Jon M. Chu, at the halfway point of directing back-to-backWickedmovies, will deliver the keynote address atUSCs 142nd commencement ceremony in May.
Chu, whose credits also includeCrazy Rich AsiansandIn the Heights, graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2003.
He will receive an honorary degree as part of the ceremony May 15 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the university said Friday.
Jon M. Chu at the National Board of Review gala in JanuaryJamie McCarthy/Getty Images for National Board of Review
Related Stories
Breaking Baz: Wickeds Jon M. Chu On Unlocking The Musical For The Big Screen And How Casting Cynthia Erivo As Elphaba Was Like A Coup
Jon M. Chu On Wicked Success, Plans For Part 2, Future Projects From Play-Doh To Britney Spears & The Movie Musical Remake That Went Bye-Bye Behind The Lens
Jon continues to spark the imaginations of millions through the dazzling worlds he creates.
Hes a terrific champion of the amazing talent performers, technicians and craftspeople who contribute so much to the creative arts and bring important stories to life, USC president Carol Folt said.
Hes also a wonderful role model to students and storytellers, and we cant wait to hear his inspirational words.
Wicked: Part 1scored 10Oscar nominationsthis year including Best Picture and won two, for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
The movie became the highest-grossing adaptation of a Broadway musical of all time and grossed $733.7 million at the worldwide box office.
Watch on Deadline
The sequel,Wicked: For Good, is gearing up to hit theaters on November 21, 2025.
Chu has long credited USC with his development and has stayed close with the university; he met hisWickedandIn the Heightscinematography Alice Brooks when both were students there.
There is a Jon M. Chu APAA Cinematic Arts Scholarship, awarded to students whose projects focus on Asian Pacific culture in film, TV and interactive media, and he recently established the Jon M. Chu Endowed Student Fund.
