‘Heated Rivalry,’ ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Traitors’ dominate at GLAAD Media Awards

‘Heated Rivalry,’ ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Traitors’ took top honours at the 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards

The 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards celebrated some of the most impactful and inclusive entertainment of the year on Thursday night in Los Angeles. Hosted by Jonathan Bennett at the Beverly Hilton, the ceremony highlighted achievements across television, film, music, journalism and digital media.

HBO Max/Crave’s ‘Heated Rivalry,’ which follows the love story of hockey players Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, was named outstanding new TV series. Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ earned outstanding drama series for its fifth and final season, while Peacock’s reality competition series ‘Traitors’ won outstanding reality competition program. Bravo’s ‘Southern Hospitality’ took home the award for outstanding reality program.

On the film front, Bill Condon’s adaptation of the Broadway musical ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman,’ starring Jennifer Lopez, Tonatiuh and Diego Luna, received the award for outstanding wide theatrical release. Indie rom-com ‘A Nice Indian Boy’ and drama ‘Plainclothes’ tied for outstanding limited theatrical release. Netflix’s ‘Queen of Coal’ won outstanding film for streaming or TV.

Special awards were presented to notable figures, including Quinta Brunson, who received the Vanguard Award, and Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers of ‘Las Culturistas,’ who were honoured with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Liza Minnelli made a surprise appearance in celebration of her upcoming 80th birthday and the release of her memoir ‘Kids, Wait Till Hear This!’ Performances included Demi Lovato and Sony Music artist Eli.

Other winners included ‘Palm Royale’ for outstanding comedy series, ‘Handsome’ for outstanding podcast, and ‘Wayward’ for outstanding limited or anthology series. Disney Jr.’s ‘Firebuds’ won outstanding children’s programming, and Netflix’s ‘XO, Kitty’ was recognised for live-action kids and family programming, with HBO Max’s ‘Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake’ winning for animated programming.

The awards also celebrated outstanding achievements in journalism, with NBC 7 San Diego recognised for a long-form segment and Advocate honoured for an online article highlighting Sarah McBride, the first out trans person in Congress. Marvel’s ‘Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices’ won outstanding comic book, and Mike Curato’s ‘Gaysians’ took the award for outstanding original graphic novel or anthology.