Tonight, GLAAD hosted a virtual ceremony to announce the award recipients of the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. GLAAD partnered with Google to exclusively premiere the ceremony on GLAAD’s YouTube. Watch the full ceremony below:
The event will also stream on Hulu starting at 10pm ET tonight, and will be available to stream on-demand on Hulu until the end of June. The virtual ceremony for the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards was hosted by out actress and producer Niecy Nash, and featured special performances from CHIKA, Rebecca Black, and Jessica Betts. Sabrina Carpenter will also appear for an exclusive performance only available on Hulu.
During the virtual ceremony, GLAAD spotlighted the award recipients for nine competitive categories:
- Sam Smith accepted the award for Outstanding Music Artist
- Disclosure took home the award for Outstanding Documentary
- Schitt’s Creek received the award for Outstanding Comedy Series for a second year in a row
- Star Trek: Discovery won for Outstanding Drama Series
- Happiest Season took home the award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release
- The Boys in the Band received the award for Outstanding Film – Limited Release
- We’re Here won for Outstanding Reality Program
- The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo took home the award for Outstanding Children’s Programming
- “Lilly Responds to Comments About Her Sexuality,” a segment of Lilly Singh’s late-night talk show A Little Late With Little Singh, won for for Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode
A full list of winners can be found below.
In addition to celebrating the award recipients for the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, the ceremony spotlighted pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ community, including the epidemic of violence facing trans women of color, anti-trans legislation across the U.S., combating racial and ethnic violence and discrimination, the importance of passing the Equality Act, the impact of COVID-19 on the LGBTQ community, HIV awareness and education, and more.
Check out some of the highlights from the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards below:
The cast of Glee reunites for a special tribute to the legacy of the late Naya Rivera’s character Santana Lopez, introduced by Demi Lovato:
Katy Perry presents the award for Outstanding Music Artist to Sam Smith:
Sterling K. Brown speaks out for Black trans lives and presents the award for Outstanding Documentary to Disclosure, accepted by Laverne Cox and director Sam Feder:
When presenting the award, Sterling K. Brown said: “Friends, I’m so proud to stand with the LGBTQ community tonight, just as the LGBTQ community stands with Black and diverse communities. Black Lives Matter, Black Trans Lives Matter, and I know we’re going to keep spreading that message of unity and justice until every one of us is safe to live the lives we love.”
When accepting the award, Laverne Cox said: “We are looking for people to move beyond acceptance to radical acceptance, to radical self-love. To the trans youth watching right now, we want you to know that you’re anointed, that despite all of the attacks that might be happening against you, you are divine. You deserve to be. You are here for a reason. You must survive to fulfill that divine purpose. I love you!”
JoJo Siwa presents the award for Outstanding Children’s Programming to The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo, accepted by Elmo:
When presenting the award, JoJo Siwa said: “I recently just came out as part of the LGBTQ community. I have the best, most amazing, wonderful girlfriend in the entire world who makes me so so so happy and that’s all that matters. I think it’s really cool that kids all around the world who look up to me can now see that loving who you want to love is totally awesome. If you want to fall in love with a girl, if you want to fall in love with a girl, if you want to fall with someone…who is non-binary, that is incredible. Love is awesome. You can be in love with whoever you want to be in love with and it should be celebrated.”
Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist winner CHIKA performs “FWB” and “SAVE YOU”:
Dan Levy accepts the award for Outstanding Comedy Series (Schitt’s Creek) for the second year in a row:
Rebecca Black performs “Girlfriend”:
USWNT and Orlando Pride Stars Ashlyn Harris & Ali Krieger speak out in support of trans athletes and present the award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release to Happiest Season, accepted by Clea DuVall and Mackenzie Davis:
When presenting the award, Harris & Krieger said: “As LGBTQ athletes and new, super tired moms, we really wanted to stand up for the youngest members of our community. The two of us – and Uncle Kyle – are speaking out on behalf of all of the trans student athletes out there. Trans students want the opportunity to play sports for the same reason other kids do: to be a part of a team where they feel like they belong. We shouldn’t discriminate against kids and ban them from playing because they’re transgender.”
9-1-1 Lone Star’s Ronen Rubinstein, Rafael Silva, and Brian Michael Smith present the award for Outstanding Film – Limited Release to The Boys in the Band, accepted by Jim Parsons, Matt Bomer, and Robin de Jesús:
Lilly Singh accepts the award for Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode for her A Little Late With Lilly Singh segment, “Lilly Responds to Comments About Her Sexuality”:
When accepting the award, Lilly Singh said: “I came out relatively late in life…you know, in other cultures like South Asian culture…there is still a stigma attached to being your true authentic self. I always think that if I was younger and I saw someone on TV who looked like me, that was out and proud about it, maybe I would’ve gotten here faster…I just want to say to everyone at home that looks like me: I am out. I am loud. I am proud. I love myself. And the journey to get here was tough, but it was so worth it. So I want to say that I see you. I recognize you. You are valid. You are beautiful. Nothing about you needs to change.”
