Hollywood Stars Set to Present at JITC’s 3rd Jewish Media Awards

Some of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces are coming together to celebrate authentic Jewish representation in entertainment!

JITC is thrilled to announce the celebrity presenters for its 3rd Jewish Media Awards, taking place Thursday, November 5, at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The evening will recognize actors, producers, filmmakers, and television productions that are helping bring meaningful, nuanced Jewish stories to the screen, alongside individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary support for the Jewish community.

From Emmy-winning television icons to Broadway legends and outspoken advocates for the Jewish people, this year’s presenters bring an impressive range of talent and experience to the stage.

Judd Hirsch

Two-time Tony winner, two-time Emmy winner and two-time Academy Award nominee Judd Hirsch has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than five decades. Best known for his beloved television roles in Taxi and Dear John, Hirsch has also appeared in major films including Independence Day, A Beautiful Mind, and Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, for which he earned an Academy Award nomination. His extensive work across film, television, and Broadway has made him one of the industry’s most respected performers.

Debra Messing

Emmy Award-winning actress Debra Messing became a household name as Grace Adler on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom Will & Grace. Her career also includes starring roles in The Starter Wife, Smash, and The Mysteries of Laura, along with appearances on Broadway. In recent years, Messing has emerged as a prominent voice against antisemitism and a passionate advocate for Israel and the Jewish community.

Tovah Feldshuh

A six-time Emmy and Tony Award nominee, Tovah Feldshuh is a celebrated actress whose career spans Broadway, television, and film. Her acclaimed stage performances include Golda’s Balcony, in which she portrayed Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, and Yentl. Television audiences know her from The Walking Dead, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and, more recently, Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, in which she plays Bina Roklov. Feldshuh has long been a prominent voice in Jewish arts and storytelling.

Patricia Heaton

Two-time Emmy Award winner Patricia Heaton is best known for her iconic roles as Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond and Frankie Heck on The Middle. With a television career spanning decades, she has become one of America’s most recognizable sitcom stars. Beyond her acting work, Heaton has been a vocal supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, speaking out against antisemitism and encouraging solidarity across religious communities.

Selma Blair

Actress Selma Blair rose to prominence with memorable performances in Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, and The Sweetest Thing. Her career includes roles across film and television, as well as the acclaimed documentary Introducing, Selma Blair, which chronicles her experience living with multiple sclerosis. Blair has also spoken publicly about her Jewish identity and her support for the Jewish community.

Barbie Pascual

Barbie Pascual gained national attention as a cast member of Bravo’s hit reality series Below Deck, where she appeared as a stewardess aboard the luxury yacht St. David. Beyond her television career, Pascual has openly shared her personal journey toward Orthodox Jewish observance, offering audiences a glimpse into her evolving relationship with Judaism and Jewish tradition.

Together, these presenters will help honor an extraordinary lineup of individuals and productions at the 3rd Jewish Media Awards.

This year’s honorees include advertising executive and television personality Donny Deutsch, recipient of the Lion of Israel Award; Emmy-winning FRIENDS producer Kevin Bright and Rabbi Levi Cunin, recipients of the Chaverim Award; and acclaimed productions including The Pitt, Tehran, Dancing With the Stars, Doc, Nuremberg, and more, recognized for their contributions to authentic Jewish representation on screen.

Join us on November 5 at Lincoln Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating Jewish talent, storytelling, and representation in Hollywood.

Get your tickets to the 3rd Jewish Media Awards here!

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