Queen Latifah is set to receive a prestigious honor from the Princess Grace Foundation, Shadow and Act reports. The Prince Rainier III Award, given in recognition of “a renowned leader in the Arts whose own accomplishments are coupled with demonstrated service to their community,” is being bestowed on the actress, singer, songwriter, and producer.
The Oscar nominee has won a Grammy, Golden Globe, two NAACP Image Awards, and an Emmy. Known as a pioneer in the hip hop world, Latifah has sold over two million records. “I chose to kind of take the route of uplifting women by trying to make some records that had some positive thoughts in it,” she has shared. “There are ways to make records that appeal to the masses but still have a message that leaves something with you.”
Latifah has also found time to work with causes that support artists, children, and LGBTQ folks including the Boys & Girls Club of America, Citymeals On Wheels, Girl Up, and The Trevor Project.
Previous recipients of the The Prince Rainier III Award include Julie Andrews, Glenn Close, and Cicely Tyson. The award features a grant of $25,000 that goes to a philanthropic organization of the honoree’s choosing.
The Awards Gala will take place in New York on October 24, and will be hosted by supermodel, actress, and activist Naomi Campbell.
“To honor the outstanding artistry and give-back of Queen Latifah in an evening hosted by Naomi Campbell celebrates the arts on so many levels,” commented PGF-USA Executive Director Toby Boshak. “Together, they represent the multi-faceted artistry that pervades our culture. Individually, they pursue their crafts, as did Princess Grace, with fervor, breaking barriers and redefining stereotypes. We are truly proud that they are taking part in this year’s Princess Grace Awards Gala.”
Latifah’s remarkable career was recently celebrated at “VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens.” This summer the “Bessie” actress signed on to join Jada Pinkett Smith in 2017’s “Girl Trip,” a film centered on four friends who travel to New Orleans to attend the Essence Festival.
The multi-hyphenate talent is on the Board of Directors for We Do It Together, a production company that was created to finance and produce films, documentaries, TV, and other media working towards the goal of empowering women.
