Stars Arrive at 2026 GLAAD Media Awards

Annual ceremony honors LGBTQ+ representation in media

Mar. 6, 2026 at 3:10am

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The 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremony took place on March 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, hosted by actor Jonathan Bennett. The event honored outstanding portrayals of LGBTQ+ people and issues across media over the past year. Demi Lovato performed, and Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson received the Vanguard Award, while podcasters Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang accepted the Stephen F. Kolzak Award.

Why it matters

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and celebrate the increased visibility and positive representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in film, television, journalism, and other media. As LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance continue to evolve, these awards play an important role in highlighting media that promotes understanding and inclusion.

The details

The 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremony took place on March 5, 2026 in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by actor Jonathan Bennett, known for his role in the film Mean Girls. In addition to the awards presentations, the ceremony featured a special performance by singer Demi Lovato. Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson was honored with the Vanguard Award, which recognizes LGBTQ+ allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance. Podcasters Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang accepted the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for their efforts to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.

  • The 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremony took place on March 5, 2026.
  • The event was hosted by actor Jonathan Bennett.

The players

Jonathan Bennett

An actor known for his role in the film Mean Girls, who hosted the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards ceremony.

Demi Lovato

A singer who performed at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards ceremony.

Quinta Brunson

The creator of the TV series Abbott Elementary, who received the Vanguard Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.

Matt Rogers

A podcaster who, along with Bowen Yang, accepted the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards for their efforts to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.

Bowen Yang

A podcaster who, along with Matt Rogers, accepted the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards for their efforts to increase LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.

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What they’re saying

“The GLAAD Media Awards are such an important event for recognizing the progress we've made in LGBTQ+ representation, and the work that still needs to be done.”

— Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary Creator

“We're honored to accept this award and continue using our platform to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories.”

— Matt Rogers, Las Culturistas Podcaster

What’s next

The 38th annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in March 2027.

The takeaway

The GLAAD Media Awards play a vital role in celebrating and promoting LGBTQ+ representation in media, which is crucial for increasing visibility, understanding, and acceptance within society.