Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Hollywood Fall: The End of a Kingmaker Era?

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As the Oscars approached, Jeffrey Katzenberg was observed moving cautiously about town with crutches and a brace on his foot. It turns out, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, that this was due to a recent fall he had suffered. While it’s generally impolite to mention someone’s physical condition, in Katzenberg’s case, the symbolism is too apt to ignore.

For several decades, the globetrotting 72-year-old billionaire has been alternating between high-profile studio and production roles. However, he’s recently experienced a series of setbacks. Following the disastrous launch of Quibi, the video platform he co-founded with former eBay CEO Meg Whitman that quickly consumed $1.75 billion in startup funds before closing its doors within two years, Katzenberg decided to take a break from business to focus on politics and solidify his status as a key political influencer, similar to Lew Wasserman. In 2023, he served as co-chair for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign. Unfortunately, this endeavor, like Quibi, failed even more spectacularly.

In the inner circle of President Biden, Jeffrey Katzenberg has faced criticism for either overlooking the president’s deterioration or concealing it. It’s worth noting why Katzenberg held such a significant position for so long. Few could match his boundless energy and unyielding determination. However, when Vice President Kamala Harris took up the nomination, Katzenberg played a minimal part in her fundraising endeavors, and he has yet to openly discuss his true knowledge of Biden’s health (he chose not to comment for this article).

For numerous critics of Katzenberg, his recent downfall is a fitting consequence, as many L.A.-based Democrats partly attribute their current predicament to him. A political consultant in L.A., with connections to the entertainment industry, remarks, “Getting Biden re-elected was supposed to be Jeffrey’s chance at redemption. But it all unraveled instead. We lost the White House, we lost the Senate, and we lost the House. Donors feel deceived.

Approximately two-and-a-half months into Donald Trump’s second term, there’s a mix of confusion and compliance among political circles in the entertainment industry. The fervor and enthusiasm that followed Trump’s inauguration in 2017, which led to global protests such as the Women’s March in downtown L.A., have largely dissipated. Instead, the MAGA movement is gaining traction. The Democrats, along with Hollywood liberals, find themselves politically adrift, and it appears that Jeffrey Katzenberg’s role as a significant political influencer in Hollywood may be coming to an end. This has created a power vacuum, leading to two critical questions for the industry as it seeks a path forward:

In simpler terms, the confusion and compliance felt within the political circles of the entertainment industry two-and-a-half months into Trump’s second term is causing them to reevaluate their strategies. The energy and protests that followed Trump’s inauguration in 2017 have faded, with the MAGA movement becoming more prominent. The Democrats and Hollywood liberals are struggling politically, and it seems Jeffrey Katzenberg’s role as a major political figure in Hollywood may be ending. This has left a gap, leading to questions about how the industry should move forward.

Is there someone who could step up as the public representative of our town instead of Katzenberg? Moreover, considering the current political situation, is it advisable for someone to assume that role?

The Trump administration’s punitive approach creates difficulties when considering these issues. Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC under Trump, seems determined to ensure media companies adhere to a particular ideology. This could potentially limit influential liberal figures like Disney’s Bob Iger and Dana Walden (a close friend of Kamala Harris), Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Marvel’s Kevin Feige, and Comcast’s Donna Langley, as they may find their influence reduced or neutralized. As trustees of their companies, they must prioritize the interests of their shareholders.

Previously, influential figures like producer J.J. Abrams and management executive Casey Wasserman, known for their significant contributions to Democratic campaigns, appeared set to fill the void left by Katzenberg. However, neither has managed to take on the task so far. Abrams’ fundraising efforts have declined, while any political activities Wasserman might undertake could conflict with his work on the 2028 Summer Olympics in L.A. Few other candidates seem ready to step into this role, leading some to suggest that the growing influence of Silicon Valley and the rise of tech companies in Hollywood could broaden the search.

The potential merger between Skydance and Paramount has increased the visibility of David Ellison, Oracle heir and son of Larry Ellison, who donated nearly $1 million to Biden’s re-election campaign. Yet, Larry Ellison, a prominent supporter of Trump, could pose a challenge. Another name that has surfaced is Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, who recently established the Department of Angels to aid in post-wildfire community reconstruction. A consultant familiar with Spiegel’s work claims he prioritizes philanthropy and shows little interest in entering the political arena.

This situation points towards the assertion made by Mike Murphy, a political consultant based in Los Angeles: “The time of the self-proclaimed influential political figures has passed. The lack of trust, particularly following Katzenberg, is why no one is willing to acknowledge these self-proclaimed rulers anymore.

