Last night, GLAAD—the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization—announced recipients for 15 of this year’s 33 categories for the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Christina Aguilera received the Advocate for Change Award, introduced by Club Q shooting survivor, Michael Anderson, Bad Bunny received the Vanguard Award, presented by Ricky Martin, and Jeremy Pope received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award presented by Gabrielle Union, at the star-studded ceremony at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles ceremony for the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards was hosted by Emmy and Grammy nominated comedian and actress Margaret Cho, and featured special performances from nominees FLETCHER and Orville Peck.
“I have a big problem with injustice, particularly towards the trans community that has faced so much hardship”, GLAAD honoree Christina Aguilera said as she accepted the Advocate for Change Award. “I always hoped I could use my music to speak up for others who didn’t have a voice. That’s why I am so grateful to GLAAD for this award, and for the work you do to get the LGBTQ community heard.”
“Thank you to the whole LGBTQ community for embracing me, for loving me the way that they do, and for inspiring me too”, GLAAD honoree Bad Bunny said as he accepted the Vanguard Award. “I believe that when you have a good heart, and you give love, that’s what you receive back, and that’s what I’ve wanted to do all this time with my music, with what I represent, with my space, with my concert, with my shows, with all that I do, that’s all I want to do. Give love and receive love.”
After sharing a dance with his The Inspection screen mother Gabrielle Union as he took to the stage to accept GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award, Jeremy Pope said: “As we continue to build and fight in the community we know that we are targeted. Our trans brothers and sisters, our rights are at stake. And at times I find my heart wrestling with how to keep the faith. It’s rooms like this that remind me of the power of this community. How we will rise time and time again for each other. Freedom. Liberation. Intentional love and support that runs longer than the Underground Railroad my ancestors ran upon. I refuse to use my time on this Earth scared or living in shame. And I ask you to do the same.”
Introduced by Geena Davis, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis gave a rallying speech to those in attendance saying: “We are targeted because too many people don’t know us or understand who we are, and what you don’t know, you fear. Right-wing politicians and talking heads are rushing to fill that knowledge gap with baseless rhetoric that goes unchecked by news organizations and unregulated by social media companies. They’re using fear to get clicks and score political points. So I ask you: are we going to let them get away with it?”
Fierce ally and queer icon Jennifer Coolidge opened the show with a surprise appearance to share her love and appreciation for the LGBTQ community.
A League Of Their Own received the award for Outstanding New TV Series presented by Joel Kim Booster and Ts Madison; What We Do In The Shadows received the award for Outstanding Comedy Series presented by Raven-Symoné and Isis King; 9-1-1 Lone Star received the award for Outstanding Drama Series presented by Sarah Michelle Gellar; Bros received the award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release presented by host Margaret Cho and Liz Jenkins, the Chair of GLAAD’s Board of Directors; Framing Agnes received the award for Outstanding Documentary presented by Vanessa Williams and Michelle Visage; and FLETCHER received the award for Outstanding Music Artist presented by Lance Bass and Trace Lysette.
During the ceremony, GLAAD also announced the winners of select GLAAD Media Awards categories off-stage and on social media:
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: The White Lotus (HBO MAX)
Outstanding Comic Book: Poison Ivy, by G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, Atagun Ilhan, Brian Level, Stefano Gaudiano, Jay Leisten, Arif Prianto, Ivan Plascencia, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC Comics)
Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology: Young Men in Love (A Wave Blue World)
Outstanding Children’s Programming: “Adoptasaurus Rex” Dino Ranch (Disney Junior)
Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: The Advocate
Outstanding Spanish-Language Scripted Television Series: Los Espookys (HBO)
Outstanding Spanish-Language TV Journalism: “Vico Ortiz” Primer Impacto (Univision)
Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media: Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade
Special Recognition: Alejandra Caraballo
Special Recognition: Drag Story Hour
Special Recognition: Rothaniel (HBO)
Special Recognition: #Letters4TransKids
Special Recognition: The Lesbian Bar Project
Special Recognition (Spanish-Language): “En Sus Palabras” (Univision)
Hulu will be the official streaming partner for the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, the third consecutive year that Hulu has shared the ceremony on its platform. The GLAAD Media Awards premieres on Hulu on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Remaining winners for select categories will be announced at GLAAD’s New York Ceremony on Saturday, May 13th, 2023.