What began as a gesture of faith in young talent has evolved into one of the most prestigious recognitions in the performing arts, nurturing the careers of over nine hundred visionaries since its inception. The 2025 Princess Grace Awards continue that legacy, welcoming a diverse and extraordinary cohort of artists who embody innovation, dedication, and transformative storytelling across theater, dance, and film.
The Foundation’s mission remains clear: to elevate early-career artists through meaningful grants that propel their professional growth, while continuing to support past honorees through fellowships and special projects. This year, eighteen Princess Grace Award winners and twelve Honoraria recipients join the expanding constellation of creative excellence that defines the Foundation’s impact.
At the center of this year’s celebration stands the rare and distinguished Statue Award, bestowed upon two exceptional artists whose contributions have illuminated their respective fields over the years. The 2025 recipients, ballerina Isabella Boylston and filmmaker Sky Hopinka, represent the intersection of technical mastery and emotional resonance. Boylston, first recognized in dance in 2009, has become one of the most accomplished and respected figures in ballet, while Hopinka, an award recipient in film in 2015, continues to redefine the possibilities of cinematic language and Indigenous storytelling.
Theater: Voices That Shape New Dimensions
Theater continues to stand as the pulse of artistic transformation, and this year’s awardees affirm its boundless scope. Tramaine Raphael Gray, representing the California Institute of the Arts School of Theater, is recognized with the John Gore Theater Honor for a body of work that blends writing, directing, and film to create deeply transformative experiences. Christine Lyons, nominated by The Denyce Graves Foundation, receives the Grace Le Vine Theater Honor for her interdisciplinary practice that reimagines stories across theater, opera, and performance art.
Germán Martinez, the Robert and Gloria Hausman Theater Honor recipient nominated by INTAR Theatre, brings sound design and composition to new emotional territories through heartfelt artistry. Dionne McClain-Freeney, nominated by Target Margin Theater, reflects the musical and narrative spirit of contemporary theater as a composer-lyricist, performer, and educator. Taji Senior, nominated by Jesús I. Valles, receives the Gant Gaither Theater Honor for her multidimensional work in writing, journalism, and performance.
The Theater Honoraria for 2025 highlight artists whose ingenuity spans directing, design, and performance. Hamid Dehghani of Northlight Theatre merges directing and playwriting with cultural depth; Dina El-Aziz, nominated by Noor Theatre, enriches costume design with character-driven storytelling; Maleek Rae of The Tank fuses performance with the rhythm of hip-hop and film; and Roman Sanchez, nominated by Dell’Arte International, brings innovative direction and production to the stage.
Playwriting finds a compelling voice in Zoë Rhulen, the New Dramatists Playwriting Fellow, whose written works capture the essence of contemporary humanity with clarity and precision.
Dance: The Grace of Movement and the Spirit of Creation
Dance remains the soul of the Princess Grace legacy, and the 2025 recipients uphold its enduring elegance. Madison Jenne’ Brown, nominated by American Ballet Theatre, receives the Chris Hellman Dance Honor for her refined artistry in both ballet and contemporary performance. Kayla Mak of The Juilliard School represents the next generation of classical precision, while William Okajima, nominated by choreographer Kyle Abraham, brings versatility and cinematic artistry to his performances across stage and screen.
The Dance Honoraria celebrate intuition and innovation. Anna Mains of Charlotte Ballet channels a connection between intuition and classical form; Cyrie Topete of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago bridges education, choreography, and community engagement between Chicago and New York.
Choreography continues to flourish through artists whose visions expand the boundaries of movement. Hannah Garner, nominated by Keerati Jinakunwiphat, merges performance and direction in the evolving language of dance theater. Houston Thomas of The Joffrey Ballet crafts concert dance with expressive strength. Christian A. Warner, nominated by Mark Caserta, operates at the intersection of performance, direction, and sound, integrating film and dance with dynamic precision.
This year’s Choreography Honoraria introduce Marco Palomino of Visceral Dance Chicago, whose multidisciplinary creations span companies, museums, and live theater, and Ogemdi Ude of Danspace Project, who explores identity and memory within the experiences of Black femmes and queer communities.
