Los Angeles, CA — Emmy‑winning actress and activist Debra Messing received a distinguished award at the annual Israel Film Festival luncheon earlier this week, lauded for her unyielding dedication to truthful storytelling and cultural bridges. The event honored her work to amplify bold voices through film, in addition to fighting against increasing global antisemitism.
In her acceptance speech, Debra Messing highlighted the healing and unifying power of art. “Now more than ever,” she asserted, “we have a responsibility to stand with artists who are brave enough to speak truth to power—even when it’s hard.” Her appeal resonated strongly among festival guests, filmmakers, industry representatives, and members of the Jewish community alike, all of whom were keen to amplify difficult stories.
Messing’s record aligns her with the perfect recipient for this award. The “Will and Grace” actress has employed her platform to fight against bigotry, most recently via her vocal defense of Israel in the wake of the October 7 attacks. In the hours following the atrocity, she condemned the brutality as an “unprovoked massacre” and became one of the only large Hollywood celebrities to speak with moral clarity. Her activism was not limited to cause-celerity statements—she visited Israel in December of 2023, speaking with IDF members and families of hostages, bringing their situation international attention.
Debra Messing has also stood up against institutionalized prejudice. She was included on Hadassah’s list of “18 American Zionist Women You Should Know” earlier this year for her speaking events and advocacy in Washington, D.C., recognizing her commitment to raising awareness about anti-Israel and the proliferation of antisemitism . Her activism continued in co-producing the soon-to-be-released documentary October 8, which investigates antisemitic backlash on U.S. college campuses—a project that received Breakthrough Therapy Designation-style spotlighting for its social value.
Organizers of the festival praised Messing’s double identity as both artist and activist. A senior representative said, “Debra brings authenticity and moral integrity—she stands up for truth in storytelling, even when those stories are difficult.” The Israel Film Festival has been a cultural platform that explores films addressing conflict, identity, and reconciliation for years. Honoring Messing is strengthening its commitment to giving a voice to voices countering injustice through film.
Messing’s address attested to this agenda. She honored directors who “reveal truths other people avoid—individuals who risk censure, backlash or indifference.” She emphasized the need to encourage such artists, stating that art cannot be allowed to just entertain, but to enlighten, to force understanding, and to evoke sympathy.
This award is timely. With global tensions building and antisemitic attacks on the rise, Messing’s activism gives voice to marginalized voices and to the urgent stories that fall through the cracks. Her advocacy positions her at the nexus of Hollywood power and social justice—shaping popular opinion and advocating for complexity over polarization.
Ahead, Messing declared intentions to increase collaborations between Israeli artists and Hollywood. She described coming projects: co-productions, film exchanges, and narrative projects that highlighted the voices of absent perspectives in the region. “Cinema has a special ability to tear down borders—not geographically, but ideologically,” she said.
The luncheon ended with a pre-screening preview of one of the festival’s spotlight documentaries, followed by a roundtable session with Messing, Israeli filmmakers, and American cultural ambassadors.
In celebrating Debra Messing for being “firm in the face of hate” and promoting artists who seek truth, the Israel Film Festival reinforced its faith in the power of storytelling—and the importance that attends artistic leadership.
As Messing concluded her statement: “When we support those who speak the truth—beautiful or ugly—we are backing the light that chases away darkness.” It was a poignant reminder that art and activism, when combined, can actually create a better world.
Messing’s address attested to this agenda. She honored directors who “reveal truths other people avoid—individuals who risk censure, backlash or indifference.” She emphasized the need to encourage such artists, stating that art cannot be allowed to just entertain, but to enlighten, to force understanding, and to evoke sympathy.
This award is timely. With global tensions building and antisemitic attacks on the rise, Messing’s activism gives voice to marginalized voices and to the urgent stories that fall through the cracks. Her advocacy positions her at the nexus of Hollywood power and social justice—shaping popular opinion and advocating for complexity over polarization.
Ahead, Messing declared intentions to increase collaborations between Israeli artists and Hollywood. She described coming projects: co-productions, film exchanges, and narrative projects that highlighted the voices of absent perspectives in the region. “Cinema has a special ability to tear down borders—not geographically, but ideologically,” she said.
The luncheon ended with a pre-screening preview of one of the festival’s spotlight documentaries, followed by a roundtable session with Messing, Israeli filmmakers, and American cultural ambassadors.
In celebrating Debra Messing for being “firm in the face of hate” and promoting artists who seek truth, the Israel Film Festival reinforced its faith in the power of storytelling—and the importance that attends artistic leadership.
As Messing concluded her statement: “When we support those who speak the truth—beautiful or ugly—we are backing the light that chases away darkness.” It was a poignant reminder that art and activism, when combined, can actually create a better world.
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