The 35th Annual GLAAD Awards Brings Forth Celebration and an Important Call to Action

Thursday night showcased a night of advocacy and celebration as the 35^th annual GLAAD Awards took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills. The night brought together stars and activists alike to honor achievements in LGBTQ+ representation and media. Held behind a backdrop of glitz and glamour, the event showcased moments of emotion, empowerment, and entertainment that left a lasting impact on attendees which included stars like Sydney Sweeney, JoJo Siwa, Dylan Mulvaney, Shangela, Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Shonda Rhimes, Sherry Cola, James Charles, Michaela Jae Rodriguez. Orville Peck, Sharon Stone, Billy Joe Armstrong, Frankie Grande and more.

A key moment was when GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis delivered a stirring call to action, urging attendees to exercise their rights and vote in the upcoming pivotal election. Her impassioned words served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and representation reminding everyone in the audience that “Our rights are at stake, how do you want to wake up November sixth? Scared that our right will be taken away or content in knowing that we are safe.” Her words garnered a standing ovation from the crowd as people took the call of action to heart.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Sarah Kate Ellis, President, GLAAD, speaks onstage during the 35th GLAAD Media Awards – Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on March 14, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for GLAAD )

A spotlight of the night was Niecy Nash-Betts receiving an honoree award presented to her by friend Sharon Stone, Nash-Betts was recognized her contributions to LGBTQ+ community especially with her groundbreaking appearance with her wife Jessica on the cover of Essence magazine making history. The Emmy award winning actress’s speech echoed the significance of representation not only for women of color but for all of the LGBTQ+ community. Saying she feels seen and accepted and recalled a time before she decided to publicly come out that consoled with her mentor non other than Oprah Winfrey herself, who asked Niecy are you sure? To which Niecy responded “Yes Ma’am” with the conversation ending by Oprah telling Niecy to “Carry On” regarding coming on and being open about her marriage.

The evening was also celebrated with show-stopping performances, including captivating acts by Chloe and Kate Hudson, which electrified the audience and added to the celebratory atmosphere. Host Wayne Brady infused the night with his humor and heart, sharing his own journey of self-discovery and newfound freedom after coming out. When LATv had the chance to talk with Brady on the red carpet he reflected on the importance of his coming out saying “I feel free, I knew I had to do it for my own sake.”

The evening came with a plethora of winners, which included LATV/Revry’s Drag Latina with a special recognition GLAAD award. Other notable winners “Yellowjackets,” “Bottoms,” and “Fellow Travelers,” alongside Renee Rapp, whose impassioned plea for a cease fire in Gaza resonated deeply with those in attendance.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the touching tribute by Oprah Winfrey, who received a well-deserved lifetime achievement honor for her contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility. Oprah moved the audience to tears as she spoke candidly about her late brother Jeffrey, whose battle with AIDS served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Reflecting on her show’s pivotal National Coming Out Day episodes, Oprah highlighted the prevalence of hate and homophobia in the world, saying she would receive thousands of letters from individuals saying homophobic things and spewing disgusting comments. She went on to discuss the importance of acceptance of all and her continued fight for visibility and inclusivity for all.

After the ceremony, attendees continued the celebration at the afterparty within the Beverly Hilton, where David Archuleta’s electrifying performance kept spirits high and the energy infectious. Overall, the GLAAD Awards 2024 served as a beacon of hope, unity, and pride, reaffirming the importance of visibility, advocacy, and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.