The 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards brought a night of celebration, politics, and a little Broadway flair, especially when EGOT legend Liza Minnelli showed up unexpectedly to accept a brand new honor that bears her name.
The ceremony, hosted by Jonathan Bennett, recognized inclusive LGBTQ storytelling across film, television, journalism, music and more. The program will be distributed exclusively on Hulu starting March 21st.
Standout winners included Heat Rivalry, Stranger Things, Palm Royale and The Traitors, while Quinta Brunson and podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers received special honors for their impact on LGBTQ visibility.
Liza Minnelli wins first Storyteller Award
Few moments matched the excitement of Minnelli’s surprise entrance. The Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner was honored with the inaugural Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award, created to honor artists whose work shapes cultures and communities.
After a eulogy highlighting her career, she appeared on stage to a standing ovation.
“I’m so happy to be here with you all,” Minnelli said. “You make me so proud because you are strong and stand up for what you believe in.”
The award coincides with the upcoming publication of her memoir, Kids, wait until you hear this!
Quinta Branson receives Vanguard Award
Quinta Branson received the Vanguard Award, which recognizes allies who have helped expand acceptance of LGBTQ people.
In her speech, the Abbott Elementary School founder reflected on how queer people shaped her life long before her career began.
“I would like to thank GLAAD for awarding me the Vanguard Award…and for being such a huge and wonderful supporter of Abbott Elementary School from day one,” Brunson said. “Queer people have been a part of my life since I was born. I have to give a shout out to my uncle…he was the first example of representation of queer people in my life and he set me free. There are so many people in this room who have changed my life.”
She ended her speech with a promise of unity.
“What I’m trying to say is, I love gay people. I love you so much… You mess with gay people, you mess with me… Thank you so much for this.”
Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers accuse transphobia
Comedy duo Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have been honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for their impact on LGBTQ representation in media, including their podcast “Las Culturistas.”
In their acceptance speeches, the two addressed the political climate surrounding transgender rights.
“We cannot accept this award without condemning the rampant and active transphobia by the current administration and its supporters. We are also here to warn them in advance that they are fighting a losing battle,” they said. “Because when we get together in a room like this, we always have our backs to each other.”
Cara Delevingne announces GLAAD leadership
Before the awards were presented, Cara Delevingne took to the stage to introduce Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD.
“Queer art and activism have always intersected,” Delevingne said. “Great works inspire us to do hard work, and in turn, those who do the hard work inspire great works of art. Despite those who seek to silence, shame, erase, and legally remove us from existence, we are still here, making sure that our voices are heard, seen, and expressed. In all our spectacular, messy, strong, romantic, musical, outrageous, gold medal-winning glory.”
Ellis echoed that message in her remarks.
“Here’s the real story: LGBTQ people are parents. We are business leaders, philanthropists and creators. We are people of every faith, race, class and creed,” Ellis said. “We are America. We are really, really America dressed up. And we are family.”
She added that mainstream audiences continue to embrace queer narratives.
“And the truth is, America is with us. We see it in our utter obsession with stories: Rivalry, Pluribus, Abbott Elementary School, Housewives, Traitors, Stranger Things. Even video games like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. These are not niches. They are global hits.”
Mr. Ellis also emphasized the organization’s future mission.
“In today’s media ecosystem, GLAAD is still fighting back. But we’re also charting a path forward. With influencers, podcasters, creators, fandoms, gamers, athletes. Everywhere that culture exists…that’s where you come in.”
Major winners in TV, movies and podcasts
Several cast members accepted awards at the ceremony, including the “Heated Rivalry” ensemble, which won the Outstanding New Television Series award. Noah Schnapp won Outstanding Drama Series for Stranger Things and Outstanding Comedy Series for Palm Royale.
Reality shows also did well. Bravo’s Southern Hospitality won the Outstanding Reality Program and the Peacock contest saw The Traitors win the Outstanding Reality Competition Program.
Journalism honors included a segment on Jonathan Capehart’s Weekend where Laverne Cox discusses the importance of World Pride.
Podcast winners include Handsome and I’ve Had It, highlighting the growing influence of queer voices in audio storytelling.
great new tv series
Hot Rivalry (HBO Max/Crave)
excellent drama series
Stranger Things (Netflix)
outstanding comedy series
Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Film – Widely released in theaters
Spider Woman’s Kiss (roadside tourist spot)
great reality program
Southern Hospitality (Bravo)
Great reality competition program
Traitor (Peacock)
Excellence in Television Journalism
“Community in the Age of Fascism: Actress Laverne Cox talks about the importance of World Pride in President Trump’s D.C.” – The Weeknd (MSNBC)
excellent podcast
Handsome (Head Gum)
Best Podcast Episode (Tie)
“Straight Panic, Gay Excellence” — I Tried It (PodcastOne)
“Chapel Lawn: Are people afraid of me?” — Call Her Daddy (The Unwell Network / SiriusXM)
Great limited or anthology series
Wayward (Netflix)
Winner – limited theatrical release (tie)
Nice Indian Boy (Blue Harbor Entertainment)
Private clothes (Magnolia Pictures)
Great Movies – Streaming or TV
Queen of Coal (Netflix)
excellent documentary
Come see me in a bright place (Apple TV+)
excellent music artist
Young shrine maiden — do not disturb
Outstanding groundbreaking music artist
cat eye
great broadway production
Liberation by Beth Wall
excellent video games
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
excellent comic book
Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices
Great original graphic novel/anthology
“Gaysian” by Mike Curato
great kids programming
Firebud (Disney Junior)
Great Kids & Family Programming – Live Action
XO, Kitty (Netflix)
Great Kids & Family Programming – Animation
Adventure Time: Fiona and Cake (HBO Max)
Great variety or talk show episode
Jimmy Kimmel Live! — Episode with guest host Alan Cumming
Excellent magazine coverage
people
Great TV Journalism – Features
“Transgender Marines Speak Out” (NBC 7 San Diego)
Great articles in online or print journalism
“Sarah McBride, the first transgender voice in Congress, is ready to fight for us” – The Advocate
Good online journalism – video or multimedia
“Mom and transgender girl decide to leave U.S.” — The New Yorker
great independent journalism
“Under the Desk News” by V. Spehar
Barbara Gittings LGBTQ Media Excellence Award
they
special recognition
Attendant falling asleep during concert (Destruction of Binary Theater)
Gaydar and Ananias
spanish category
well written tv series
mariliendre (actress)
Excellence in Television Journalism (tie)
“Same person, different person: intersexual” — Noticias Telemundo
“Orgullo 2025 Avances, Desafíos y Caminos” — Spectrum Noticias
Great online journalism articles
“My Coming Out Story” — Kien
Good online journalism – video or multimedia
“¿Tienes HIV, Mijo? A Mother’s Journey” — Living y Ready (LatiNation)
special recognition
Andry Jose Hernandez Romero
Before We Forget (Twenty Nine Palms Entertainer)
1st Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award
Liza Minnelli
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
