Representation of marginalized groups has been a raging issue in Hollywood over the last two years. Women, minorities and the LGBTQ community form only a fraction of the contributors in the industry, with an even smaller number taking on roles like Director or lead actor. This is why the GLAAD Media Awards continue to be one of the most important ceremonies of the season, and this year saw some popular productions featuring in the winner's list.
Sweeping the awards
There is no doubt that “Moonlight” fever has swept the nation, and rightfully so. The film has already taken home some of the most prestigious awards of the year, but the core themes of the film allowed it to win the GLAAD award for Outstanding Film this year (in the wide release category).
Tarell Alvin McCraney, the writer of the incredible feature, accepted the award on behalf of the movie. He had these memorable words to share during his acceptance speech: “We win when we give our children, the ones who are going missing in the night, or wondering how much they matter to us, to each other, to the law… give them the courage, the tools, and resources to scatter their light across the cinema walls and make the face of heaven so fine,” he said. “We won for ‘Moonlight’ today, but how are we winning tomorrow?”
Other big winners
Amazon’s “Transparent” continues to deliver on some high-quality television, which is why it won the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. Freeform’s “Shadowhunters” came out of left field to take home the award for Outstanding Drama Series.
The show was a sleeper hit this past year and has slowly garnered a following over the course of the season.
“Other People,” the touching story of a struggling writer moving back to his hometown took home the award for Outstanding Film (Limited release), while “Eyewitness,” created by USA Network, managed to win big in the Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series category.
Unsurprisingly enough, “Black Mirror’s” “San Junipero” won Outstanding Individual Episode of the Year. The anthology series hit a high point this season with this episode which focused on two senior women living out their adolescent fantasies in a virtual world.
“The Bold and The Beautiful” won Outstanding Daily Drama, while “The Woods,” written by James Tynion IV won Outstanding Comic Book. In the individual awards, Youtube sensation Troye Sivan won the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, while veteran actress Patricia Arquette won the Vanguard Award.