Film and Animation: Stories That Redefine Visual Storytelling
Film and animation continue to stand at the crossroads of imagination and truth, and the 2025 recipients embody cinematic evolution. Isabela Fraga-Abaza, nominated by Caitlin Craggs, receives the Stephen Hillenburg Animation Honor for work that reclaims autonomy through emotionally charged animation. Luke Alexander Harris, nominated by Wendy Levy, is honored with the John H. Johnson Film Honor for his exploration of human emotion through cinematic form.
Haisi Hu of Hunter College crafts narrative animation with precision, while Gabriella Mykal, nominated by Rebecca Baron, earns the Cary Grant Film Honor for her ability to traverse fiction, non-fiction, and experimental filmmaking. Philip Thompson, nominated by Mitch McCabe, is awarded the Sir Roger Moore Film Honor for his distinctive vision as a director and writer. Fatima Wardy, nominated by Iman Zawahry, continues her ascent as a writer-director in film.
Film Honoraria recipients broaden the spectrum of visual artistry. Matt Feldman of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee crafts experimental and observational works; Jared Hall from CalArts revitalizes folktales through vivid animation; Karina Lomelin Ripper, nominated by Jahmil Eady, develops narrative and documentary films rooted in Mexican-American experience; and Loren Waters, nominated by the New Orleans Film Society, creates cross-cultural Indigenous stories through directing and producing.
Special Project Grants and Fellowships
Beyond the awards themselves, the Princess Grace Foundation continues to nurture alumni through Special Project Grants. Seven recipients this year will develop new works of artistic significance: Nicole Chi Amén for her film project “Chinita No,” Dahlak Brathwaite for the theater work “COMMERCIAL,” Desdemona Chiang for “ZHIZHA,” Keerati Jinakunwiphat for “Of Dishes and Dreams,” Bridget L. Moore for “Super Sonic,” Barkha Patel for “Ramti Aave – Her Playful Arrival,” and Sergio Mata’u Rapu for “Reclaiming Rapa Nui.”
A new initiative, the Princess Grace Artist Fellowship—established in partnership with MAP Fund—offers four Fellows a $10,000 unrestricted grant and access to professional development through MAP Fund’s Scaffolding for Practicing Artists program. The inaugural 2025 Fellows include Chih-Jou Cheng, Roderick George, Evan Silver (also known as Tiresias), and Nesaru Tchaas, representing theater, choreography, and film.
The Grace Kelly Scholarships: Investing in the Future
The Foundation’s commitment to education extends to high school artists through the Grace Kelly Scholarships for Thespian Excellence. These scholarships, offered in partnership with the Educational Theatre Foundation, ensure that young performers and designers receive the resources and mentorship necessary to thrive in the arts.
Recipients of the 2025 Grace Kelly Training Scholarships include Gulse Polat in musical theater, Alana Rock in costume design, Nicholas Santes King in acting, Abber Siddiqui in musical theater, and Kaylah Spaulding in acting.
The four-year Grace Kelly Scholarships, which combine financial support with mentorship from Princess Grace Award alumni, continue to support outstanding students across multiple cohorts. The 2025 first-year recipients include Aaron Ballentine, Alyssa Dorsey, Jordin Gayle, Lyric Patino, and Roger Wang. Second-year scholars include Reagan Bliss, Kenna Edwards, Emily Hacking, Megan Janger, Elizabeth Keller, and Liam Redford. Third-year recipients include Zehra Hassan, Zari McIntosh, Zalah Vallien, and Isis Washington. The final-year scholars completing their four-year journey in 2025 are Adam Flores, Daiara Garcia, J’Kyil Poole, and Nicholas Wilkinson.
As the Princess Grace Foundation marks the 2025 Awards, it continues to be guided by the vision of Princess Grace herself: that art, in all its forms, deserves to be cultivated with dignity, opportunity, and enduring support. Through each honoree, the Foundation renews its mission to uphold beauty, craft, and imagination as cornerstones of human expression.
