The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards witnessed a powerful display of solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ communities as Oprah Winfrey, Niecy Nash-Betts, and other prominent figures spoke out against the rise of attacks targeting transgender people.
The event, hosted by Wayne Brady, showcased the incredible achievements in LGBTQ+ representation in media and honored those who have made significant contributions to the cause.
Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Vanguard Award, recognizing her unwavering advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. In her moving acceptance speech, Winfrey shared poignant reflections on her late brother, Jeffrey Lee, who passed away from AIDS 35 years ago. She emphasized the importance of acceptance and understanding, stating, “When we can see one another, when we are open to supporting the truth of a fellow human, it makes for a full, rich, vibrant life for us all.”
Niecy Nash-Betts received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, celebrating her impactful presence as an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate. Nash-Betts expressed gratitude for the inclusive community and affirmed her commitment to love and authenticity, declaring, “I will never hide the very thing I was created for.”
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis delivered a powerful message urging continued action against discrimination, particularly in the face of the alarming number of anti-trans bills proposed nationwide. Ellis emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is not a fire drill, this is the actual fire,” rallying attendees to fight against bigotry and intolerance.
The event also featured performances by Chlöe and Kate Hudson, as well as appearances by notable figures including Billie Joe Armstrong, Dylan Mulvaney, Sharon Stone, and RuPaul. Award recipients included Ted Lasso, Fellow Travelers, Reneé Rapp,Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Bottoms, David Archuleta, Telemundo, Out, and Yellowjackets, among others.
REELated:
The full list of GLAAD Winners are below:
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: “Fellow Travelers” (Showtime)
Outstanding Comedy Series: “Ted Lasso” (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Drama Series: “Yellowjackets” (Showtime)
Outstanding Reality Competition Program: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (World of Wonder)
Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release: “Bottoms” (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Outstanding Film – Limited Theatrical Release: “Monica” (IFC Films)
Outstanding Music Artist: Renné Rapp
Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist: David Archuleta
Outstanding Children’s Programing: “Ada Twist: Scientist” (Netflix)
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming or Film – Animated: “Hailey’s On It!” (Disney Channel)
Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: Out
Outstanding Video Game: “Baldur’s Gate 3” (Larian Stuidos)
Outstanding Comic Book: “Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (Marvel Comics)
Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology: “Four Color Heroes” (Fanbase Press)
Spanish Language – Outstanding Scripted Television Series: “La Noches De Tefia” (Atresplayer)
Spanish Language – Outstanding TV Journalism: “Adolescentes trans relatan su experiencia – Noticiero Telemundo” (Telemundo)
Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media: +Life Media
Special Recognition: “The Dads” (Netflix)
Special Recognition: “Love in Gravity” (ViiV Healthcare)
Special Recognition: “Relighting Candles” (Hulu)
Special Recognition: “Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce” (AMC Theatres)
Special Recognition: The Tennessee Holler
Special Recognition: “Yes I am: The Ric Weiland Story” (Virgil Films)
Special Recognition: “Drag Latina” (Revry / LATV)
Special Recognition: “Enamorándonos” (UniMás)
Special Recognition: “El sabor del la Navidad” (ViX)
Special Recognition: “Wendy, perdida pero famosa” (ViX)
The 35th GLAAD Media Awards celebrated media representations that promote fairness, accuracy, and inclusivity regarding LGBTQ+ issues. With Hulu as the official streaming partner, the awards ceremony will be available for viewing starting March 29, providing a platform to amplify messages of acceptance and equality worldwide.
For more awards coverage, click here.
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