Oprah Winfrey and Niecy Nash-Betts were honored at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards that took place in Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on March 14.
Winfrey received the Vanguard Award, introduced by iconic Chicago performer Chilli Pepper and celebrity host Paolo Presta. Nash-Betts received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, presented by Sharon Stone. Wayne Brady hosted the event.
Winfrey said, in part, "Thirty-five years ago, my brother, Jeffrey Lee, passed away when he was just 29 years old, from AIDS. Growing up at the time we did, in the community we did, we didn't have the language to understand or speak about sexuality and gender in the way we do now. And at the time, I didn't know how deeply my brother internalized the shame that he felt about being gay. I wish he could have lived to witness these liberated times and to be here with me tonight.
"What I know for sure is that 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. And that's what I wish my brother Jeffrey could have experienced a world that could see him for who he was and appreciate him for what he brought to this world. I am proud to receive this honor. Thank you GLAAD."
Nash-Betts stated, in part, ""If I'm honest, I never saw this life for myself. I was always an ally, but now I am a card-carrying member! And I often get asked the question "Niecy, what was it like for you, when you came out"? And I always say, "Came out of where, baby"? I was never anywhere to come out of! I didn't live a sexually repressed life. I mean I loved boys, until I didn't! I loved them until I encountered the most beautiful soul I've ever met.
"I thank you all for holding space for me, 'til I figure my terms out. What I do know for sure is that my name is Niecy Nash-Betts and I'm a lover. I will never hide the very thing I was created for."
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, introduced by Renee Rapp, said, in part: "Over 500 anti-trans bills have been proposed nationwide this year. And it's only March. It's time to get the bullies out. We cannot let up the pressure. We must keep our community moving forward."
"This is not a fire drill—this is the actual fire."
Opening this year's show, actress and singer-songwriter Kate Hudson performed her new single, "Talk About Love." In addition, actress and five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist Chloe performed "FYS," marking her first music release of 2024 and first live performance of the song.
GLAAD presented the following awards from six categories onstage:
—Fellow Travelers received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, presented by Michaela Jae Rodriguez.
—Ted Lasso received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, presented by Alexandra Shipp and Sydney Sweeney.
—Monica received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film: Limited Theatrical Release, presented by Scott Evans.
—RuPaul's Drag Race received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program, presented by Meredith Marks and Heather Dubrow.
—Yellowjackets received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series, presented by Chrishell Stause and G Flip.
—And Renee Rapp received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist, presented by Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong.
GLAAD also announced these winners in an offstage video reel:
—Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist: David Archuleta (Archie Music)
—Outstanding Film — Wide Theatrical Release: Bottoms (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
—Outstanding Children's Programming: 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 Studios)
—Outstanding Comic Book: Stars 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)
GLAAD previously announced Special Recognition awards for The Dads (Netflix), Love in Gravity, Relighting Candles (Hulu), Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce (AMC Theatres), The Tennessee Holler, Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story, Drag Latina (Revry / LATV), Enamorándonos (UniMás), El sabor de la navidad (ViX) and Wendy, perdida pero famosa (ViX).
GLAAD also previously announced that +Life Media received the Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media.
Remaining winners for select categories will be announced at GLAAD's New York Ceremony on Saturday, May 11.
The March 14 event featured appearances by Billie Joe Armstrong, Dylan Mulvaney, Hannah Waddingham, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jason Sudeikis, JoJo Siwa, Jonathan Bailey, Juno Temple, Liv Hewson, Matt Bomer, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Scott Evans, Sharon Stone, Shonda Rhimes, Sydney Sweeney, Trace Lysette, casts of Ted Lasso, Yellowjackets, and RuPaul's Drag Race, and GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
The ceremony will stream on Hulu beginning Friday, March 29.
—Andrew Davis
