The 32nd annual awards event, held virtually and hosted by Niecy Nash, also saw awards go to Netflix’s ‘The Boys in the Band,’ ‘Disclosure’ and the Paramount+ series ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’
Schitt’s Creek continued its dominant awards season haul by picking up another prize, the latest acquired Thursday night during the 32nd annual GLAAD Media Awards. It was the beloved series’ second straight award from the media watchdog organization and it follows top prizes at the Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and the recent Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Tonight’s virtual ceremony, which premiered exclusively on GLAAD’s YouTube in partnership with Google before streaming later on Hulu, also saw top prizes go to Clea DuVall’s Happiest Season, Joe Mantello’s The Boys in the Band, Sam Feder’s transgender representation documentary Disclosure, the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Discovery and pop star Sam Smith. In total, there were nine competitive categories announced, with the other winners revealed in advance or rolled out today on social media in conjunction with the show.
Celebrating the accomplishments of the LGBTQ communities and its allies was top of mind during the show, but the GLAAD Media Awards also delivered some weighty and emotional moments.
The cast of Glee reunited for the first time since the death of actress Naya Rivera for a special tribute to her groundbreaking character Santana Lopez as introduced by Demi Lovato. 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 appeared during the tribute.
Also, multiple presenters called out the wave of attacks on the community, including the violence facing trans women of color and the anti-trans legislation circulating across the country, particularly in Arkansas which became the first state to block medical care for trans youth.
“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,” said presenter Sterling K. Brown, announcing the award for best documentary, which went to Disclosure. In accepting, Laverne Cox said, “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.”
The event also featured appearances by Katy Perry (who presented to Sam Smith), Matt Bomer, Jonathan Bennett, Bob the Drag Queen, Wilson Cruz, Mackenzie Davis, Colman Domingo, Clea DuVall, Brandee Evans, Gottmik, August Getty, Nats Getty, Gigi Gorgeous Getty, Ariadne Getty, Karamo, Dan Levy, Jim Parsons, DJ “Shangela” Pierce, Eureka O’Hara, Andrew Rannells, Anthony Rapp, Ronen Rubinstein, Rafael Silva, Lilly Singh, JoJo Siwa, Brian Michael Smith and the cast of Veneno, among others. There were performances by CHIKA, Rebecca Black and Jessica Betts, with Sabrina Carpenter turning out an exclusive performance for the Hulu stream.
There was an award for best children’s programming, The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo. The title character accepted from presenter and newly-out star JoJo Siwa, who praised her girlfriend and make a plea for acceptance.
“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.”
