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.
Annette Bening and Brian Stokes Mitchell
Liz Gillies
Hannah Cruz and Hawley Gould
Sonia Friedman and Maria Friedman
Ryan Vasquez
Shanola Hampton and Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Kola Bokinni, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Shanola Hampton, Eric Bauza, Cassadee Pope, Bugs Bunny, Cristo Fernández, Daffy Duck, Melissa Benoist, Greta Onieogou, Kelsey Anderson, Joey Graziadei, and Michael Evan Behling
Annette Bening and Brian Stokes Mitchell
Annette Bening and Brian Stokes Mitchell
Ryan Vasquez
Liz Gillies
Liz Gillies
Liz Gillies
Liz Gillies
Cristo Fernández
Cassadee Pope
Maria Friedman
Hannah Cruz and Hawley Gould perform at the 2024 Entertainment Community Fund Gala
Hannah Cruz and Hawley Gould perform at the 2024 Entertainment Community Fund Gala
Bugs Bunny, Cristo Fernández, and Daffy Duck
Stephen Daldry and Sonia Friedman
Daffy Duck, Joey Graziadei, Kelsey Anderson, and Bugs Bunny
John Cardoza, Joy Woods, and Ryan Vasquez
