The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award’s Distinguished History

Marc David Broidy is a Los Angeles executive who has driven client results over the years in the finance arena. Active on the board of governors of Cedars-Sinai Hospital with a wide range of responsibilities,, Marc Broidy follows in the footsteps of his grandfather Steve Broidy, who was a founding life chairman of the institution. In 1962, the late film producer received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for philanthropic efforts.

The accolade is named after a Hollywood actor, originally from Denmark, who made his name in the silent films of the 1920s, including Erich von Stroheim’s “Greed,” in which he played the lead villain. In 1938, Hersholt accepted a role as Motion Picture Relief Fund president, and his efforts led to the establishment of the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital. Ultimately serving as president of the Academy, he also notably translated Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales into English.

The Hersholt Award is not given out every year, but only when a worthy candidate arises, with producer, director, and actor Tyler Perry receiving that recognition in early 2021, along with the Motion Picture and Television Fund. The latter organization provides social services and accommodations to thousands of actors and its offerings, ranging from palliative care to basic living expense assistance, have been particularly vital throughout the pandemic.

The year 2021 was the first time since 2009, when Jerry Lewis received it, that the Hersholt Award was bestowed at the actual Oscar ceremony. Other luminaries who have earned the Hersholt Award in the past include Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.