Anuj Bhutani receives 2026 Princess Grace Award in Theater

USC Thornton Composition alumnus Anuj Bhutani (MM ’24) has won the the 2026 Princess Grace Award – Robert and Gloria Hausman Honor in Theater from the Princess Grace Foundation.

Presented annually to emerging artists in theater, dance, and film, the Princess Grace Awards recognize exceptional talent and help support the next generation of creative leaders. Bhutani was honored for his work as a composer as he continues developing “MANU”, a new music-theater work commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects, that brings together his passions for music and storytelling.

“Receiving the Princess Grace Award at this moment in my career is unbelievable,” says Bhutani. “As I’m just turning to the world of music-theater, the recognition from the Princess Grace Foundation at this stage is incredibly profound. Getting this kind of affirmation from the field is both validating and very motivating, and I imagine this recognition will be a huge catalyst for the development of “MANU” and my overall growth as an artist and person.”

Read more about the award and the other winners here.

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Featured photo is courtesy of the artist.