The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) has announced that Jon M. Chu will be the recipient of their prestigious 2026 Cinematic Imagery Award, recognizing his lasting contribution to advancing visual storytelling in film. This honor places Jon M. Chu Cinematic Imagery Award at the center of a celebration of artistry within the film industry, highlighting his significant influence on the visual language of cinema.
Recognizing Visionary Contributions to Cinematic Storytelling
This award, given annually by the Art Directors Guild, is reserved for filmmakers whose body of work has transformed visual storytelling and drawn greater attention to the craft of the art department. Chu, who has built a reputation for visually rich and emotionally immersive films, was selected for this recognition alongside previous acclaimed recipients such as Jason Reitman, Baz Luhrmann, Jane Campion, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and George Lucas.
Reflecting on this distinction, Chu expressed gratitude for the work of artists behind the scenes, emphasizing their role in building cinematic worlds. He stated,
“Between imagination and the screen, there is an entire world built by artists,”
and added,
“On Wicked and Wicked: For Good, I witnessed firsthand how production designers, art directors, set decorators, and extraordinary crews created Oz not just as a setting, but as a living, breathing emotional landscape. I share this honor with the countless craftspeople who poured their hearts into those worlds, and I am deeply grateful to the Art Directors Guild and its members for this recognition.”
— Jon M. Chu, Filmmaker
Dina Lipton, president of the Art Directors Guild, praised Chu’s achievements, stating,
“Jon M. Chu’s work exemplifies the power of cinematic imagery to move audiences and deepen storytelling,”
and went on to say,
“His bold visual language and unwavering commitment to collaboration have helped shine a spotlight on the essential role of the art department, and we are thrilled to recognize his remarkable contributions with the 2026 Cinematic Imagery Award.”
— Dina Lipton, President of the Art Directors Guild
Major Projects Cementing Chu’s Visual Impact
Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ “Wicked: For Good,” which opened worldwide at number one after its November 21 premiere. The film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both Oscar-nominated actresses, and serves as the conclusion to the story that began in Part 1. This adaptation quickly made history as the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation at the box office and secured an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
Chu’s diverse directing credits include “In the Heights” for Warner Bros., which garnered critical acclaim for its vibrant adaptation of the hit musical, and the globally successful “Crazy Rich Asians,” a film credited with breaking barriers for contemporary Asian American representation in Hollywood. This milestone project received nominations for top industry honors, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe, and a PGA Award. Notably, it was the first major studio release in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast, opening doors and shifting perspectives within Hollywood and beyond.
Chu’s dynamic range extends beyond musicals and dramas. His prior work spans action blockbusters such as “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” and “Now You See Me 2,” alongside the pop culture phenomenon “Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never.” Altogether, Chu’s films have collectively earned over $1.3 billion at the global box office.
Upcoming Projects and Expanding Influence
Looking ahead, Chu’s creative vision remains in high demand. He is set to develop and direct multiple highly anticipated projects, including a film adaptation of Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” with Universal, a cinematic take on Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” with Warner Bros. and JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, and a stage musical adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians” for Broadway. Additionally, Chu’s story is explored in his own memoir, “Viewfinder,” which recounts his journey from growing up in Silicon Valley to establishing himself as a leading director in Hollywood, released in summer 2024.
The recognition of Chu comes as the ADG also announced nominations for “Wicked: For Good” and the TV special “Wicked: One Wonderful Night” in their annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, underscoring the high regard for his recent work and the collaboration with production designers, art directors, set decorators, and the wider art department teams.
Upcoming Ceremony and Additional Honorees
The 2026 Cinematic Imagery Award will be presented to Jon M. Chu at the 30th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, scheduled for February 28 at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. The event will also recognize other influential industry figures, with Lifetime Achievement Awards slated for Bo Welch, Jann Engel, Tom Southwell, and Stephen McNally, all of whom have made enduring contributions to the art of film and television design.
The Impact of the Cinematic Imagery Award
The Art Directors Guild’s Cinematic Imagery Award serves not only to honor individual achievement, but to highlight the broader role of visual innovation in shaping memorable storytelling. By selecting Jon M. Chu for this distinction, the Guild reinforces the growing importance of collaboration across all facets of production, from directors to craftspeople who bring stories to life through design and artistry.
As anticipation builds toward the February 2026 ceremony, Chu’s selection as honoree draws attention to the enduring role of visual creativity within the industry and the many hands that contribute to unforgettable cinematic worlds. The celebration of this achievement signals ongoing support for the artists, designers, and visionaries who continue to push the boundaries of film and television, ensuring that the art department’s essential contributions are recognized and celebrated worldwide.
