On Wednesday, October 23rd, the Princess Grace Foundation held its annual gala in New York City to celebrate 40 years of its commitment to emerging artists in theatre, dance, and film.
The gala was held at The Pierre in New York City. Prince Albert II of Monaco graced the attendees with his presence at the event.
The foundation honors the legacy of Princess Grace Kelly and her devotion to the arts. The gala included an award ceremony that honored those who have made an impact in the arts.
Academy Award-winner Michael Douglas received the Princess Grace Foundation’s highest honor: the Prince Rainier III Award.
Actress and previous award recipient Bernadette Peters gave a heartfelt tribute to Douglas and his contributions to the foundation and the arts. Prince Albert II handed Douglas the statuette designed by Alex Soldier.
“I’ve always been a fan of Grace Kelly’s iconic screen work—as were my parents—and I cherished learning about my dad’s friendship with Princess Grace during their Hollywood days and beyond,” Douglas stated upon receiving the award. “I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to continue that family friendship with Prince Albert II of Monaco over the years. And so, to receive this esteemed award is extraordinarily special.”

Following Douglas’s remarks, Foundation Founder Diana Kemppainen reflected on the Princess Grace Foundation’s work and the 900+ grants its given over the past 40 years.
“I feel incredibly proud of the work the Foundation has achieved over the past 40 years. Our community of Princess Grace Award winners continues to impress me, and I love knowing that the Foundation has played a small, important part of their artistic journey,” she stated. “It’s amazing to reflect on 40 years and think about those who built the Foundation: Prince Rainier III, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and key members of the artistic community, Eduardo Garcia, Barbara Horgan, who were all so forward-thinking in how to support artists and carry forward Princess Grace’s legacy.”
Playwright Adam Rapp also presented the 2023 and 2024 Princess Grace Awards during the evening. Director Lila Neugebauer and Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins were presented with the 2024 Statue Award.
Actress Carly Hughes also sang “I Want to Go to Monaco” which paid tribute to Liza Minelli’s performance at the 1985 Princess Grace Award Gala.

There was even a live auction at the gala which featured a re-edition Cartier Drain de Café Necklace which was famously worn by Princess Grace Kelly. The piece is crafted with 18K yellow gold and 19 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Notable attendees at the gala included Eisa Davis, Alex Soldier, Michael Esper, Ella Travolta, Cecilia Peck, Ginna Le Vine, and more.
The 40th annual Princess Grace Award Gala exuded the timeless elegance of Princess Grace Kelly and flawlessly honored her commitment to the arts.