“HERE I AM, SURROUNDED BY GAYS, THANK GOD. IT’S THE STORY OF MY LIFE.”
Even though they tried to murder her on The White Lotus, Jennifer Coolidge still loves the gays.
The 34th annual GLAAD Media Awards was held last night (March 30) at the Beverly Hilton in L.A. Hosted by Margaret Cho, and featuring special performances by FLETCHER and Orville Peck, it was a star-studded evening celebrating the best in LGBTQ media.
But even before any awards could be given out, Jennifer Coolidge kicked off the ceremony with a surprise appearance.
“Here I am again, surrounded by gays, thank God. It’s the story of my life,” she told the ecstatic audience. “We’re here to honor media that helps the world understand and accept the LGBTQ+ community. I have so much respect for the LGBTQ community, and I just want you all to know that I love you, and I thank you for always being there for me… I want to thank you for being you and for inspiring me.”
After her speech, Coolidge was surprised onstage by her Best In Show co-star, Jane Lynch, who presented her with a special GLAAD Media Award of Distinction.
Coolidge and Lynch weren’t the only celebs who graced the stage over the course of the evening. Introduced by Club Q shooting survivor Michael Anderson, Christina Aguilera received the Advocate for Change Award, Gabrielle Union presented Jeremy Pope with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, and Bad Bunny received the Vanguard Award, which was presented by Ricky Martin.
Speaking in Spanish, Bad Bunny thanked the “whole LGBTQ community for embracing me, for loving me the way they do, and for inspiring me too.”
“I believe that following my heart has led me to where I am, following my heart has brought me here receiving this award, surrounded by such beautiful people,” the reggaeton superstar said in his acceptance speech. “I believe that when you have a good heart and you give love, that’s what you receive back, and that’s what I’ve wanted to do all this time with my music, with what I represent, with my space, with my concerts, with my shows… That’s all I want, to give and receive love. That’s fundamental.”
Throughout the night, awards were given out for 15 of the 33 categories, with winners including A League of Their Own for Outstanding New TV Series, and Bros, which received the award for Outstanding Film – Wide Release.
Scroll through below to see the rest of the winners, and check out the full ceremony when it streams April 12 on Hulu. The rest of the GLAAD Media Award winners will be announced at the New York ceremony on Sat., May 13.
