GLAAD Recognises Excellence in LGBTQ+ Media Representation
LOS ANGELES – The 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremony has concluded in Los Angeles, celebrating media productions and artists for their fair, accurate, and inclusive portrayals of the LGBTQ+ community. With nearly 300 nominees across 31 categories, the event highlights the growing importance of queer narratives in mainstream entertainment.
According to the organisation, nominees are judged on several criteria, including the quality of their representation, the project's originality and impact, and its overall artistic merit. The awards serve as a key part of GLAAD's mission to accelerate LGBTQ+ acceptance through visibility in media.
Highlights from Film and Television
In the film categories, Kiss of the Spider Woman received the award for Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release. The award for Limited Theatrical Release resulted in a tie, with both A Nice Indian Boy and Plainclothes sharing the honour.
Television saw a number of widely-watched series recognised for their contributions to LGBTQ+ storytelling. Netflix's global hit Stranger Things won for Outstanding Drama Series, while Apple TV+'s Palm Royale secured the award for Outstanding Comedy Series. The much-discussed hockey romance series Heated Rivalry was named Outstanding New TV Series.
The award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program went to The Traitors. The format, which has a popular Dutch version in De Verraders, was recognised for its inclusive casting. Meanwhile, Southern Hospitality won for Outstanding Reality Program.
Key Television & Film Winners:
- Outstanding Drama Series: Stranger Things
- Outstanding Comedy Series: Palm Royale
- Outstanding New TV Series: Heated Rivalry
- Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Wayward
- Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release: Kiss of the Spider Woman
- Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors
- Outstanding Documentary: Come See Me in the Good Light
Music, Podcasts, and Theatre Honoured
The awards also celebrated achievements in other media formats. Puerto Rican rapper and singer Young Miko was named Outstanding Music Artist for her album Do Not Disturb, while the global girl group KATSEYE won for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.
In the podcasting world, Handsome Podcast, hosted by comedians Fortune Feimster, Tig Notaro, and Mae Martin, took home the award for Outstanding Podcast. The Broadway production of Liberation by Bess Wohl was awarded Outstanding Broadway Production.
Key Music & Other Media Winners:
- Outstanding Music Artist: Young Miko, Do Not Disturb
- Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist: KATSEYE
- Outstanding Podcast: Handsome Podcast
- Outstanding Broadway Production: Liberation, by Bess Wohl
The complete list of winners reflects a diverse range of stories and creators being recognised, underscoring a continued, if gradual, shift towards more authentic and varied LGBTQ+ representation across the media landscape.
