Ari Emanuel to Receive Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Humanitarian Award (Exclusive)

Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor and one of Hollywood’s most outspoken voices in the fight against antisemitism, will be honored at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s National Tribute Gala.

At the annual fundraiser for SWC, which has taken place since 1977 and brings together many of the most powerful and influential people in the business, Jews and non-Jews alike, Emanuel will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Humanitarian Award, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

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Emanuel, 63, will be feted by colleagues — and give an acceptance speech — at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 22. Members of the public can purchase tickets to attend, starting at $1500 a plate, but, in a first, the event will be closed to the press.

Emanuel famously does not mince his words, especially on matters related to antisemitism and Israel. Among other things, he led the industry’s boycott of Kanye West after the rapper went on an antisemitic tirade; and he slammed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to prevent the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023.

Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award include Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Cruise, Billy Crystal, Jim Gianopulos, Jon Feltheimer, George Clooney, Eddy Cue, Bob Iger, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Ted Sarandos and, last year, Shari Redstone.

Chairs of this year’s event include Katzenberg, Redstone, Haim Saban, Eric Schmidt, Mark Shapiro and David Zaslav, among others. Among the co-chairs are Marc Andreesen, Michael Dell, James Dolan, David Ellison, Roger Goodell, Ynon Kreiz, Donna Langley, Ron Perelman, Joe Roth, Tom Rothman, Jennifer Salke, Iger and Sarandos.

In addition to Emanuel, the SWC event will also honor Gabriella Karins, a Holocaust survivor, and Danielle Sassi, a survivor of the October 7 attack on the NOVA Music Festival, with Medal of Valor awards.

This is the first major SWC event to take place under the oversight of Jim Berk, who succeeded SWC founder and longtime chief Rabbi Marvin Hier earlier this year.

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