Cher and Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack presented the Stephen F. Kolzak Award to advocate and film and television star Chaz Bono at Saturday’s 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. Cher’s attendance was unannounced making for a special moment between mother and son – and the adoring crowd. The Stephen F. Kolzak Award is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality.
Academy Award-winning actor Benicio del Toro presented the Vanguard Award to film star Josh Hutcherson. Hutcherson is a co-founder of LGBT ally organization Straight But Not Narrow and has consistently spoken out about the importance of LGBT equality. The 19-year-old is the youngest ever recipient of the Vanguard Award, which is presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community.
Other winners at Saturday’s event included the Outstanding Film awarded to Beginners, Outstanding Documentary awarded to Becoming Chaz, and Outstanding Comedy Series awarded to Modern Family.
The 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards series will continue in San Francisco on June 2, 2012.
