Denzel Washington, James L. Nederlander, Ariana DeBose Honored at Entertainment Community Fund Gala April 21

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

The trio are all receiving the Entertainment Community Fund Medal of Honor. The celebration begins at 6 PM with cocktails, followed by dinner and tributes at 7 PM.

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.

鈥淲e are thrilled for Ariana DeBose to complete this year鈥檚 exciting group of honorees,鈥� said Joe Benincasa, president and CEO of the Entertainment Community Fund, in an earlier statement. 鈥淎riana, Denzel, and Jimmy are an especially passionate trio of artistic leaders who have changed the landscape of the entertainment industry. It is an honor to recognize them with the Fund鈥檚 Medal of Honor.鈥�

Proceeds from the annual gala, honoring entertainment professionals working in film, television, theatre, music, and dance, support the Fund鈥檚 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. He recently returned 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.

DeBose won the Academy Award for her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg鈥檚 reimagining of West Side Story. She was seen on Broadway in a Tony-nominated turn in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Hamilton, and A Bronx Tale. DeBose hosted the 75th, 76th, and 77th Annual Tony Awards, and her screen credits also include Schmigadoon!, Argylle, and I.S.S.

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