Idina Menzel, Jewish star of “Wicked” and “Frozen,” was awarded her 2022 National Medal of the Arts by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden last week. She attended the moving ceremony with her son, Walker.
According to the White House, Menzel was presented the medal “for magical songs that lift our spirits and stir our souls. From Broadway stages to movie screens, Idina Menzel’s powerful voice has sold out shows, topped Billboard charts, and above all, empowered millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds to be strong, use their voice, and lead with their hearts.”
“This is such an incredible honor,” Menzel shared about the award. “I started my singing and acting career when I was a young girl in the hope of being able to entertain people, but never in my wildest dreams did I think that it would one day take me to the White House to be recognized by the President of the United States. This is such a special moment for me in my career and I’m humbled that they’re awarding me with this medal.” Later on social media, she shared that she was still recovering from the excitement of the ceremony.
“I’m still reeling. This was one of the all time greatest weekends of my life,” she shared. “A highlight of my career. At the White House with my family. Meeting the President and First Lady. Surrounded by people I have looked up to and respected my whole life.”
Menzel also shared a video of her walking with Walker, 15, to the award show as the White House band played in the background with the hashtag “#CoolMom.”
Menzel, who grew up Jewish on Long Island and who has honored her Sephardi heritage with her Hanukkah cover of “Ocho Kandelikas,” was flanked by other incredible artists, like film director Spike Lee and “Reading Rainbow” star Levar Burton, as well as also other great Jewish creators.
Other Jewish awardees included artist Alex Katz, producer Bruce Cohen (“American Beauty,” “Milk,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and director Steven Spielberg, who was there to receive his 2023 medal.
Spielberg thrilled his fans by announcing that he won’t be retiring any time soon. “It’s a great honor. It certainly puts a responsibility on me to earn it moving forward,” he said about the medal. “It staves off retirement for another couple decades, because I have to continue to be worthy of it, moving into the future.” Mazel tov to all the awardees!
