On Wednesday, October 15, 2008, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA hosted the Princess Grace Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and presented 31 Awards to emerging artists in theater, dance and film, as well as two Princess Grace Statue Awards to artists who have previously won Awards and have shown achievement and growth in their respective fields. Every year, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA (PGF-USA) proudly awards these grants at its annual gala to support its mission of providing crucial support to emerging artists in America. Additionally, award winning actress Glenn Close was honored with the Prince Rainier III Award in recognition of her outstanding career and contribution to the arts. Entertainment for the evening included a performance by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and dancing to DJ Tom Finn. The Princess Grace Foundation-USA is a not-for-profit, publicly-supported foundation headquartered in New York City founded more than 25 years ago by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in honor of his wife, Princess Grace [Kelly]. The Foundation's mission, that mirrors Princess Grace's in her lifetime, is to support emerging artists in theater, dance and film through the awarding of scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in grants to nearly 500 recipients."Glenn Close's extraordinary artistic talent and distinguished career in theater, television and film has been a beacon of inspiration to countless creative young artists, many of whom we acknowledge at this celebration," says the Hon. John Lehman, Chairman of the Board, Princess Grace Foundation-USA. "In the spirit of Princess Grace, it is with great pleasure that we celebrate the achievements of Ms. Close and the creativity, passion and budding talent of our Awards winners."
For a complete list of award recipients please click HERE.
Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

The Princess Grace Awards

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock

Prince Albert II of Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco


Mariska Hargitay & Peter Hermann

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann

Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo

Gilles Noghes

Gilles Noghes

Dick Wolf and Noelle Wolf

Princess Yasmine Pahlavi

Princess Yasmine Pahlavi

Princess Yasmine Pahlavi and Guest
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