Chicago performer Chilli Pepper presents GLAAD's Vanguard Award to Oprah Winfrey. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images for GLAAD)
The 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards took place at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on March 14. Hosted by comedian Wayne Brady, it was an unforgettable night filled with surprise guests, inspiring speeches and exciting performances.
GLAAD’s Vanguard Award is presented to allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues. Previous honorees include Bad Bunny, Beyoncé and JAY-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Kerry Washington, Cher, Janet Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Kacey Musgraves and Antonio Banderas.
Paolo Presta, Oprah Winfrey and Chilli Pepper pose backstage during the 35th GLAAD Media Awards show - Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on March 14 in Beverly Hills. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for GLAAD )
On this memorable evening, Vanguard Award winner Oprah Winfrey invited Chicago's very own Chilli Pepper to present her with the award alongside co-presenter Paolo Presta. Oprah humorously remarked that Chilli, who has a fear of flying, had to travel by train, dedicating three days to reach the event in support of her friend.
Oprah delivered an inspiring speech to close out the night: “35 years ago, my brother, Jeffrey Lee, passed away when he was just 29 years old from AIDS. Growing up at the time we did, in the community we did, we didn’t have the language to understand or speak about sexuality and gender in the way we do now. And at the time, I didn’t know how deeply my brother internalized the shame that he felt about being gay. I wish he could have lived to witness these liberated times and to be here with me tonight."
Chilli Pepper at the 35th GLAAD Media Awards in Beverly Hills. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images for GLAAD)
GLAAD also presented the following awards from six categories:
- Fellow Travelers received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series presented by Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
- Ted Lasso received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Series presented by Alexandra Shipp and Sydney Sweeney.
- Monica received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film – Limited Theatrical Release presented by Scott Evans.
- RuPaul’s Drag Race received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program presented by Meredith Marks and Heather Dubrow
- Yellowjackets received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series presented by Chrishell Stause and G Flip.
- Reneé Rapp received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist presented by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.
(The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards will stream on Hulu beginning Friday, March 29.)
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.