Bretman Rock speaks out against anti-Asian discrimination and joins Jonathan Bennett to present the award for Outstanding Reality Program to We’re Here, accepted by Bob The Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara, and DJ “Shangela” Pierce:
Nyle DiMarco presents the award for Outstanding Drama Series to Star Trek: Discovery, accepted by Wilson Cruz, Anthony Rapp, Ian Alexander, and Blu del Barrio:
Wynonna Earp’s Dominique Provost-Chalkley & Katherine Barrell bid farewell to the series and pay tribute to fans:
JoJo Siwa presents the award for “TikTok’s Queer Advocate of the Year” to Josh Helfgott:
Jessica Betts performs “Catch Me,” introduced by wife and GLAAD Media Awards host Niecy Nash:
The cast and creators of Veneno pay tribute to Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez (La Veneno) and fans of the series:
Andrew Rannells & Ketel One Vodka create “LGBTini” in honor of the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards:
The virtual ceremony for the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards featured appearances by Ian Alexander, Molly Bernard, Matt Bomer, Jonathan Bennett, Bob The Drag Queen, Sterling K. Brown, Laverne Cox, Wilson Cruz, Mackenzie Davis, Robin de Jesús Blu del Barrio, Nyle DiMarco, Colman Domingo, Clea DuVall, Brandee Evans, the cast of Glee, Gottmik, August Getty, Nats Getty & Gigi Gorgeous Getty, Ariadne Getty, Reggie Greer, Harvey Guillén, Ashlyn Harris & Ali Krieger, Karamo, Dan Levy, Demi Lovato, Jim Parsons, DJ “Shangela” Pierce, Katy Perry, Dominique Provost-Chalkley & Katherine Barrell, Eureka O’Hara, Andrew Rannells, Anthony Rapp, Bretman Rock, Ronen Rubinstein, Rafael Silva, Lilly Singh, JoJo Siwa, Brian Michael Smith, Sam Smith, Sarah, Duchess of York, the cast of Veneno, and GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. Cast members of Glee who appeared as part of the tribute to the legacy of the late Naya Rivera’s character Santana Lopez included Jacob Artist, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Jessalyn Gilsig, Dot-Marie Jones, Vanessa Lengies, Jane Lynch, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Lauren Potter, Amber Riley, Harry Shum Jr., Becca Tobin, and Jenna Ushkowitz.
This year, GLAAD worked with TikTok on a special recognition titled “TikTok Queer Advocate of the Year,” a fan-voted honor highlighting the TikTok creators who have taken LGBTQ visibility to new heights. During the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, JoJo Siwa presented the award to TikTok creator Josh Helfgott (@joshhelfgott). Other creators nominated for the recognition included: Denise & Ebony (@team2moms), Kyne (@onlinekyne), Crissa Jackson (@crissa_ace), Chris Olsen (@chris), Ian Paget (@ianpaget_), Ve’ondre Mitchell (@veondre), Austin Chiang, MD MPH (@austinchiangmd), and Christine Marshall (@chrissycanthearyou).
The 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues. Since its inception in 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annual LGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally. The 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Gilead, Hyundai, and Ketel One Family Made Vodka.
“The GLAAD Media Awards special guests and winners sent an undeniably loud message of LGBTQ acceptance around the world tonight,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “This year’s award recipients, including Disclosure, Schitt’s Creek, Star Trek: Discovery, and Veneno, remind us that even in times of political and cultural division, diverse LGBTQ representation and visibility can enlighten, entertain, and create lasting impact, ultimately raising the bar for LGBTQ inclusion in media.”