A distinguished team of leaders continues Princess Grace’s mission to uplift the arts.
Behind the elegance and achievement of the Princess Grace Awards lies a devoted team of professionals whose leadership ensures that Princess Grace of Monaco’s vision continues to flourish. The Princess Grace Foundation–USA, known globally for its dedication to supporting emerging talent in theater, dance, and film, is guided by individuals whose expertise and commitment sustain the institution’s enduring legacy of artistic excellence.
At the helm of this mission stands Diana Kemppainen, President of the Princess Grace Foundation–USA. Her leadership has brought both stability and innovation to the Foundation’s work, ensuring that its programs remain as dynamic and relevant as the artists they honor. Under her direction, the Foundation’s reach continues to expand, connecting new generations of creators to opportunities that define the future of the performing arts. Her role extends beyond administration; it encompasses the stewardship of a legacy rooted in the values of creativity, compassion, and the belief that art can shape a more expressive world.
Working closely with her is Patricia Leonard, Chief Philanthropy Officer, who leads the Foundation’s efforts to cultivate meaningful partnerships and sustain the philanthropic framework that supports artists across disciplines. Her expertise in development and donor engagement strengthens the Foundation’s ability to provide substantial resources for its award recipients. Through her leadership, the Foundation continues to ensure that every gift translates into direct artistic impact, fostering the careers of hundreds of award winners and honorees.
Chief Relationship Officer Catharina Nystrom plays a vital role in connecting the Foundation’s artistic community with its patrons and collaborators. Her approach to relationship-building reflects the Foundation’s deep respect for the artistic process and its commitment to long-term support. By maintaining strong connections among artists, institutions, and supporters, she ensures that the Foundation remains an active partner in every stage of an artist’s journey.
The Foundation’s work also depends on the careful administration of grants and awards, a responsibility carried by Grants Manager Olivia Lichens. Her precision and oversight ensure that each program operates with fairness, transparency, and an understanding of the evolving needs of emerging artists. Her stewardship of the grants process ensures that every recipient is given both recognition and resources to advance their artistic vision.
Completing this dynamic team is Philanthropy Manager Josephine Smolsky, whose role bridges the Foundation’s artistic mission with its philanthropic outreach. Through her work, the Foundation continues to expand its community of supporters, bringing together individuals who share a belief in the transformative power of art. Her contributions sustain the programs that allow the Princess Grace Foundation–USA to nurture creativity across generations.
Together, these leaders represent the heart of the Princess Grace Foundation’s continued success. Their collective expertise in philanthropy, relationship management, and artistic development ensures that Princess Grace’s legacy is not only preserved but actively advanced through every grant, award, and mentorship offered.
As the Foundation celebrates the 2025 Princess Grace Awards, this team stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between vision and leadership. Each staff member contributes to the seamless realization of programs that have changed the lives of hundreds of artists, upholding an institutional tradition that remains one of the most respected in the world of performing arts.
Through their combined efforts, the Princess Grace Foundation continues to define excellence not only through the artists it honors but through the integrity and dedication of those who carry its mission forward.
The 2025 Board of Trustees preserves Princess Grace’s legacy through visionary guidance and global commitment to the arts.
Since its founding in 1982, the Princess Grace Foundation–USA has upheld a mission inspired by Princess Grace of Monaco’s belief in the transformative power of artistic expression. Guided by a Board of Trustees whose leadership spans continents, industries, and generations, the Foundation continues to shape the future of theater, dance, and film with a profound sense of continuity and purpose. The composition of the Board reflects a distinguished balance between the principality’s royal heritage and a far-reaching network of cultural, philanthropic, and creative leaders who ensure the Foundation’s programs remain vital and enduring.
