Hamilton Star Leslie Odom Jr. Honored

2016 PRINCESS GRACE AWARDS GALA WITH PRESENTING SPONSOR CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTURE
THEIR SERENE HIGHNESSES THE PRINCE AND THE PRINCESS OF MONACO
HOSTED A SPECIAL EVENING CELEBRATING THE
2016 PRINCESS GRACE AWARDS GALA IN NEW YORK CITY
Emceed by Naomi Campbell, the Gala recognized the 2016 Honorees including
Queen Latifah, Camille A. Brown & Leslie Odom Jr.
WHAT: The Princess Grace Foundation-USA celebrated the 2016 Princess Grace Awards Gala on Monday, October 24 at Cipriani 25 Broadway. Held in the presence of Their Serene Highnesses The Prince and The Princess of Monaco, the Gala hosted by supermodel, actress, and activist, Naomi Campbell, recognized Queen Latifah with the Prince Rainier III Award, Leslie Odom Jr. and Camille A. Brown with Princess Grace Statue Awards, as well as Princess Grace Awards to 21 emerging artists. The Princess Grace Awards carry on the legacy of Princess Grace (Kelly) of Monaco and her desire to sustain artistic excellence by identifying and assisting emerging talent in theater, dance and film.
Highlights from the evening included:
· HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco arrived in a stunning Christian Dior Couture embroidered white dress in crepe silk
· New York City Ballet’s Tiler Peck (2004 Princess Grace Award winner) and Robert Fairchild opened the Gala program with a special performance of Peter Martins’ “Not My Girl”
· His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco presented Queen Latifah with the Prince Rainier III Award for her outstanding contribution to the Arts and her exemplary give-back. 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.
· Emmy and Tony award winning costume designer Paul Tazewell (2004 Princess Grace Statue Award Winner) presented Leslie Odom Jr. and Camille A. Brown with the 2016 Princess Grace Statue Awards for distinguishing themselves in their respective artistic disciplines since receiving their initial Princess Grace Awards.
o Leslie Odom Jr. first won a Princess Grace Award (Acting) in 2002 and is a multifaceted performer who recently starred as ‘Aaron Burr’ in the blockbuster hit musical, “Hamilton.”
o Camille A. Brown previously won a Princess Grace Award (Choreography & Works in Progress Residency) in 2006 and is a prolific choreographer who has received multiple accolades and awards for her daring works, including a 2016 Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2015 Doris Duke Artist Award.
· Gala Co-Chairs and American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Gillian Murphy (2009 Princess Grace Statue Award Winner) and Ethan Stiefel (1999 Princess Grace Statue Award Winner) presented to the 2016 Princess Grace Award winners for Theater, Dance and Film
· Since its inception, the Foundation has given more than 800 awards to emerging talent in theater, dance, and film by awarding scholarships, apprenticeships, and fellowships.
· Tonight it was announced that HBO enhanced the expansion of their longtime partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA by underwriting a special film program with a Princess Grace Award recipient who will be mentored by producer and writer David Simon (The Wire, Treme).
· Host Naomi Campbell reunited with her fellow “Star” castmate Queen Latifah for the first time since they wrapped the first season of the new FOX series from creator Lee Daniels.
Video Courtesy: Getty Video for Princess Grace Awards Gala