Prior to the virtual ceremony, GLAAD announced the winners of the remaining GLAAD Media Awards categories on Twitter, which featured acceptance speeches from each of the award recipients, including Michaela Coel on behalf I May Destroy You (Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series), CHIKA (Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist), Robin Roberts on behalf of Good Morning America’s “Dwyane Wade One-On-One: Basketball Legend Opens Up About Supporting Transgender Daughter” (Outstanding TV Journalism Segment), the creators of Veneno (Outstanding Spanish-Language Scripted Television Series), Dee Dee Watters on behalf of Monica Robert’s TransGriot (Outstanding Blog), and more. Previously announced winners and their acceptance speeches can be found here, and the full list of winners can be found below:
Outstanding Film – Wide Release: Happiest Season (Hulu/TriStar Pictures)
Outstanding Film – Limited Release: The Boys in the Band (Netflix)
Outstanding Documentary: Disclosure (Netflix)
Outstanding Comedy Series: Schitt’s Creek (Pop)
Outstanding Drama Series: Star Trek: Discovery (CBS All Access)
Outstanding TV Movie: Uncle Frank (Amazon Studios)
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: I May Destroy You (HBO)
Outstanding Reality Program: We’re Here (HBO)
Outstanding Children’s Programming: The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo (HBO Max)
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming [TIE]: First Day (Hulu) and She-Ra & The Princesses of Power (DreamWorks Animation/Netflix)
Outstanding Music Artist: Sam Smith, Love Goes (Capitol)
Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist: CHIKA, Industry Games (Warner Records)
Outstanding Video Game [TIE]: Tell Me Why (DONTNOD Entertainment & Xbox Game Studios) andThe Last of Us Part II (Naughty Dog & Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Outstanding Comic Book: Empyre, Lords of Empyre: Emperor Hulkling, Empyre: Aftermath Avengers, by Al Ewing, Dan Slott, Chip Zdarsky, Anthony Oliveira, Valerio Schiti, Manuel Garcia, Cam Smith, Marte Gracia, Triona Farrell, Joe Caramagna, Ariana Maher, Travis Lanham (Marvel Comics)
Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode: “Lilly Responds to Comments About Her Sexuality” A Little Late With Lilly Singh (NBC)
Outstanding TV Journalism Segment: “Dwyane Wade One-On-One: Basketball Legend Opens Up About Supporting Transgender Daughter” Good Morning America (ABC)
Outstanding TV Journalism – Long-Form: “ABC News Joe Biden Town Hall” (ABC)
Outstanding Print Article: “20 LGBTQ+ People Working to Save Lives on the Frontline” by Diane Anderson-Minshall, David Artavia, Tracy Gilchrist, Desiree Guerrero, Jeffrey Masters, Donald Padgett, and Daniel Reynolds (The Advocate)
Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage: People
Outstanding Online Journalism Article: “Gay Men Speak Out After Being Turned Away from Donating Blood During Coronavirus Pandemic: ‘We are Turning Away Perfectly Healthy Donors’” by Tony Morrison and Joel Lyons (GoodMorningAmerica.com)
Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia: “Stop Killing Us: Black Transgender Women’s Lived Experiences” by Complex World (Complex News)
Outstanding Blog: TransGriot
Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media: Windy City Times
Special Recognition: After Forever (Amazon)
Special Recognition: Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast
Special Recognition: Happiest Season Soundtrack (Facet/Warner Records)
Special Recognition: Noah’s Arc: The ‘Rona Chronicles (Patrik Ian-Polk Entertainment)
Special Recognition: Out (Pixar/Disney+)
Special Recognition: Razor Tongue (YouTube)
Special Recognition: “The Son” Little America (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Spanish-Language Scripted Television Series: Veneno (HBO Max)
Outstanding Spanish-Language TV Journalism: “La Hermana de Aleyda Ortiz Narra Cómo Salió del Clóset y Cómo se lo Comunicó a su Familia” Despierta América (Univision)
Outstanding Spanish-Language Online Journalism Article: “Desapareció en México, Solo se Hallaron sus Restos: La Historia de la Doctora María Elizabeth Montaño y su Importancia para la Comunidad Trans” por Albinson Linares y Marina E. Franco (Telemundo.com)
Outstanding Spanish-Language Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia: “Soy Trans: El Camino a un Nuevo Despertar” por Sarah Moreno, Esther Piccolino, y José Sepúlveda (El Nuevo Herald)
Special Recognition (Spanish-Language): Jesse & Joy, “Love (Es Nuestro Idioma)”
The GLAAD Media Awards auction, featuring Phoebe Bridgers’ smashed guitar from her iconic Saturday Night Live performance on February 6 and other exciting packages, remains open until April 11. For more information, click here.
The nominees for the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards were published, released, or broadcast between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. For a full list of nominees, click here.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis served as Executive Producer of the GLAAD Media Awards as well as GLAAD staff Rich Ferraro and Mark Hartnett. GLAAD staff Bill McDermott and Anthony Ramos served as Supervising Producers, Mark Olson served as Producer, and Spencer Harvey served as Associate Producer.
The 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Gilead, Hyundai, and Ketel One Family Made Vodka. GLAAD is also grateful to: Major Sponsors Google and YouTube; Official Sponsor TikTok; Titanium Sponsors Bud Light, Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, Disney, Facebook, HBO Max, Omnicom, Sony Music Group, and Starz; Platinum Sponsors Amazon Studios, Facet Records, Hallmark Channel, MGM/Orion Pictures, Netflix, Sheppard Mullin, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Viacom CBS; and Gold Sponsors Edelman, Ketchum, Nickelodeon, and Sephora. Special thanks to Kevin Burke & Jeff Ferguson.