The 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards delivered a night of celebration, politics and a little Broadway flair, especially when EGOT legend Liza Minnelli appeared unexpectedly to accept a brand-new honor bearing her name.
Hosted by Jonathan Bennett, the ceremony recognized inclusive LGBTQ storytelling across film, television, journalism, music and more. The show will stream exclusively on Hulu beginning March 21.
Standout winners included Heated Rivalry, Stranger Things, Palm Royale and The Traitors, while Quinta Brunson and podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers were recognized with special honors for their impact on LGBTQ visibility.
Liza Minnelli Receives 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 celebrate artists whose work shapes culture and community.
The icon took the stage after a tribute highlighting her career, with the room erupting into a standing ovation.
“I’m so glad to be here with you, all of you,” Minnelli said. “You make me so proud, ‘cause you’re strong, and you stand up for what you believe in.”
The award coincides with the upcoming release of her memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!
Quinta Brunson Honored With Vanguard Award
Quinta Brunson was presented the Vanguard Award, which recognizes allies who help expand acceptance of LGBTQ people.
During her speech, the Abbott Elementary creator reflected on how queer people shaped her life long before her career took off.
“I want to thank GLAAD for honoring me with the Vanguard Award… and for being such big and amazing supporters of Abbott Elementary since we premiered day one,” Brunson said. “Queer people have been a part of my life since birth. I have to shout out my uncle… who was the first example of representation in my life of queer people, who allowed me to be free. There are so many people in the room who changed my life.”
She ended her speech with a promise of solidarity.
“My point 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 Call Out Transphobia
Comedy duo Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers accepted the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for their influence on LGBTQ representation in media, including their podcast Las Culturistas.
In their acceptance speech, the pair addressed the political climate surrounding trans rights.
“We can’t accept this award without condemning the rampant, active transphobia from this administration and its supporters; and we are also here to let them know in advance that they are fighting a losing battle,” they said. “Because when we gather in rooms like this, we are always going to have each other’s backs.”
Cara Delevingne Introduces GLAAD Leadership
Before the awards were handed out, Cara Delevingne took 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 the hard work, and in turn, those doing the hard work inspire great works of art. Despite those who try to silence us, shame us, erase us, legislate us out of existence, we are still here, making sure that we are heard, seen and represented – in all of 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. People of every faith, race, class, and creed,” Ellis said. “We are America – a really, really well-dressed America. And we are family.”
She added that mainstream audiences continue embracing queer stories.
“And the truth is, America is with us. We see it in the total obsession with our stories: Heated Rivalry. Pluribus. Abbott Elementary. The Hunting Wives. The Traitors. Stranger Things. Even video games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. These aren’t niche. They are global hits.”
Ellis also highlighted the organization’s mission moving forward.
“In today’s media ecosystem, GLAAD is still fighting back. BUT we are also charting the path forward. With influencers, podcasters, creators, fandoms, gamers, athletes. Everywhere that culture lives… That’s where you come in.”
Major Winners Across TV, Film and Podcasts
Several cast members accepted awards during the ceremony, including the ensemble of Heated Rivalry, which won Outstanding New TV Series. Noah Schnapp represented Stranger Things for Outstanding Drama Series, while Palm Royale took home Outstanding Comedy Series.
Reality television also had a strong showing. Bravo’s Southern Hospitality won Outstanding Reality Program, and the Peacock competition hit The Traitors claimed Outstanding Reality Competition Program.
Journalism honors included a segment from The Weekend with Jonathan Capehart featuring Laverne Cox discussing the significance of WorldPride.
Podcast winners included Handsome and I’ve Had It, highlighting the growing influence of queer voices in audio storytelling.
Full List of 37th GLAAD Media Awards Winners
Outstanding New TV Series
Heated Rivalry (HBO Max/Crave)
Outstanding Drama Series
Stranger Things (Netflix)
Outstanding Comedy Series
Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release
Kiss of the Spider Woman (Roadside Attractions)
Outstanding Reality Program
Southern Hospitality (Bravo)
Outstanding Reality Competition Program
The Traitors (Peacock)
Outstanding TV Journalism Segment
“Community during fascism: Actress Laverne Cox on the importance of WorldPride in Trump’s D.C.” — The Weekend (MSNBC)
Outstanding Podcast
Handsome (Headgum)
Outstanding Podcast Episode (Tie)
“Straight Panic, Gay Excellence” — I’ve Had It (PodcastOne)
“Chappell Roan: Are People Scared of Me?” — Call Her Daddy (The Unwell Network / SiriusXM)
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
Wayward (Netflix)
Outstanding Film – Limited Theatrical Release (Tie)
A Nice Indian Boy (Blue Harbor Entertainment)
Plainclothes (Magnolia Pictures)
Outstanding Film – Streaming or TV
Queen of Coal (Netflix)
Outstanding Documentary
Come See Me in the Good Light (Apple TV+)
Outstanding Music Artist
Young Miko — Do Not Disturb
Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist
KATSEYE
Outstanding Broadway Production
Liberation by Bess Wohl
Outstanding Video Game
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
Outstanding Comic Book
Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices
Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology
Gaysians by Mike Curato
Outstanding Children’s Programming
Firebuds (Disney Jr.)
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming – Live Action
XO, Kitty (Netflix)
Outstanding Kids & Family Programming – Animated
Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake (HBO Max)
Outstanding Variety or Talk Show Episode
Jimmy Kimmel Live! — Guest Host Alan Cumming episode
Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage
People
Outstanding TV Journalism – Long-Form
“A Transgender Marine Speaks Out” (NBC 7 San Diego)
Outstanding Online or Print Journalism Article
“As the first out trans person in Congress, Sarah McBride is ready to fight for us” — The Advocate
Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia
“A Mother and Her Trans Teen Decide to Leave the U.S.” — The New Yorker
Outstanding Independent Journalism
Under the Desk News with V Spehar
Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media
Them
Special Recognition
The Drowsy Chaperone in Concert (Breaking the Binary Theatre)
Gaydar with Anania
Spanish-Language Categories
Outstanding Scripted Television Series
Mariliendre (Atresplayer)
Outstanding TV Journalism (Tie)
“Ni hombre, ni mujer: Intersexual” — Noticias Telemundo
“Orgullo 2025 Avances, Desafíos y Caminos” — Spectrum Noticias
Outstanding Online Journalism Article
“My Coming Out Story” — Quién
Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia
“¿Tienes HIV, Mijo? A Mother’s Journey” — Living y Ready (LatiNation)
Special Recognition
Andry José Hernández Romero
Before We Forget (Twenty Nine Palms Ent.)
Inaugural Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award
Liza Minnelli
