At the second annual Critics Choice Association’s celebration honoring LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television, I was thrilled to be part of an event that showcased a vibrant array of talent. Notable names like Niecy Nash-Betts, Wanda Sykes, Bowen Yang, Liv Hewson, and Tramell Tillman were among the outstanding performers who received recognition for their exceptional work in film and television. It was truly inspiring to witness such a diverse group of artists shine in their respective fields.
On Friday evening, an event was held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, celebrating more than a dozen artists whose work has broadened portrayal, enriched narratives, and shed light on diverse LGBTQ+ tales. During the course of the event, these honorees shared insights into their personal journeys, emphasized the importance of their characters, and underscored the power of artistic autonomy.
In an enthusiastic and emotional speech, award-winning actress Niecy Nash-Betts graciously received the Groundbreaker Award for her exceptional work on FX’s Grotesquerie. During her acceptance, she reminisced about a career that has reshaped the image of leading ladies in terms of appearance and voice. Her speech was both humorous and heartfelt, leaving the audience in awe.
Nash-Betts expressed gratitude for this extraordinary moment, reminiscing about her childhood aspiration. At just five years old, she declared, ‘I want to be Black, fabulous, and on TV.’ She humorously referenced her real-life love story with Jessica Betts by saying, ‘Later on, I met the most beautiful soul I’ve ever encountered while eating crabs, and my clothes slipped off. And here we are.’
As a trailblazer, it can be chaotic and noisy,” she asserted. “At times, you’re shattering things with your bare hands while the world looks on skeptically. Yet, you persist, not for the accolades, but for the change. Admittedly, perhaps a smidgen for the acclaim too.” Dropping the microphone with a confident flourish, Nash-Betts sent a clear message to her longstanding critics: “Search me online, darling.
Legendary comedian Wanda Sykes, recognized for her versatile work in stand-up, movies, and television shows such as “The Upshaws” and “Black-ish”, was acknowledged for her multi-decade impact on entertainment and activism. She graciously received the Career Achievement Award, showcasing her signature mix of biting humor and sincere honesty that has characterized her long-standing career in the industry.
When Sykes stepped onto the stage, she seamlessly ran through the evening’s honorees, giving off an impression of an unplanned stand-up performance that kept the audience laughing. However, amidst the humor, she delivered a compelling and poignant message emphasizing the immediate need to safeguard the transgender community, especially trans youth, as they face increasing legislative threats.
Sykes stated, “We’re battling against parents who are desperately trying to preserve the lives of their children. Unfortunately, these parents are now being told by the government that their doctors cannot assist them. This is unjust and it is a battle we must win.
She emphasized that she strongly supports love, and the values of our community. Therefore, she suggested that we should express our love more passionately, make our voices heard even louder, and stand together in protection.
Unexpectedly making an appearance, comedian Leslie Jones brought laughter and warmth to the room as she presented the Reality TV Award to the cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17. Her speech was a blend of humor, sincerity, and intimate reflection.
She shared, “I stand at six feet, and I’m known for being boisterous. My mouth is quite large, as is my opinion. I’m not sure if I ever considered myself particularly attractive,” she admitted. “This community has welcomed me and helped shape who I am today. So let me express my gratitude to you all… You’ve been instrumental in saving my life.” Jones concluded passionately, “If we’re not standing up for drag queens, for the LGBTQ+ community, then what exactly are our actions about?
Liv Hewson, the actress from “Yellowjackets,” accepted the Rising Star Award while expressing her thoughts on representation. She stated that she identifies as non-binary and chooses not to be confined by awards categories that separate winners based on gender. She emphasized that the entertainment industry and life in general are collaborative efforts, and we should never forget that we’re never alone in our journey wherever we go.
Acknowledged for his exceptional performance in “Severance”, Tramell Tillman’s heartfelt speech emphasized the powerful significance of acting as a representative figure.
