21st GLAAD Media Awards

Stephen F. Kolzak Award recipient, Wanda Sykes at the 21st GLAAD Media Awards, Los Angeles, April 18, 2010.

The 21st GLAAD Media Awards was the 2010 annual presentation of the media awards presented by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The awards seek to honor films, television shows, musicians and works of journalism that fairly and accurately represent the LGBT community and issues relevant to the community.[1] The 21st annual award ceremony included 116 nominees in 24 English-language categories, and 36 Spanish-language nominees in eight categories.[2]

The awards were presented in three separate shows: one in New York City on March 13, one in Los Angeles on April 18, and one in San Francisco on June 5.[1] The Los Angeles event was hosted by Candis Cayne and Wilson Cruz.[2] Alan Cumming hosted the New York awards, and Bruce Vilanch hosted the San Francisco event.[3] Additional guests and presenters included Elizabeth Keener, Tom Ford, Benjamin Bratt and Rob Halford.[2][3]

Comedian Wanda Sykes received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is presented to an openly gay media professional who has made a difference promoting and advancing equal rights in the community.[2] Sykes publicly came out in 2008 at a Las Vegas rally.[4] She said of receiving the award, "I greatly appreciate the work that GLAAD continues to do, promoting equality, fair representation and tolerance for our LGBT community. I just pray that I don't ruin what GLAAD has achieved with all of my shenanigans."[5]

Actress Drew Barrymore received the Vanguard Award, which is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility and understanding of the gay community.[2] Barrymore was selected for her portrayal of a lesbian daughter of a widower in the film Everybody's Fine, as well as her vocal support for same sex marriage.[3] Barrymore said, "I was born, bred and raised among diversity, it has defined me and made me the person I am today. I'm honored and humbled to be receiving this award."[5] Actress Cynthia Nixon also received the Vito Russo Award,[2] and the musical Hair received a special recognition.[6]

  1. ^ a b "GLAAD announces awards to be presented onstage at New York, Los Angeles and San Francisci events". Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. 17 February 2010. Archived from the original on 28 February 2010. Retrieved 21 February 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Gaita, Paul (February 18, 2010). "Barrymore, Sykes receive tributes at GLAAD Awards". Los Angeles Times.
  3. ^ a b c Wilson, Gemma (February 19, 2010). "Cruz to Co-host Los Angeles GLAAD Media Awards". Playbill. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  4. ^ "GLAAD to Honor Sykes, Barrymore". The Advocate. 17 February 2010. Archived from the original on 20 February 2010. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  5. ^ a b "Drew Barrymore to be honored by gay and lesbian alliance". Look to the Stars. February 21, 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2010.
  6. ^ "21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards – English Language Nominees". Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. 2010. Archived from the original on 30 January 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2010.