There’s something almost alchemical about a night where philanthropy and fashion converge — and the 2025 Entertainment Community Fund Gala at the iconic New York Marriott Marquis was one of those rare evenings. Held on April 21st, it was a luminous gathering of stars, a celebration of the forces that make Broadway, and entertainment at large, unforgettable.
If you’ve never heard of the Entertainment Community Fund before, let me quickly paint a picture, better still quick crash course: the Entertainment Community Fund — formerly The Actors Fund — is the support system for the folks behind the scenes. The 2025 Entertainment Community Fund is the backbone for many in the entertainment world, they offer everything from health care support and financial assistance to career counseling and housing resources.
So yes, this fund gala is glamorous with fashion, but at its core, it’s a mission-driven celebration. And that’s what made every toast, every speech, and every step on the red carpet feel even more purposeful. Hosted by Michael Urie, the 2025 Entertainment Community fund honored some veterans, they’ve been on and behind the screens and they deserve every bit of recognition.
Let’s start first with the icon that is Denzel Washington, I mean, where does one even begin? He’s the kind of actor whose very presence commands respect, an Academy Award winner, a Tony winner, a director, and a producer. I’ve always admired how he carries himself with quiet strength, and to see him being honored not just for his talent but for his impact on the entertainment community. It felt like the entire room leaned in just a little closer when he walked in, dressed in all black, pairing a tailored suit and polo with crisp white sneakers.
Ariana DeBose was another honoree at the fund gala, dressed in a mustard yellow gown, held up in a silver chain. Ariana is one of the most electrifying performers of our time. Her Oscar win for West Side Story was just the beginning. She’s a triple-threat in every sense of the word, acting, singing, dancing, and she carries herself with such authenticity. Seeing her honored at this fund gala event felt like a nod to the future of entertainment, one that embraces diversity, fluidity, and raw talent.
Then we had James L. Nederlander, who represents the business side of Broadway magic. As a theater owner and producer, he’s helped keep the lights on, literally and metaphorically, in some of the most iconic theaters in the world. Honoring someone like him reminded me of how many layers there are to this industry. It’s not just the faces onstage, but also the visionaries behind the curtain who shape our cultural landscape.Now you know I can’t bring you tea from an event like this fund gala without talking fashion. I truly believe the red carpet is its own kind of storytelling.
Let’s start with Nicole Scherzinger, because wow. I still can’t get over her look. She wore this stunning black strapless gown that balanced edge and elegance to perfection. The bodice was covered in sequins that caught the light with every camera flash, while the skirt was this luscious satin that moved like liquid. It was giving Old Hollywood glamour, but with a 2025 twist, exactly the kind of balance I think Nicole pulls off so effortlessly. She looked like she stepped straight out of a classic film and into a modern-day spotlight.
While the menswear leaned toward traditional refinement — polished suits, clean lines — the understated elegance suited the mood of the evening, allowing the night’s true purpose to shine though I was really hoping for more daring menswear moments, especially since we’ve been seeing more male celebrities lean into bold silhouettes and colors. But this was a classy fund gala night, and the fashion followed suit.
Throughout the night, it wasn’t just celebrity speeches that moved the room. Stories from those directly impacted by the Fund. One actor spoke about how, after a major health scare, the Fund stepped in to help with medical bills and recovery support. Another shared how they received housing assistance during the pandemic when gigs completely dried up. It’s easy to get swept up in the glam of events like this, but those moments reminded everyone why they were really there.
The fund gala night included dinner, performances, and plenty of heartfelt speeches. When Ariana DeBose accepted her honor, the room held its collective breath. Speaking with raw grace, she paid tribute to community, to belonging, and to the giants whose shoulders she stands on. It was a moment during the fund gala that transcended ceremony — an invocation of why art matters. And honestly? I think she speaks with the kind of soul that makes you stop scrolling and start reflecting.
We talk a lot about “giving back,” especially in entertainment. But what I love about the Entertainment Community Fund Gala is that it puts that sentiment into direct, tangible action. It’s not just charity, it’s solidarity. It’s people at the peak of their careers using their platforms to lift others who are climbing or struggling. And that, I think, is what makes this gala so special.
It’s also a space where generations meet. Legends like Denzel are honored in the same breath as rising stars like Ariana. Theater moguls like Nederlander are celebrated alongside behind-the-scenes professionals whose names we may never know, but whose work shapes the industry every day. That kind of cross-generational, cross-sector recognition feels rare, and it’s needed.
I think we often forget that for every household name, there are thousands of unsung heroes working long hours, balancing passion and survival. This gala, and the Fund it supports, puts them front and center, and that’s something I’ll always champion.
