Is drawing near to the Imam done from the Imam or the preacher, and is the reward for drawing near restricted to those sitting in front of the preacher?

It is desirable to go early for Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) and to draw near to the Imam. This is based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "Whoever washes on the day of Jumu'ah and bathes, then comes early and arrives first, walks and does not ride, and draws near to the Imam, listens and does not engage in idle talk, will have for every step he takes the reward of a year's worth of fasting and prayer."

Drawing near to the Imam means being close to him. This closeness is not restricted to the area directly in front of the Imam but includes any direction. The wisdom behind this proximity is to be able to hear the sermon, as mentioned by An-Nawawi and Ibn Qudamah.