We are thrilled to announce that one of our very own, Bay Area native, Jon M. Chu will be this year’s Parade Grand Marshal.
“Growing up in Los Altos Hills, watching the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco was a family tradition. That is why I am truly honored to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal. As our community continues to heal in this difficult time, it is more important than ever before to unite in celebrating our culture and heritage, and to support our local businesses. I am looking forward to ringing in a prosperous and hopeful Year of the Ox and to share our traditions with my own children,” said Chu.
Known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic work across various genres, from groundbreaking series to commercials and films. He directed the worldwide phenomenon “Crazy Rich Asians,” which was nominated for numerous awards, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe, and PGA Award. The film has earned more than $175 million in the United States alone, with a worldwide gross of almost $240 million, making it one of the top 10 highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time. It was the first contemporary studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast, and it represents a new chapter in Chu’s 10-year career.
Chu most recently served as an executive producer and director on “Home Before Dark,” for Apple, which premiered April 3, 2020. The series was inspired by the true story of 11-year-old investigative reporter Hilde Lysiak and stars Jim Sturgess and Brooklyn Prince. Upcoming, Chu helmed his most ambitious project to date, the highly anticipated adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights” for Warner Bros. Studios.
Chu’s previous credits include “Step Up 2: The Streets,” “GI. Joe: Retaliation,” “Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never” and many more representing over 1.3 billion dollars in the worldwide box office. Additionally, his unique storytelling ability has earned him the honor of being on the Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 list as well as Variety’s New Hollywood Leaders.
Be sure to tune into KTVU Fox 2 and KTSF 26 on Saturday, February 20 at 6pm to watch Jon and this year’s Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade Special.