Ariana Grande showcased her signature humor during the acceptance of the Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 4, 2025. The award was presented to her by her friend and acclaimed actress Jennifer Coolidge. Expressing her gratitude, Grande referred to Coolidge as a "comedic genius whose brilliance has inspired my entire life."
During her acceptance speech, Grande remarked, "You don’t know how much it means to me," reflecting on her lengthy career as she humorously addressed the audience. "I’ve been performing since I was a child, so I never thought at the age of 31 I would be hearing the words ‘rising star’ again, so I wanted to start by thanking my two friends: Botox and Juvederm." The audience erupted with laughter as she added, "I thought I’d be hearing ‘slightly withering star’ or ‘drooping star’ by now."
Demonstrably excited about her role as Glinda the Good in the upcoming film Wicked, Grande stated, "Being able to play Glinda the Good was not only the honor of my life but it felt like a homecoming." Her enthusiasm encapsulates the importance this role holds for her, coupled with the successful transition from her musical career to acting.
With roots stemming back to her childhood, Grande fondly reminisced about her early days of performing stand-up comedy, recounting how her career began at merely four years old when she performed for her grandparents. "I learned early on... laughter was one of our greatest escapes and I learned how it fed me in return," she added. Grande candidly shared how the past decade focused on music made her miss the joys of comedy, likening this award to the commencement of a new chapter.
Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi commended Grande's transition, declaring, "Grande is an iconic global performer who has seamlessly transitioned to film... proving herself to be a multifaceted and undeniable talent." He emphasized how this recognition marks the onset of numerous accolades for her acting career. The film Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Grande as Glinda alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, is drawing considerable attention not only for its acclaimed cast but also for its impending release.
Throughout the ceremony, Grande maintained her light-hearted demeanor. Coolidge humorously remarked, "Hasn't Ariana already risen?" reinforcing the notion of Grande’s established status at such an early age.
Returning to her reflections, Grande discussed how she has openly addressed her past cosmetic enhancements, stating she hasn’t had Botox or fillers since 2018 but remains transparent about her choices. "This is the best day of my life," she stated, delighting attendees with her genuine outlook during the award presentation.
The evening also honored other notable figures, including Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman, and Timothée Chalamet, marking a night dedicated to celebrating diverse talent within the entertainment industry.
With humor and gratitude, Ariana Grande not only claimed her honor but also provided the audience with insight and laughter on her unique experiences within both music and film. This event echoed the importance of celebrating multifaceted talent and the enduring resonance of laughter, art, and performance.