The Entertainment Community Fund will honor Tony and Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and theatre owner and producer James L. Nederlander during the Fund's Annual Gala April 21, 2025, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Both Washington and Nederlander will receive the Entertainment Community Fund Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor was inaugurated May 9, 1910, when it was first presented to President William Howard Taft. The award was revived in 1958, and since 1992, when Shubert Organization President Bernard B. Jacobs was recognized, the award has been presented at the annual fundraising gala.

“It’s a privilege to honor Jimmy Nederlander and Denzel Washington,” said Joe Benincasa, president and CEO of the Entertainment Community Fund, in a statement. “They are luminaries in our industry, both for the work they’ve created and for their commitment to uplifting emerging talent. With the Fund’s Medal of Honor we recognize their distinguished careers and their leadership.”

The upcoming celebration will begin at 6 PM ET with cocktails, followed by dinner and tributes at 7 PM. Additional honorees and special guests will be announced at a later date. 

Proceeds from the annual gala, honoring entertainment professionals working in film, television, theatre, music, and dance, support the Fund’s programs that provide a safety net over the lifespan of members of the performing arts and entertainment industry nationwide.

From his Oscar-winning performances in Glory and Training Day to his Tony-winning work in Fences, Washington has been a leading force in acting, directing, and producing for four decades. In spring 2025, he will return to Broadway in a revival of Othello opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, directed by Kenny Leon, and produced by Brian Anthony Moreland.

Nederlander, who is president and chief executive officer of The Nederlander Organization, leads a family business that began in 1912 and now encompasses every aspect of the live entertainment industry from venue ownership and management, theatrical producing, concert presentation, concessions, and patron services. Nederlander is also a committed leader and philanthropist.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit EntertainmentCommunity.org/Gala2025.

close gallery

0 of

Photos: Liz Gillies, Maria Friedman, More Attend Entertainment Community Fund Gala

Next Slide  

You may also like

• 
  Photos: Meet The Stage Managers Who Run The Kit Kat Club
• 
  Photos: Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein, Joy Woods, More in Gypsy on Broadway
• 
  Photos: Jessica Hecht in the Playbill Studio