In his speech to the audience, he shared, “Growing up as a child in PG County, Maryland, I yearned for someone to guide me when I lacked the courage to stand alone, express myself honestly, and even disclose my dream of becoming an actor. To my surprise, here I am in a room filled with individuals who resonate with my reflection, sparkling like me.
He remarked, “Being visible is important, but it’s equally crucial to have a voice. I hope that young men, women, and those who transcend the traditional gender spectrum will find empowerment… as my presence here today would not have been possible without your support.
In the Marvel series “Agatha All Along,” Sasheer Zamata received the Breakthrough Performance Award for her role as a powerful witch. This recognition coincided with her reflection on how embodying such a character mirrored her own personal growth. As she put it, “It’s amusing – I was portraying a witch reclaiming her power during a time when I was also exploring myself.” She went on to reveal that she had recently come out publicly and expressed the truth in the saying: things do indeed get better.
The playful and resilient spirit of humor was evident in fellow Saturday Night Live star, Bowen Yang, as he accepted the Comedy Award with his signature wit and wisdom. In true form, he jokingly remarked, “Although I’m truly honored to receive this award, I believe that a Comedy Award is the closest thing queer people have to a participation trophy.” He added humorously, “I’ve never encountered a non-humorous queer person.
Yang discussed the emotional dynamics behind humor within queer societies, expressing, “We often resort to humor as a means of connection. It’s our mechanism for dealing with a world that isn’t always welcoming.
Michael Urie underscored the importance of earning visibility during his acceptance speech for the Trailblazer Award, which recognized his contributions to Shrinking. In his reflection, Urie discussed his significant role as Marc St. James in Ugly Betty, one of the earliest openly gay characters on network television, and the struggle of being true to himself in an industry that was not yet fully embracing queerness at that time.
Upon my emergence, I followed a path that had been paved by pioneers such as Christine Jorgensen, James Baldwin, Harvey Milk, Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, and Harvey Fierstein,” Urie stated. “I’m happy to accept the title of Trailblazer, but it’s important to remember that the path was already there. I merely removed some obstacles along the way, more like using a flamethrower.
He remembered the peculiarity of an era where gay characters appeared on-screen, yet openly gay actors were advised against it. “I was suggested to abandon playing gay roles. They said one was acceptable, but more might be excessive. However, I chose not to heed that counsel.
Comedian Benito Skinner, winner of the Rising Star Award for “Overcompensating” on Prime Video, looked back at the initial inspiration that ignited his creative journey, even when he wasn’t completely convinced about his own abilities.
He recalled his time in preschool when he imitated Mary Catherine Gallagher. He made a joke about how great it was, wearing a terrible wig and his sister’s Catholic school skirt, which added to the humor. Despite performing poorly in drag, his godmother, Herman, always encouraged him by saying, ‘You will perform one day. You have the star quality.’
Skinner attributes his success to individuals like her, who recognized potential in him even when he didn’t. “It’s because of them that I am where I am today.
Megan Stalter, who received a Breakthrough Performance Award for her standout role in Hacks, showcased her unique brand of humor while adorned with a crown and sash on stage. In jest, she declared, “I’m accepting this award as the ‘best gay actor of all time,'” followed by a heartfelt message: “It’s okay to be Christian and gay. Embrace your uniqueness; it’s beautiful.
Nathan Lee Graham, recipient of the Vanguard Award for ‘Mid-Century Modern’, gracefully and passionately made his mark on the stage by stating, “We are fighters for love. Our tools are laughter, cleverness, and determination. Let’s make things charming, and let’s keep progressing.
Extra recipients were Gideon Glick, who bagged the Supporting Performance Award in a Comedy Series, as well as Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff from Roadside Attractions, who received the Industry Leadership Award due to their dedication to diverse storytelling. The Netflix series Will & Harper took home the Documentary Award for its heartfelt and introspective trans-focused road movie, while the cast of HBO’s Somebody Somewhere garnered the Ensemble Award for their authentic and emotional depiction of community and bonding.
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2025-06-07 19:55