Gal Gadot Backs Skydance Co-CEO Ynon Kreiz on Antisemitism

By Tom Whitfield

At the Nov. 11 Humanitarian Award Dinner, Gal Gadot warned that hatred of Jews was spreading quickly and openly as she honored Skydance co-CEO Ynon Kreiz. The event took place at the Beverly Wilshire.

Gadot, the former “Wonder Woman” actor, held back tears while honoring Kreiz. She described a rise in antisemitism around the world and identified him as a leader she trusts because of his response.

She said:

“I’m frightened by how quickly hatred of Jews is spreading — and how openly it is expressed and accepted.”

“Since the Oct. 7 massacre and the war that followed, I have found myself asking how far this can go. If people get used to hearing and seeing hatred and looking the other way, then where does it end?”

She continued:

“What gives me hope is that people like Ynon aren’t wavering. He’s doing what he’s always done. He’s standing firm.”

“He feels what our what our community is going through. He’s sticking up against antisemitism. He’s bringing his intense conviction and heart to this fight. He’s leading.”

“That leadership is like a beacon of light and in a dark hour nothing matters more than a ray of light to give all of us courage.”

Kreiz previously led the toy company Mattel for eight years. David Ellison named him co-CEO in late September. Skydance is the merged Warner Bros. and Paramount company, with the leadership work divided as follows:

• Ellison, chairman and CEO, leads all strategy, creative and technology functions.
• Kreiz oversees day-to-day operations and integration of the combined businesses.

Kreiz, who spoke later, separated disagreement from prejudice:

“Disagreement with the policies of the Israeli government cannot become an excuse for the hatred of Jews.”

He thanked Ellison for his “bold stand for Israel and the Jewish people” and called for the U.S.-Israel relationship to “remain unshakable.”

Ellison spoke before Gadot and called it a “privilege” to have Kreiz alongside him as they steer the “new Skydance ship.” He said his co-CEO “rolls up his sleeves” to tackle work rather than leave hard tasks to others.

“He does not just talk about what he believes in; he lives by those beliefs,” Ellison told the audience about Kreiz.

“He is a leader in the truest sense of the word, someone who gives generously of himself, puts his values into practice and is deeply committed to his community and the causes that matter most to him. When something needs to be done, he acts.”

Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks, said Kreiz was taking on the “biggest job of his career,” overseeing Skydance with Ellison. Katzenberg expressed overwhelming confidence that the company would “breathe life back into the movie business.”

“This is a huge responsibility and one which can actually determine the very future and the vibrancy of Hollywood,” Katzenberg said.

“In my opinion, David Ellison chose well when he selected Ynon and it reflects his belief in leaders who have both the expertise and the character to lead at such an important time.”

Katzenberg’s forecast carried no benchmark for judging that promise.

As the night’s honoree, Kreiz spoke last. Later in his remarks, he thanked Ellison for putting a “twist” on his story and bringing him on to lead a “next-generation media and entertainment company powered by creativity and technology.”

Kreiz then set out his guiding principles for Skydance:

“We recognize that business leadership comes with a moral obligation.”

“We believe in prioritizing the people we serve, respecting different perspectives and letting truth and facts lead the way. We intend to use talents and influence for good, and we expect to be held to that standard.”

“If we can touch hearts and minds, and entertain, inform and inspire the world through exceptional storytelling, we will have people imagine a better future.”

The Simon Wiesenthal Center describes itself as a human rights organization that combats antisemitism and all forms of hate, promotes tolerance and advances justice through education and advocacy. Its annual Humanitarian Award is its highest honor.

At Wednesday’s gala, the other honorees were:

• Elica Le Bon — Medal of Valor.
• Bianna Golodryga — Jewish Heritage Award.

What does this change for Skydance?

Kreiz already oversees day-to-day operations and integration, so his public pledge comes with operational responsibility. The speeches offered no governance safeguards, integration milestones or success measures for the combined Warner Bros. and Paramount business.

For Skydance and the film business, the pledge that leadership carries a “moral obligation” remains a promise, not a reported result.

Katzenberg tied the role to Hollywood’s “future and vibrancy”; Kreiz’s next test is whether daily decisions and integration turn the night’s moral language into practice.