Jon M. Chu, acclaimed filmmaker, appointed USC 2025 commencement speaker

Acclaimed filmmaker, screenwriter, producer and USC alumnus Jon M. Chu — the mastermind behind the award-winning film version of Wicked and the 2018 hit Crazy Rich Asians — will present the keynote address at the university’s 142nd commencement ceremony.

Since earning his degree from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2003, Chu has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most impactful storytellers, celebrated for his knack for creating visually stunning, emotionally evocative films that elevate diverse narratives.

USC President Carol Folt declared on Thursday that Chu will return to his alma mater on May 15 for the keynote speech during the ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. He will also be honored with an honorary degree.

“Jon continues to ignite the creativity of millions through the spectacular worlds he brings to life. He’s an exceptional advocate for the incredible talents — actors, technicians and craftsmen — who contribute immensely to the arts and narrate vital stories,” Folt expressed. “He’s also a fantastic role model for students and storytellers alike, and we eagerly anticipate hearing his motivating words.”

A Trojan’s groundbreaking journey in film

Chu’s latest project, Wicked, transformed into a worldwide cultural sensation, amassing 120 accolades, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Awards, and a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA). Wicked stands as another achievement in the renowned director’s illustrious career. Chu attributes much of his success to the community he formed at USC, where he connected with a network of collaborators who assisted in launching his career, many of whom have pursued successful paths of their own.

In 2021, he transformed Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical In the Heights, collaborating with cinematographer Alice Brooks, whom he first met in a Starbucks at USC during their student years. Brooks also served as the cinematographer for Wicked.

Chu formed lasting friendships at USC with other frequent collaborators, including writer Ryan Landels and director Avi Youabian, both of whom studied at USC alongside him.

“I cherished being in the company of individuals from diverse backgrounds, from across the globe, all on the brink of discovering their unique voices. It was a magnificent blend — challenging, motivating, and formative,” Chu shared. “Being among them molded me, encouraged my growth and allowed me to identify who I aspired to be. And throughout this journey, I found a group at USC that I began collaborating with then and still do so today.”

“That foundation provided us with an unending source of support and creative partnership,” he concluded. “Being
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“A Trojan supported me tremendously — even the phrase ‘Fight On’ remained with me through the highs and lows of the entertainment sector, encouraging me to persevere regardless of the circumstances.”

Chu’s passion for musicals and dance, which he followed at USC as a participant in a dance troupe, propelled him to helm the concert movies Justin Bieber: Never Say Never and Justin Bieber’s Believe, and to serve as executive producer for Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration. In 2013, he produced a viral safety video filled with dance for Virgin America.

While enrolled at USC, Chu emerged as a leader, taking on the role of president of the School of Cinematic Arts student council, in addition to producing award-winning projects. His 2002 short musical, When the Kids Are Away, a whimsical portrayal of mothers’ experiences while their children are at school, received funding from the Princess Grace Award and captivated Steven Spielberg. The short film garnered multiple notable accolades, including the Kodak Student Filmmaker Award and the Jack Nicholson Award for direction. His contributions also earned him the Anti-Defamation League’s Dore Schary Award.

“From his formative years at USC to his achievements as a filmmaker, Jon consistently motivates both audiences and upcoming generations of artists,” remarked School of Cinematic Arts Dean Elizabeth Daley. “He serves as an admirable example for our students of what can be achieved when talent converges with perseverance.”

Transitioning from family films to Hollywood blockbusters

A Bay Area resident and the youngest of five siblings, Chu was raised in a family molded by his parents’ immigrant experiences: His father hailed from mainland China, while his mother came from Taiwan and neither spoke English upon arrival in the United States. When his mother provided him with a video camera to capture family vacations, he discovered a medium to animate his creativity. Rather than crafting mere home videos, he penned science fiction tales and murder mysteries, casting his siblings as the lead characters.

During a TED Talk, Chu shared a memory of showing his parents a home-movie he had filmed and edited, which moved them to tears. For the first time, they perceived themselves on screen “as an ordinary family that belonged and fit in,” he recalled.

This lifelong commitment to storytelling laid the groundwork for his career and became the central theme of his recent memoir, Viewfinder: A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen. In it, Chu reflects on his evolution from a young video enthusiast to a Hollywood director crafting narratives that elevate marginalized voices.

In 2018, USC benefactors Karen Wong and Scott Lee renamed a scholarship they had earlier established in honor of Chu. The Jon M. Chu APAA Cinematic Arts Scholarship is awarded to students whose projects prioritize Asian Pacific culture in film, television, and interactive media.

Chu has recently initiated the Jon M. Chu Endowed Student Fund and chosen its first scholars, School of Cinematic Arts master’s students Yennefer Fang and Renyi Qi. Both aspire to create meaningful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, delving into themes of identity and belonging.

Through his filmmaking, Chu has enhanced his awareness of the significance of representation. He views Crazy Rich Asians, the first studio-backed significant motion picture in 25 years featuring an all-Asian cast, and its overwhelming success as more than just a professional milestone. He regards it as a pivotal step that allows his children — he and his spouse Kristin Hodge have five children — and others to see themselves represented in significant and motivational ways.

For Chu, that sense of potential and representation carries into the next generation.

“Their ingenuity, inquisitiveness, and eagerness to learn, explore, defy conventions, and establish new norms are inspiring. By witnessing these young individuals commence their journey to shape our future, I catch a glimpse of what lies ahead — and it’s incredibly thrilling,” he expressed.

“I eagerly anticipate standing in the Coliseum among tens of thousands, feeling the vibrancy of the Trojan spirit — the same spirit I once rallied behind while cheering for the football team. I understand that this spirit persists far beyond the school’s boundaries and campus.”