Ariana Grande’s acceptance speech at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival, where she received the Rising Star Award, was a delightful blend of humor, gratitude, and reflection on her career journey. The 31-year-old star, known globally for her musical prowess, charmed the audience with a self-deprecating joke about her youthful appearance, crediting Botox and Juvederm as her “two friends” responsible for her continued “rising star” status. This witty remark, met with laughter, highlighted Grande’s comfortable embrace of her public image and her ability to poke fun at the pressures faced by celebrities, particularly women, in the entertainment industry. Beyond the humor, her comment subtly acknowledged the pervasive focus on physical appearance in Hollywood and the lengths to which individuals, herself included, sometimes go to maintain a certain aesthetic. This candid moment provided a glimpse into the complex relationship between fame, beauty standards, and self-perception.
Grande’s playful introduction segued into genuine expressions of gratitude. She acknowledged Jennifer Coolidge, the presenter of the award, and expressed sincere appreciation for the recognition, emphasizing its significance given her years in the entertainment industry. Beginning her performance career as a child, being labeled a “rising star” at 31 held a unique resonance for Grande. It underscored her transition into a new phase of her career, marked by her foray into film and a return to her comedic roots. The Rising Star Award, traditionally recognizing emerging talent, became in this instance a symbol of reinvention and the expansion of her artistic horizons.
The speech then shifted to acknowledgements of key individuals who contributed to Grande’s success in the film “Wicked: Part One,” where she portrayed Glinda the Good. Expressing heartfelt gratitude, she lauded director Jon M. Chu for his “fearless leadership” and co-star Cynthia Erivo for her “brilliant” performance as Elphaba. These acknowledgements highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking and Grande’s appreciation for the artistic partnership she experienced on set. Her use of familial language, referring to Erivo as her “sister,” further emphasized the close bond formed during the production, suggesting a deep respect and admiration for her colleagues.
Grande’s reflections on her career trajectory revealed a deep-seated love for comedy. She recounted her earliest performances in her living room, entertaining her grandparents at the age of four. This anecdote painted a vivid picture of her nascent passion for performing and the joy she derived from eliciting laughter. She emphasized comedy as her “first love,” predating her pop music career, and described her role as Glinda as a “homecoming.” This return to her comedic origins represented a significant moment for Grande, allowing her to reconnect with a fundamental aspect of her artistic identity and explore a different facet of her performance abilities.
The transition from music back to acting and comedy marked a “new chapter” in Grande’s career. While she had established herself as a global music icon in the past decade, the role of Glinda provided an opportunity to showcase her versatility and explore new creative avenues. The speech conveyed a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future, suggesting that Grande was eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that this new chapter would bring. Her return to comedy, a genre she held dear, signified a renewed commitment to exploring the full range of her artistic potential.
The significance of Grande’s Rising Star Award was further highlighted by Nachhattar Singh Chandi, chairman of the Palm Springs Film Festival. Chandi praised Grande’s multifaceted talent, emphasizing her seamless transition from music to film. He lauded her acting performance as Glinda, commending her musical talent, characterization, and comedic timing. The award, according to Chandi, acknowledged not just her performance in “Wicked” but also her potential for a successful acting career. It was presented as a precursor to further accolades, recognizing Grande’s undeniable talent and her ability to captivate audiences across various artistic mediums. This recognition solidified her status as a rising star not just in music, but also in the world of film and performance, marking a significant turning point in her career trajectory.
