GLAAD Media Awards ‘Rokk’ the Marriott Marquis

The 22nd annual GLAAD Media Awards dazzled the Marriott Marquis this Saturday

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) held their 22nd annual Media Awards at the Marriott Marquis in New York on Saturday.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives. The awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

The star-studded event, hosted by Bravo’s Andy Cohen, boasted an impressive line-up of celebs presenting, nominated for, or receiving awards, including Tina Fey, Patrick Wilson, Denis O’Hare, Pauley Perrette, Wilson Cruz, Jane Velez-Mitchell and Lawrence O’Donnell.

At the ceremony, many celebs repeatedly used the word “Rokk” in their speeches, accompanied by a “cha-ching” cash register sound based on GLAAD sponsor Rokk Vodka’s promise to donate $100 every time the liquor’s name was announced from the podium. Film and Broadway producer Craig Zadan presented the Vito Russo Award to Grammy Award-winning pop star, Ricky Martin, whose decision to speak about his life as a gay man has had a tremendous impact worldwide, especially for Latino youth and their parents.  The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community.

Also at the event, the Rev. Al Sharpton presented the Excellence in Media Award to pioneering hip-hop producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons, who has repeatedly spoken out on issues of concern to the LGBT community, urging Americans to support full equality.  The Excellence in Media Award is presented to individuals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.

Actress, writer and producer Tina Fey accepted the award for Outstanding Individual Episode for the “Klaus & Greta” episode of 30 Rock.  Openly gay actor Denis O’Hare, who played Vampire King Russell Edgington, accepted the award on behalf of True Blood, which received the nod for Outstanding Drama Series.  The award for Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia was accepted by journalist Bobbi Misick, Emil Wilbekin, managing editor of Essence.com, and Danielle and Aisha Moodie-Mills for the Essence.com story “Bridal Bliss: Aisha and Danielle.”  This story was the first time Essence.com included a lesbian couple in its weekly wedding feature.

“The year’s honorees, nominees and award recipients represent diverse stories that are building acceptance and understanding about our community through their excellent work,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “GLAAD thanks all in attendance for joining us and voicing their support for equality.

Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Award recipients announced Saturday in New York.  Additional awards will be presented in Los Angeles on April 10 at the Westin Bonaventure and in San Francisco on May 14 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.  To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

  • Excellence in Media Award:  Russell Simmons (presented by the Rev. Al Sharpton)
  • Vito Russo Award:  Ricky Martin (presented by film and Broadway producer Craig Zadan)
  • Outstanding Drama Series:  True Blood (HBO)
  • Outstanding Individual Episode (in a serious without a regular LGBT character):  “Klaus & Greta” 30 Rock (NBC)
  • Outstanding Talk Show Episode:  “Ricky Martin Coming Out as a Gay Man and a New Dad” The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
  • Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine:  “Gay Teen Suicides” (series) Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN)
  • Outstanding Newspaper Article:  “Rutgers Student Tyler Clementi’s Suicide Spurs Action Across U.S.” by Judy Peet (The Star-Ledger [Newark, N.J.])
  • Outstanding Newspaper Columnist:  Frank Rich (The New York Times)
  • Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage:  Denver Post
  • Outstanding Magazine Article:  “What Happens When You Find the One…And He’s Nothing – Nothing – Like You Expected?” by Allison Cooper (O, The Oprah Magazine)
  • Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage:  The Advocate/Out
  • Outstanding Digital Journalism Article:  “View From Washington” (series) by Kerry Eleveld (Advocate.com)
  • Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia: “Bridal Bliss: Aisha and Danielle” by Bobbi Misick (Essence.com)
  • Outstanding Blog:  Joe. My. God. (http://joemygod.blogspot.com/)
  • Outstanding Music Artist:  Scissor Sisters, Night Work (Downtown Records)
  • Outstanding Comic Book:  X-Factor by Peter David (Marvel Comics)
  • Outstanding Los Angeles Theater:  Something Happened by L. Trey Wilson
  • Outstanding New York Theater:  Broadway & Off–Broadway:  The Pride by Alexi Kaye Campbell
  • Outstanding New York Theater:  Off–Off BroadwayWhen Last We Flew by Harrison David Rivers

SPANISH-LANGUAGE CATEGORIES

  • Outstanding Novela:  ¿Dónde está Elisa? (Telemundo)
  • Outstanding Daytime Talk Show Episode:  TIE:  “Mamá vístete de hombre” Casos de Familia (Univision) and “La Proposición 8” Caso Cerrado (Telemundo)
  • Outstanding Talk Show Interview:  “Saliendo del closet después de los 30” El Show de Cristina (Univision)
  • Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine:  “En nombre del amor” Primer Impacto (Univision)
  • Outstanding TV Journalism Segment:  “Aumenta el hostigamiento” Despierta América (Univision)
  • Outstanding Newspaper Article:  “Acosados hasta el punto del suicidio” by Rubén Moreno (La Opinión)
  • Outstanding Magazine Article:  “Estoy feliz de ser quien soy” by María Morales (People en Español)
  • Outstanding Digital Journalism Article:  “Fedro llegó para quedarse” by Amy Linares (PadrisimoMagazine.com)

 

 


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