MPA Awards to Honor ‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu, Senate Majority Leader John Thune

variety.com:

Lauren Coates “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu will be honored with the Motion Picture Association’s 2025 Creator Award. Chu will be presented with the kudo at the MPA’s fourth annual awards program, which will also feature 2025 Industry Champion Awards presented to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Sen.

Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.). The ceremony will be at the lobbying group’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.

The MPA will recognize Chu for his “growing influence on culture and societies worldwide,” and his “unique ability to tell rich, authentic stories [that] resonate with audiences everywhere.” Chu delivered one of 2024’s biggest box office hits with “Wicked,” the musical fantasy starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and based on the long-running Broadway show. “Wicked: For Good,” the second half of the story, is slated for release in November. “Wicked” is up for 13 Academy Awards on Sunday.

Chu’s other notable films include 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians” and 2021’s “In the Heights.” “Creators do more than make movies and TV shows,” said Chu. “They build communities and bridge divides in ways that entertain, educate, inspire and move audiences wherever they live, work and watch great cinema.