ELLENVILLE, NY — The Borscht Belt Film Fest will award veteran film, TV and theater actor Josh Mostel, son of Zero Mostel, the Mensch Award during the opening night reception on Friday, November 6 at the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville. A conversation with Mostel, titled “Like Father, Like Son? On Acting, Comedy & The Mostel Legacy,” takes place on Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m. at The Common Good Bookstore (119 Canal St.).

The Mensch Award honors individuals who make outstanding contributions to Jewish culture, comedy and Catskills history in film or television. Mostel drew wide attention as King Herod in “Jesus Chris Superstar,” and also for his roles in such films as “Harry and Tonto,” “Sophie’s Choice” and this year’s Borscht Belt Film Fest entry, “Bad Shabbos.”

Born in New York City, Mostel began as a boy soprano at the Metropolitan Opera and made his Broadway debut in 1971 in “Unlikely Heroes.” He appeared in sitcom roles as recurring characters and made guest appearances on major drama and comedy series, and starred as Blotto Blutarsky in the television series “Delta House.”

“I can’t imagine a more deserving recipient of our Mensch Award than Josh Mostel,” said festival director Melody Gilbert. “Mostel’s connection to the Catskills runs deep, from his legendary father, Zero Mostel, who entertained audiences at the iconic Borscht Belt resorts, to Mostel’s own remarkable career. Honoring him is a celebration of both his talent and his family’s place in Catskills entertainment history.”

The Borscht Belt Film Fest takes place November 6-8 in Ellenville, with screenings at Shadowland Stages. The full weekend schedule, including individual ticket sales to films and conversations, as well as an all-access festival pass, can be found at www.borschtbeltfilmfest.org.

The festival is sponsored by the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum, and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Borscht Belt resort era and celebrating its history as a refuge from bigotry, the cradle of stand-up comedy and a cultural catalyst that left deep imprints on America.