“Agatha All Along,” “Baby Reindeer,” “Hacks,” Doechii and Cynthia Erivo were among the top winners at the 36th annual GLAAD Media Awards.
In an evening that focused on queer celebration amid the volatile political climate in the country, awards were given out Thursday night at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in film, television, video games and podcasts.
Prior to her film “Will & Harper” winning for outstanding documentary, Harper Steele told Variety on the GLAAD red carpet about her continued passion for trans youth and healthcare following the film’s release on Netflix.
“I’m more nervous about the disappearance of our voices,” Steele said. “I think the entertainment community is getting a little more afraid because of the political climate. There once was a tipping point — we’re going backwards and we should be moving forward.”
As the GLAAD awards brought queer actors together from multiple different generations, Robin Tyler hit the red carpet, known for being the first openly queer comic in the country. She reflected on how LGBTQ+ representation has evolved over the years to the current moment.
“The fact that I’m walking here when I used to be the only one out, I’m not alone anymore!” Tyler said. “All these performers, they’re out, they’re proud and they’re not scared. And I think it’s wonderful.”
Newer shows like “Hacks” and “Abbott Elementary” were among the nominees for outstanding comedy series. Carl Clemons-Hopkins, who plays the openly queer Marcus in the Emmy-winning comedy “Hacks,” reflected on their character’s growth over multiple seasons ahead of Season 4’s release.
“I’m grateful that the show is still going on and that they’re still committing to the storytelling presentation that we started out with,” Clemons-Hopkins said. “[In Season 4], my character faces a lot of decision-making and there’s a lot of facing fears.”
Another show multiple seasons in, “9-1-1: Lone Star,” recently got canceled after five seasons on Fox, making the GLAAD awards a bittersweet celebration for actors Brian Michael Smith and Ronen Rubinstein. But after seeing the impact of playing openly queer characters on network TV, they remain positive.
“The show was a perfect example that [representation] works,” Rubinstein said. “People want it and it can be successful. So hopefully we start a trend that others follow.”
During the awards ceremony, Erivo was honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak award coming off her Oscar nomination for “Wicked.” While she took the opportunity to highlight the evening’s celebration of artistic achievement, she also placed a spotlight on queer people who have yet to find themselves.
“It isn’t easy. None of it is — waking up and choosing to be yourself, proclaiming a space belongs to you when you don’t feel well, teaching people on a daily basis how to address you,” Erivo said. “For some, the road has not been paved with yellow bricks, but instead paved with bumps and pot holes. Whichever road you have traveled, how beautiful it is that you’ve had roads to travel on at all.”
Erivo continued: “Think of those who have not been seen. Think of those who sit in the dark and wait their turn, hoping and waiting for a light to light their path. I ask every single one of you in this room, with the spaces that you’re in and the lights that you hold, to point it in the direction of someone who just needs a little guidance.”
Many speeches given out by GLAAD winners focused around the current attacks on trans and queer rights. In Hannah Einbinder’s acceptance speech on behalf of “Hacks,” she said: “We want to take the time to express our deepest love for and unwavering solidarity with the trans community.”
However, when accepting the outstanding limited or anthology series award on behalf of “Baby Reindeer,” Nava Mau also extended her support to Palestine.
“We must fight for free speech before it’s taken away,” Mau said. “We have to speak up, speak loud and speak proud. Whether that’s for students on college campuses, the farm laborers who grow our food or for the people of Palestine who are fighting for survival.”
See a list of the announced winners below.
Outstanding Comedy Series: “Hacks” (Max)
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: “Baby Reindeer” (Netflix)
Outstanding Drama Series: “9-1-1: Lone Star” (Fox)
Outstanding New Series: “Agatha All Along” (Disney+)
Outstanding Documentary: “Will & Harper” (Netflix)
Outstanding Music Artist: Doechii
Outstanding Reality Program — Competition: “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (MTV)
Outstanding Reality Program: “The Real Housewives of New York City” (Bravo)
Outstanding Film — Streaming or TV: “The Groomsmen: Second Chances” (Hallmark)
Outstanding Podcast: “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer” (Wondery)
