Ariana Grande humorously credited «Botox and Juvederm» as she accepted the Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs Film Festival Awards Gala.
Ariana Grande brought her signature humor to the stage while accepting her first major award of 2025 at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
“Thank you so much, everyone,” the singer and actress told the crowd after being presented with the Rising Star Award by Jennifer Coolidge.
Grande, known for her comedic chops, then took a moment to acknowledge her friendship with Coolidge, calling the White Lotus star a «comedic genius» who has inspired her throughout her life.
«I can’t express how much this means to me,» Grande continued, reflecting on her long career. «I’ve been performing since I was a kid, so to hear the words ‘rising star’ at 31 is a bit surreal. I want to start by thanking my two best friends: Botox and Juvederm.»
«I honestly thought I’d be hearing ‘slightly withering star’ or ‘drooping star’ by now, so thank you,» she joked, prompting laughter from the audience.
After paying tribute to *Wicked* director Jon M. Chu, whom she called her «fearless leader,» and costar Cynthia Erivo, whom she referred to as her «brilliant sister,» Grande shared a touching story about how comedy shaped her from a young age.
«Playing Glinda the Good wasn’t just the honor of my life—it felt like coming home,» Grande explained. «For those who don’t know, I started in stand-up comedy.
My first gig was at four years old in our living room in Boca Raton, Florida, entertaining my grandparents. My mom gave me $5 for it.»
Grande went on to reflect on how comedy has always been a vital escape for her. «I learned early that laughter is one of our greatest escapes, and it was so rewarding to see the joy it brought to others, which, in turn, fed me.
The past decade, as I focused on music, I really missed that feeling. So it feels like the beginning of a new chapter for me.»
Grande’s performance as Galinda in Wicked: Part One has already earned her Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations, among others, as the film gears up for its release.
Alongside her, Erivo stars as Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, in the Chu-directed movie.
Other honorees at the Palm Springs gala included Angelina Jolie for Maria, Nicole Kidman for Babygirl, Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown, Colman Domingo for Sing Sing, and Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, as well as the casts of Emilia Pérez and Conclave.
