GLAAD, the world’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, honored Robert De Niro, Mariah Carey, and the best in film, television, and journalism at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Waldorf Astoria New York on Saturday.
Jennifer Lawrence, Aziz Ansari, Connie Britton, Diane Sawyer, Caitlyn Jenner, Tamron Hall, Noah Galvin, Andrew Rannells, Andreja Pejić, and Jason Biggs were among the special guests. Recording artists Alex Newell and Bebe Rexha, as well as the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fun Home performed at the event hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Laverne Cox. The 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are presented by Delta Air Lines, Hilton, Ketel One Vodka, and Wells Fargo.
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 GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBT community and issues that build support for acceptance.
At the ceremony, Academy Award-winning actress and surprise guest Jennifer Lawrence presented Robert De Niro with GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award, which is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
In his acceptance speech, De Niro celebrated the Supreme Court’s landmark decision for marriage equality, while cautioning to “also remember oppressive laws like the ones in North Carolina that let us know the struggle continues and challenges us to be vigilant and aggressive in protecting all our rights.” De Niro continued, “Thank you for this honor, I’m proud to stand with you, I’m GLAAD.”
Also at the event, Lee Daniels presented Mariah Carey with the Ally Award, which is presented to a media figure who has consistently used their platform to support and advance LGBT equality and acceptance.
Accepting the award, Carey shared a special message for the LGBT community, saying, “Thank you for the unconditional love … I thank you, and I wish all of you love, peace, [and] harmony.”
Master of None co-creator and star Aziz Ansari presented the award for Outstanding TV Journalism Segment to Anderson Cooper 360 for the segment “Interview with Jim Obergefell.” Accepting for the show was Jim Obergefell, the U.S. Supreme Court plaintiff featured in the piece.
Nashville star Connie Britton presented the award for Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine to 20/20 for “Bruce Jenner: The Interview.” Diane Sawyer, Caitlyn Jenner, and David Sloan, senior executive producer, accepted on behalf of the show.
Girls star Andrew Rannells and The Real O’Neals star Noah Galvin presented the award for Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage to Cosmopolitan. Laura Brounstein, special projects director, accepted on the magazine’s behalf.
GLAAD previously announced that it was acknowledging two web series, Beautiful As I Want To Be (Logotv.com) and This is Me (Amazon Instant Video), with Special Recognition Awards.