In the world of industrial contributors, there’s a widespread feeling that they aren’t quite prepared to write large checks for Democrats seeking their financial support. A prominent industry donor with decades of experience expressed this sentiment during a recent fundraiser for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ Victory Fund. This fund distributes money to the DCCC and others. The fundraiser, attended by Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA), who is also the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair, had ticket prices ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. This donor suggested that before asking for a financial contribution, Democrats should clarify their message and outline their proposed actions. The donor implied that, while they anticipate contributions during the midterm elections when active campaigns are underway, the election is still far off, and at this point, soliciting a donation to the party seems premature.

The ongoing political shift in Hollywood isn’t solely about Trump-related apprehension. Instead, the entertainment sector is grappling with a divide and losing its former cultural and financial dominance, even compared to a decade ago. Moreover, it appears that the industry’s once powerful figures — celebrities — have transformed into political liabilities following Trump’s election. Stars like George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé campaigned for Harris, but they failed to significantly boost her support among working-class voters compared to Biden in 2020. As screenwriter Billy Ray, who has been involved with Democratic messaging for several national election cycles, puts it, “The traditional Hollywood approach to supporting the [Democratic] party is outdated and ineffective.

As a gamer, I’ve learned that after a loss, it’s crucial to analyze, learn, and adapt. Obama did it in 2010, Hillary Clinton in 1994. But surprisingly, the lack of self-reflection from the Democrats following their November defeat left me bewildered. Here’s the thing: we poured a staggering $6.7 billion into this election cycle. Yet, if you asked an average American what the Democratic party stands for, they probably wouldn’t know. That’s a serious issue that needs addressing.

According to a producer with political connections, “Attending these dinners post-election has revealed a sense of immobilization. People are merely echoing what they hear from Rachel Maddow without knowing how to proceed. The wealthiest individuals are biding their time, profiting from Trump’s tax policies now and dealing with the consequences later.” This source further notes, “There’s a frosty atmosphere now – an icy chill. It doesn’t make a difference what kind-hearted Jeffrey Katzenberg or Rob Reiner do or don’t do when someone at the Jeff Bezos level is already backing off, investing $40 million in that Melania documentary.

Murphy concurs. “I don’t think Hollywood influence is gone, but it’s much more fragmented now.”

Comedian Adam Conover, known for his progressive views and being on the board of the Writers Guild West, argues that Hollywood, which previously stirred up a lot of trouble during Trump’s first term, is likely to be more cooperative during his second. This is particularly true after an election that suggested Hollywood’s decreased influence as a political force. In Conover’s words, “Hollywood follows the wind. The election marked a shift to the right. We’re living in a new era. The media can and will become more conservative again. Even liberals watched shows like ’24’ during George W. Bush’s presidency.

A different factor is shaping the power void in Tinseltown’s political landscape: the gerontocracy issue. Back in the 1980s, Katzenberg, as a 30-something studio head at Paramount and Disney, was establishing his influence, connections, and wealth. At that time, his age matched those of other major production presidents. Nowadays, these influential positions are predominantly occupied by baby boomers. The younger executives, representing contemporary viewpoints, have yet to ascend to roles that would grant them the power to become influencers or kingmakers.

2018 midterms were on the horizon, and a new breed of politically engaged individuals from the entertainment industry began to surface. A wave of grassroots activism swept across the nation. As a former creative executive in movies, now serving as an advisor for the national gun violence prevention group Brady, I hosted numerous fundraising events. The majority were small-scale gatherings that brought in anywhere between $50,000 to low millions. However, witnessing some of the wealthiest men like Bezos, Musk, and Zuckerberg attend Trump’s inauguration left me questioning if these small-dollar events would still hold any weight moving forward.

Following the election, Ray experienced a brief period of political grief. However, he’s regained his determination. When asked by colleagues and peers from the entertainment industry what they should focus on now, Ray advises: “I plan to present you with a series of candidates who can win in rural areas, and these candidates might not share your views entirely on gun control or pronoun usage. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to back them, as they represent the future of our party. If we don’t support them, we risk having no future at all.

Professionals who weave tales for a living or sell them, recognize that November 5th was a significant miss. It’s our responsibility to make our party members aware of how far they’ve strayed from their mark. After all, there is no one more familiar with rejection by the marketplace than those in Hollywood.

In an industry seemingly without political direction, there’s a need for someone who fits this description: “Looking for a dynamic, influential figure with an acute understanding of storytelling.

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2025-04-02 19:27