ABOUT
The Heller Awards are presented to distinguished individuals for excellence in the talent industry – managers, talent agents, and casting directors – in honor of Seymour Heller, one of the founders of the Talent Managers Association.
Heller’s career as a talent manager spanned over 60 years. He represented a wide range of talented artists including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Sid Caesar, Ginger Rogers, Debbie Reynolds, Mel Torme, The Andrews Sisters, Regis Philbin,
Bob Fosse, and Liberace.
Heller remained an active member of the TMA until his passing in 2001. In honor of his memory, the members of the TMA, along with his family, created The Heller Awards. Each year we gather to recognize talent industry professionals who exemplify the professionalism, dedication, and high ethical standards which characterize Seymour Heller’s legacy.
To learn more about the Talent Managers Association, click here.
EMCEE
JEREMY HOLM
HOUSE OF CARDS, MR. ROBOT, BROOKLYN 45, THE RANGER
Jeremy Holm is best known as 'Nathan Green' on the hit Netflix series "House of Cards" and as 'Mr. Sutherland' on the critically acclaimed USA series "Mr. Robot." He also popularly portrayed the title role of the horror favorite The Ranger, which The Hollywood Reporter named one of the Best Slashers of The Decade in 2024.
Additionally, he has guest starred on numerous television shows including "FBI: International," "The Good Fight," "Prodigal Son," "Madam Secretary," "The Code," "Deception," and "Blue Bloods" to name a few.
He has appeared onscreen in numerous feature films including HERD (dir. Steven Pierce), Blackout (dir. Larry Fessenden), Black Mold (dir. John Pata), Among the Beasts (dir. Matthew Newton), Still Here (dir. Vlad Feier), The Block Island Sound
(dir. Kevin McManus & Matthew McManus), The Judge (dir. David Dobkin) and
Don't Look Back (dir. Jeffrey Reddick). His recent film Brooklyn 45, directed by Ted Geoghehan, premiered at SXSW 2023 and appeared on numerous "Best of" lists - including a nod as one of the Top Ten Best Horror Independent Releases for 2023 by The Hollywood Reporter.
IMPACT
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of SAG-AFTRA performing artists for nearly four decades, providing essential resources and assistance to help them thrive both personally and professionally. As a nonprofit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to empowering actors, voiceover artists, broadcasters, and dancers with free programs and services that address the unique challenges of their careers.
At the heart of the Foundation's mission is the Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which proved to be more critical than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 industry strikes, when more than $21 million in financial support was granted to more than 14,000 SAG-AFTRA artists and their families facing extreme financial hardship. And the Foundation has been providing this vital safety net since 1985.
In addition to Emergency Financial Assistance, the Foundation offers more than 8,000 free career-building and educational programs to SAG-AFTRA members every year in its state-of-the-art facilities: the Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists in Los Angeles and the Robin Williams Center for Media and Entertainment in New York. These spaces are home to casting classes, screenings and conversations, industry-related seminars, voiceover training and recording booths, and on-camera labs that help performers sharpen their skills and stay competitive in an ever-changing industry.
The Foundation is equally proud of its commitment to advancing literacy through Storyline Online, its two-time Emmy-nominated children’s literacy program. With over 900 million views worldwide, Storyline Online features over 85 acclaimed actors reading beloved children’s books, inspiring a love of reading and storytelling in young audiences.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is proud to accept the Heller Impact Award in recognition of the profound influence the Foundation has had on both performers and communities around the world. Whether it’s providing financial relief, fostering career growth, or igniting a passion for reading in children, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves.