Since 2009, GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, has hosted the biannual Dorian Awards to honor both film and television programs that remind bigots, bullies and our own communities that the world often looks to the Q+ eye for unique and powerful entertainment.
Thursday, February 23rd, GALECA announced the winners of the 14th annual Dorian Film Awards and the stars of A24’s Everything, Everywhere, all at Once won big! The film’s accolades included the creative duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert winning both director and best screenplay, star Michelle Yeoh won for best performance, Ke Huy Quan was awarded best supporting performance, and the GLAAD Media Award nominate film was also named both LGBTQ Film and Visually Striking Film of the year!
Additionally, Stephanie Hsu who starred as LGBTQ icon Joy, was named the breakout actress Rising Star of the Year.
Another major win went to nonbinary actor and singer Janelle Monáe, who was named LGBTQIA+ Film Trailblazer of the year.
Two Dorian awards were given to GLAAD Media Award nominee All the Beauty and the Bloodshed for both best documentary and LGBTQ documentary. The documentary tells the story of bisexual photographer and recovering Oxy-Contin addict Nan Goldin and her mission to shame members of the Sackler family pharma dynasty for willfully helping fuel America’s opioid crisis.
These weren’t the only big winners of the night. A24 films led on the charts, with writer-director Charlotte Wells’ winning the category of best Unsung Film with her father-daughter tearjerker Aftersun, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On was named best Animated Film, and the horror prequel Pearl, starring and co-written by Mia Goth was awarded the Campiest Flick honor.
GALECA’s members were also asked to name an LGBTQ film from 2022 that they felt deserved more attention. The group’s 10 Best Unsung LGBTQ Film Films of 2022 included Anais in Love, Benediction, Close, Firebird, Girl Picture, Great Freedom, Peter von Kant, Please Baby Please, Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies, and We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.
“Pushing through a pandemic, plus frightening attacks on not just America’s democracy but its citizens of color and anyone who isn’t straight—we’ve all had to deal with a lot lately,” said GALECA Executive Director John Griffiths. “But how great is that the movies are back, from big, exciting blockbuster to personal and quirky stories that hit home for all types of cinema fans? No matter what’s going on in the mind of a certain Florida governor and his ilk, the best movies, and TV too, will only continue to reflect what’s going on in the real world—and parallel ones too. Looking at our nominees and winners, you can let out a nice, deep breath.”
GALECA is set to announce the recipient of its Timeless Star career achievement honor at a later date.
GALECA advocates for better pay, access, and respect for its members, especially those in our most underrepresented and vulnerable segments. Learn more about the organization and the winners here.