The 2010 GLAAD Media Awards Are Handed Out In LA

Last month the 21st annual GLAAD Media Awards were handed out in a ceremony in NYC, NY and last night the second batch of awards — “recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives” — where handed out here in LA in a second ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel. American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert performed and artists like Wanda Sykes, Drew Barrymore won GLAAD Media Awards alongside TV shows like Glee and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals yesterday and some deets from last night’s affair:

The Fox musical comedy was among the winners at the 21st annual GLAAD Media Awards. The show’s cast and creator Ryan Murphy received the trophy for outstanding comedy series at Saturday’s glitzy ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Murphy, in particular, praised lesbian actress Jane Lynch and gay actor Chris Colfer for their contributions. “We have a great responsibility with the show,” Murphy beamed. Murphy told the crowd that Colfer’s character, outspoken gay soprano Kurt Hummel, would have a boyfriend next season, and the pair would become prom kings. Murphy also promised the crowd that Colfer’s character “would never be the victim.” “Iron Chef” Cat Cora presented actress-director Drew Barrymore with the Vanguard Award, which honors efforts to increase visibility and understanding of the gay community. In a humorous video before accepting her trophy, Barrymore listed several of her inspirational gay colleagues, including her agent, lawyer, doctor, stylists and one of her dogs. “The thing that means the most to me about an evening like this, and why I want to fight and be outspoken about this is because there are so many people who are in desperate need of families,” Barrymore said. Constance McMillen, the lesbian Mississippi teenager who challenged her school district’s ban of same-sex prom dates, presented comedian-actress Wanda Sykes with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is given by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to an openly gay member of the entertainment community for their work toward eliminating homophobia. “I’m willing to give this award to you,” Sykes teased McMillen, “but I’m not gonna do it. It means a lot to me.” Other winners included Logo’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for outstanding reality program and “A Single Man” for outstanding wide release film. “A Single Man” director Tom Ford wasn’t on hand to receive his trophy. His partner Richard Buckley accepted the award on Ford’s behalf because the filmmaker was stranded in London thanks to the volcanic cloud of ash. Adam Lambert, the glam-rocking “American Idol” runner-up who raised eyebrows with his racy performance at last year’s American Music Awards, capped off the ceremony hosted by transgender actress Candis Cayne and gay actor Wilson Cruz with a performance of his tunes “Music Again” and “Fever.” He ended by pleading for diversity within the gay community. The awards salute fair, accurate and inclusive representation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives in the media. Other winners — chosen from 152 nominees in 32 categories — were awarded at a March ceremony in New York, while the remainder will be presented at a San Francisco ceremony in June.

Yeah, I know the NYC ceremony last month was fab but LA always does this show better. What a fantastic turn-out for such an important awards show. After the jump, check out some of the winners on stage as they collected their GLAAD Media Awards last night …

Of the winners highlighted here, I have to say that I am most impressed with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Never in my LIFE did I ever dream that a TV show where contestants compete to become drag superstars would exist, let alone find an audience and succeed. I know many folks find the show silly and purely comical but it’s mere existence is such a huge validation for the Drag community and I couldn’t be more thrilled that the show is doing so well. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize shows that fairy, accurately and inclusively representation the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community … and I can’t think of a show that does a better job of that right now than RuPaul’s Drag Race. Well done and much congrats. Congratulations go out to all of the winners this year!!!

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]