Los Angeles once again became the epicenter of culture, advocacy, and entertainment as the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards unfolded in Beverly Hills, bringing together some of the most influential voices in television, music, film, and media. Hosted by actor and producer Jonathan Bennett, the ceremony celebrated nearly 300 nominees across more than 30 categories, honoring the stories and creators who continue to shape the global conversation around LGBTQ visibility and representation. The ceremony will stream on Hulu beginning March 21, extending the reach of one of the most important nights celebrating inclusive storytelling.
Jonathan Bennett as the Host during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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From the moment guests began arriving, the atmosphere carried a distinct sense of excitement. The red carpet quickly transformed into a dynamic intersection of entertainment, media, and activism, with high-profile figures including the most sought-after actor at the moment, Connor Storrie, Cara Delevingne, Chris Appleton, Colton Underwood, Don Lemon, Laverne Cox, Niecy Nash-Betts, Jessica Betts, and many more stepping into the spotlight. The energy of the arrivals set the tone for a night that would blend celebration, emotion, and powerful cultural commentary.
Cara Delevingne attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Chris Appleton attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Colton Underwood attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Laverne Cox attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Don Lemon speaks onstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Niecy Nash-Betts attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Jessica Betts attends the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Inside the ballroom, the evening opened with a memorable musical moment as global superstar Demi Lovato delivered a performance that immediately energized the audience. But it was clear from the beginning that the ceremony would balance spectacle with substance.
Demi Lovato performs onstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Throughout the night, speakers and honorees reminded the audience that the GLAAD Media Awards are not simply about entertainment recognition, but about the power of storytelling to shift culture and expand representation.
One of the most talked about moments of the night arrived with a surprise appearance by legendary EGOT icon Liza Minnelli, who received the inaugural Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award. Presented by Michael Feinstein, the tribute celebrated Minnelli’s extraordinary legacy and cultural impact. Entering the stage to thunderous applause after a tribute narrated by RuPaul and surrounded by dancers, the icon delivered one of the most heartfelt moments of the evening.
(L-R) Michael Feinstein and Liza Minnelli pose backstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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“I’m so glad to be here with you, all of you,” Minnelli told the audience. “You make me so proud, ’cause you’re strong, and you stand up for what you believe in.” The room responded with a standing ovation, a powerful reminder of the profound connection Minnelli has long shared with generations of fans and with the LGBTQ community that has embraced her throughout her career.
Another standout moment of the evening belonged to the series Heated Rivalry, which won Outstanding New TV Series. The award was accepted onstage by Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., and members of the cast alongside director Jacob Tierney. Their appearance drew one of the most enthusiastic reactions of the night, underscoring the growing cultural momentum behind the series. With its emotionally layered storytelling and passionate fan base, Heated Rivalry has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about new titles in queer television, and its recognition at the GLAAD Media Awards confirmed its rising impact.
(L-R) Brendan Brady, Nadine Bhabha, Jacob Tierney, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, and Robbie G.K. accept an award onstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Quinta Brunson received the prestigious Vanguard Award, recognizing her work as an artist and storyteller whose projects continue to elevate LGBTQ inclusion in mainstream entertainment. Meanwhile, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, hosts of the popular podcast Las Culturistas, were honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, acknowledging their influence in promoting visibility and representation both within the industry and across popular culture.
Quinta Brunson received an award during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Las Culturistas hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers were honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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The awards themselves reflected the remarkable breadth of storytelling happening across the entertainment landscape today. Stranger Things took home the award for Outstanding Drama Series, while Palm Royale was recognized as Outstanding Comedy Series. The Traitors earned recognition in the reality competition category, and Kiss of the Spider Woman received the award for Outstanding Film in Wide Theatrical Release. Across television, film, music, journalism, podcasts, and even video games, the winners demonstrated how inclusive storytelling has become a central part of contemporary entertainment.
Noah Schnapp accepted the award for Outstanding Drama Series on behalf of Stranger Things during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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(L-R) Palm Royale producer, Abe Sylvia and actress, Mindy Cohn, pose backstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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(L-R) Parvati Shallow, Chrishell Stause, and Monet X Change celebrate the win for Outstanding Reality Competition Program for The Traitors during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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Tonatiuh accepted the GLAAD award for Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release on behalf of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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A particularly powerful moment came when Cara Delevingne introduced Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of GLAAD, reflecting on the deep relationship between culture and activism.
“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, and legislate us out of existence, we are still here, making sure that we are heard, seen and represented.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD speaks onstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton
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