Prince William’s Earthshot Prize is heading to Brazil, and this year’s event is shaping up to be the most star-studded yet, with Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey joining forces with the British royal to help spotlight the finalists working to heal the planet.
This year’s Earthshot Prize Awards will take place on November 5.
Prince William enlists actor Matthew McConaughey to promote Earthshot Prize Awards
The Oscar-winning actor lent his voice to a cinematic new trailer that showcases the groundbreaking work of the 15 finalists vying for £1million prizes.
“When the stakes are highest, that’s when heroes rise,” McConaughey says in the dramatic voiceover for the film, titled Meet the World’s True Action Heroes.
The trailer portrays the environmental changemakers as real-life action heroes.
“This is about more than saving the planet,” McConaughey continues in the two-minute video. “This is about saving ourselves.”
Meanwhile, the upcoming ceremony will be part of a three-day series of Earthshot events in Rio de Janeiro, and boasts a star-studded line-up.
It’s a privilege and honour to be part of the Earthshot Prize in Rio.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Brazilian broadcaster Luciano Huck. There will also be musical performances by Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue, Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, and Brazilian legends Gilberto Gil, Anitta, and Seu Jorge.
“Brazil – I’m coming back,” Minogue said in a statement. “It’s a privilege and honour to be part of the Earthshot Prize in Rio, on stage with the people and the ideas that could save our planet.”
Joining the presenting line-up are global sports icons like Sebastian Vettel. The four-time Formula One world champion is known for his outspoken environmental advocacy. Brazilian football player Cafu and Olympic gymnast Rebeca Andrade will also make appearances.
Earlier this month, model Gisele Bündchen also joined the Earthshot Prize Council as a new judge, helping select the 2025 finalists.
Earthshot Prize finalists
Launched by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize seeks to discover solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
Finalists compete in five categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate. Each winner will then receive £1million to expand their impact.
“The real heroes today are the people out there doing the work. Restoring forests, cleaning rivers, and caring for the places we call home,” said Brazilian singer-songwriter Seu Jorge, who is also set to perform. “Their work reminds us that healing the Earth begins with small acts of courage.”
This year’s ceremony marks the fifth year of the Earthshot Prize. Previous events were held in London, Boston, Singapore, and Cape Town.
Each year, the awards spotlight a new cohort of changemakers. These range from grassroots organizers to tech pioneers and clean energy innovators.
Prince William set to travel to Brazil
Prince William will arrive in Rio on November 3, ahead of the awards show. He is also set to take part in multiple engagements related to the prize.
Following the ceremony, he will travel to Belém to attend the UN Climate Conference (COP30) on November 6.
Unfortunately, Princess Kate is not expected to attend this year’s ceremony. According to insiders, the Princess of Wales will be staying home with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Kate has not attended an Earthshot ceremony since 2022.
However, William will be joined by global leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
“We are thrilled to announce the support of global artists, performers, and exceptional Brazilian talent, joining us in Rio,” Jason Knauf, CEO of the Earthshot Prize, also told PEOPLE. “We can’t wait to reveal our winners on 5 November in what is set to be the greatest Earthshot yet.”
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