Full recap of GLAAD Media Awards in NYC!

Also at the event, the Rev. Al Sharpton presented the Excellence in Media Award to pioneering hip-hop producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons, who has repeatedly spoken out on issues of concern to the LGBT community, urging Americans to support full equality.

The Excellence in Media Award is presented to individuals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.

“It’s a great honor and I’m truly appreciative of the GLAAD Media Awards including me in this special night,” Simmons said in his acceptance speech.  “I’m humbled by having one of my mentors and heroes Rev. Sharpton giving me this award.  It’s no secret that faith-based communities, in some cases, have been difficult, and I think that for all of us who step outside of our comfort zone and fight for the rights of others, we are blessed.  And Rev. Sharpton [has] stood up in so many ways and has been very special.  And to the gay and lesbian community he’s a true blessing.  I’m honored and appreciative and I just want to thank everybody.  Thank you.”

Tina Fey accepted the award for Outstanding Individual Episode for the “Klaus & Greta” episode of 30 Rock. Openly gay actor Denis O’Hare, who played Vampire King Russell Edgington, accepted the award on behalf of True Blood which received the nod for Outstanding Drama Series.

The award for Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia was accepted by journalist Bobbi Misick, Emil Wilbekin, managing editor of Essence.com, and Danielle and Aisha Moodie-Mills for the Essence.com story “Bridal Bliss: Aisha and Danielle.”  This story was the first time Essence.com included a lesbian couple in its weekly wedding feature.

“The year’s honorees, nominees and award recipients represent diverse stories that are building acceptance and understanding about our community through their excellent work,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “GLAAD thanks all in attendance for joining us and voicing their support for equality.”

Bravo’s Executive Vice President of Original Programming & Development Andy Cohen hosted the evening,

Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Award recipients announced Saturday in New York.  Additional awards will be presented in Los Angeles on April 10 at the Westin Bonaventure and in San Francisco on May 14 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.  To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

• Excellence in Media Award:  Russell Simmons (presented by the Rev. Al Sharpton)
• Vito Russo Award:  Ricky Martin (presented by film and Broadway producer Craig Zadan)
• Outstanding Drama Series:  True Blood (HBO)
• Outstanding Individual Episode (in a serious without a regular LGBT character): “Klaus & Greta” 30 Rock (NBC)
• Outstanding Talk Show Episode:  “Ricky Martin Coming Out as a Gay Man and a New Dad” The Oprah Winfrey Show (syndicated)
• Outstanding TV Journalism – Newsmagazine:  “Gay Teen Suicides” (series) Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN)
• Outstanding Newspaper Article:  “Rutgers Student Tyler Clementi’s Suicide Spurs Action Across U.S.” by Judy Peet (The Star-Ledger [Newark, N.J.])
• Outstanding Newspaper Columnist:  Frank Rich (The New York Times)
• Outstanding Newspaper Overall Coverage:  Denver Post
• Outstanding Magazine Article:  “What Happens When You Find the One…And He’s Nothing – Nothing – Like You Expected?” by Allison Cooper (O, The Oprah Magazine)
• Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage:  The Advocate/Out
• Outstanding Digital Journalism Article:  “View From Washington” (series) by Kerry Eleveld (Advocate.com)
• Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia: “Bridal Bliss: Aisha and Danielle” by Bobbi Misick (Essence.com)
• Outstanding Blog:  Joe. My. God. (http://joemygod.blogspot.com/)
• Outstanding Music Artist:  Scissor Sisters, Night Work (Downtown Records)
• Outstanding Comic Book:  X-Factor by Peter David (Marvel Comics)
• Outstanding Los Angeles Theater:  Something Happened by L. Trey Wilson
• Outstanding New York Theater:  Broadway & Off–Broadway:  The Pride by Alexi Kaye Campbell
• Outstanding New York Theater:  Off–Off Broadway:  When Last We Flew by Harrison David Rivers