The 2023 GLAAD Media Awards were held on February 7th, 2023, and saw some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry come together to celebrate and honor the best in LGBTQ+ representation in media. The event, which was hosted virtually this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, saw Bad Bunny, Christina Aguilera, and Jeremy Pope among the top honors.
Bad Bunny took home the award for Outstanding Music Artist, which recognizes outstanding music released during the eligibility period that has made a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community. The Puerto Rican singer and songwriter, who has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career, was honored for his album “El Último Tour del Mundo”. The album, which was released in November 2020, features tracks that address social justice issues and include messages of love, acceptance, and inclusivity.
Christina Aguilera was awarded the Vito Russo Award, which is given to an openly LGBTQ+ media professional who has made a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Aguilera, who has been a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community for many years, was honored for her contributions to music and for using her platform to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. The award was named after Vito Russo, a film historian and activist who co-founded GLAAD in 1985.
Jeremy Pope, who was one of the breakout stars of the recent Netflix series “Hollywood”, was honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. The award, which is presented to an openly LGBTQ+ person in the entertainment industry who has made a significant impact on the industry and helped to promote equality, was named after Stephen F. Kolzak, a talent agent who was one of the first people in the industry to publicly speak out against the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in Hollywood. Pope was honored for his outstanding performance in “Hollywood” and for using his platform to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and to advocate for equality.
The 2023 GLAAD Media Awards also saw a number of other notable winners, including the FX series “Pose” and the Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy”, which won Outstanding Drama Series, and “Schitt’s Creek”, which won Outstanding Comedy Series. The film “Judas and the Black Messiah” was honored with Outstanding Film – Wide Release, while “Disclosure” won Outstanding Documentary.
In addition to the awards, the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards featured several memorable moments, including performances by Bad Bunny, Christina Aguilera, and Jeremy Pope. The event also saw several celebrity appearances, including appearances by actress Laverne Cox, singer Demi Lovato, and actress Sarah Paulson.
The 2023 GLAAD Media Awards once again demonstrated the impact that media can have on promoting equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. The awards honor the best in LGBTQ+ representation in media and recognize the individuals and projects that have made a significant impact on the community. The event serves as a reminder that media has the power to shape public opinion and to help create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is accepted and valued.
In conclusion, the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards were a celebration of the best in LGBTQ+ representation in media, and saw some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry come together to recognize and honor the outstanding work of those who have made a significant impact on the community. The awards serve as a testament to the power of media to shape public opinion and to promote equality and acceptance for all, and will undoubtedly inspire future generations to continue the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