From its earliest days, the Foundation’s leadership has drawn together a remarkable group of figures committed to the arts. The Founding Board Members of 1982 included John H. Johnson, Cary Grant, Stefano Casiraghi, HSH Prince Albert II, Prince Rainier III, HRH Princess Caroline, HSH Princess Stephanie, Hon. John F. Lehman, Jr., Barbara Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Norman E. “Ned” Donoghue II, Bernard Combemale, Etti Plesch, Vera Maxwell, Robert J. Hausman, Lynn Wyatt, Phyllis Wagner, George Hauptfuhrer Sr., and Gant Gaither. Their collective vision established the Foundation as a uniquely international platform for artistic growth and recognition.
Today, that spirit endures under the guidance of a leadership that continues to bridge the worlds of art, philanthropy, and culture. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco serves as Vice Chairman, bringing a deep personal and familial connection to the Foundation’s mission. Her Royal Highness The Princess of Hanover serves as Chairman of the Princess Grace Foundation, Monaco, ensuring that the Foundation’s programs remain rooted in the enduring ideals of Princess Grace’s original vision. Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco serves as Honorary Trustee, while Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco continues the family’s commitment as Trustee.
The Honorable John F. Lehman presides as Chairman, a position reflecting both his longstanding service to the Foundation and his original role as one of its founding members. Robert O. Marx, Esq., serves as Vice Chairman, contributing legal expertise and strategic insight to the Foundation’s governance. The legacy of the Founder, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and Founding Chairman, Robert J. Hausman, remains an integral part of the Foundation’s identity—anchoring its evolution in a history of distinguished patronage and unwavering dedication to the arts.
The Trustees of the Princess Grace Foundation–USA bring together a collective expertise that spans creative industries, philanthropy, and international enterprise. Their leadership includes Brisa Carleton, Woo Jung Cho, Jon M. Chu, Gérard Cohen, Rod Gancas, John Gore, Scott Greenstein, Anne Hearst McInerney, Rachel Hovnanian, Anton Katz, Richard Kirshenbaum, Kinga Lampert, Eric Lane, D. Christopher Le Vine, Simone Levinson, Barbara Lehman, Serena D. Lese, Leslie Odom Jr., John Paulson, Claudia Poccia, Jon B. Turk M.D., Sandra van Essche, and Noelle Wolf. Each contributes a unique perspective that strengthens the Foundation’s mission to recognize and elevate emerging artistic voices.
The Board also honors the service of its Trustee Emerita members, whose wisdom and contributions continue to shape the Foundation’s history. Raymond P. Caldiero, Norman E. Donoghue, Barbara Grant Jaynes, George J. Hauptfuhrer III, Yves Piaget, Sir Michael Smurfit, and Lynn Wyatt remain symbols of the enduring devotion that defines the Foundation’s leadership. The late Karl Lagerfeld and Mary Wells Lawrence are remembered in memoriam for their invaluable influence and dedication to the arts.
The Arts Advisory Council provides an essential bridge between the Foundation’s leadership and the creative communities it serves. Under the chairmanship of Woo Jung Cho, the Council offers guidance on artistic programming and emerging cultural trends, ensuring that the Foundation’s work remains responsive to the evolving landscape of performance and visual art. Its distinguished members include Melia Bensussen, Linda Blackaby, Nigel Campbell, Terese Capucilli, Suzanne Farrell, Renée Fleming, Michael John Garcés, Kent Gash, Billy Luther, Ted Rawlins, Abby Sun, Eduardo Vilaro, and Heléne Alexopoulos Warrick. Each member contributes deep professional experience in their respective disciplines, reflecting the diversity and excellence that define the Foundation’s mission.
The Board’s strength lies in its balance of heritage and forward vision. The presence of Monaco’s royal family ensures a continuity of purpose directly tied to Princess Grace’s original dream, while the contributions of artists, patrons, producers, and entrepreneurs maintain the Foundation’s contemporary relevance. This fusion of legacy and modernity has allowed the Princess Grace Foundation–USA to remain a vital force in the performing arts for more than four decades.
As the Foundation celebrates the 2025 Princess Grace Awards, the guidance of its Trustees and Advisors stands as a cornerstone of its success. Their commitment ensures that the Foundation remains a global beacon for emerging artists and a living testament to Princess Grace’s belief that beauty, talent, and discipline form the foundation of artistic greatness.
* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a
