“It’s kind of fun and funny to watch that [montage], to watch myself in those films,” began Queen Latifah as she accepted her Princess Rainer III Award at the Princess Grace Awards Gala held at the Cipriani in New York City on Monday night. “I was really starting to enjoy it. I was like ‘I gotta watch that one again. That part was funny,'” she laughed along with the audience.
The gala, this year hosted by Naomi Campbell, honored the legacy of Princess Grace Kelly and her unwavering support for the arts by recognizing artistic excellence in theatre, dance, and film by awarding scholarships to both promising young artists and distinguished honors upon those established in the business.
“We are honoring [Queen Latifah] for her own outstanding artistry in theatre as well as film as well as music,” said foundation executive chair, Toby Boshak. “It was natural that she was deserving of this honor.”
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This year’s Grace Statue Award recognized the numerous achievements and accolades of triple threat Leslie Odom Jr. and choreographer Camille A. Brown. Both honorees said they have come to find the honor as much more of a humble beginning.
“There is a fear that comes along with making your own way for yourself, but the foundation has really given me an opportunity to continue building confidence,” admitted Brown. Odom Jr. added, “You can get lost in the hustle; it can take you over so any kind of moment that you can stop and remember that you’re a part of a community of other artists who are struggling and fighting just as hard as you are is wonderful to take stock in.”
During the ceremony guests, including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco and Tommy Hilfiger, enjoyed Chilean sea bass, white wine, and chocolate cake before dancing to music by a DJ.
(Pictured: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Queen Latifah)
