The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration Of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television will honor a plethora of talent this summer. On June 7th, comedian and actress Sherry Cola – who killed it in Joy Ride – will host the event, which will later broadcast on HereTV. One of the honorees is the beloved Nathan Lane, a master on the small screen, the big screen, and the stage.
The event will celebrate artistic achievements from the LGBTQ+ entertainment community. “I am extremely proud to be able to announce this inaugural event showcasing the best performances from the LGBTQ+ community in film and television,” said Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association. “A significant number of the CCA’s membership identifies as LGBTQ+, so this Celebration is extremely meaningful to our organization.”
As for Lane, he’ll receive the Career Achievement Award. More than well-deserved for the star of Beau is Afraid, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andonicus, and The Birdcage. A fun fact: a once crusty crew member, who couldn’t stand 90% of actors, told me the only time he was blown away by a performer on set was by Lane’s work. Everything the actor said and did, he noted, had him entranced.
More impactful artists will be celebrated, including chef and author Kristen Kish for TV Host Award for Bravo’s Top Chef. Recently, she also did a stellar job hosting Restaurants at the End of the World. It’s a must-watch led by a curious and knowledgeable host, who’s simply just exceptionally damn good at her variety of jobs.
Abe Sylvia will be celebrated, as well. The showrunner of Apple TV+’s new hit dark comedy, Palm Royale, will receive the Showrunner Award. It’s a show that’s found a passionate audience. Author, activist and actor George Takei, too, will receive the Social Justice Award, honoring his fight for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice and marriage equality.
Courtesy of The Critics Choice Association, here’s the list of honorees:
Actor Carl Clemons-Hopkins will be awarded the Supporting Performance Award for Television (Series) for their role in the Max Original and Universal Television’s Hacks.
Actor Chris Perfetti will be honored with the Breakthrough Performance Award for Television (Series) for his role as Jacob Hill in the ABC, Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television series, Abbott Elementary.
Actor Fernando Carsa will receive the Rising Star Award for his role as Memo in the Apple TV+ series, Acapulco.
Multi-hyphenate author, activist and Star Trek actor George Takei will accept the Social Justice Award for his tireless fight for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and marriage equality. With over 250 credits across more than six decades, Takei has left a lasting mark on Hollywood and the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Henry R. Muñoz III will receive the CCA’s first-ever Industry Leadership Award for not only being an advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, but also for his philanthropic involvements and commitment to advance diverse storytelling through his leadership at Funny Or Die.
Chef, Author, and Entrepreneur Kristen Kish will be awarded the TV Host Award for her work as the host on Bravo’s Emmy and James Beard Award-winning series Top Chef.
Director/writer Luke Gilford will be honored with the Breakthrough Director Award for his work on LD Entertainment’s film National Anthem.
Emmy Award-nominated actor Michaela Jaé Rodriguez will be honored with the Vanguard Award for her work in the Apple TV+ series, Loot.
Director Oliver Hermanus will be awarded the Director Award for Television (Series) for his work in the STARZ limited series, Mary & George.
Producers Ron Nyswaner, Matt Bomer, Daniel Minahan, and Robbie Rogers will receive the Producer Award for their work on the Paramount+ with Showtime series, Fellow Travelers.
RuPaul’s Drag Race team will accept the Trailblazer Award for the Emmy Award-winning MTV Entertainment series, RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Actor, writer, and director Shakina will receive the Writer Award for Television (Series) for her work in the NBC and Universal Television series, Quantum Leap.
Co-creators Johnnie Ingram and Stephen Warren, along with showrunner/director Peter LoGreco, and drag queens Sasha Velour, Priyanka, Jaida Essence Hall, and Latrice Royale will be honored with the Reality TV Award on behalf of the Emmy Award-winning HBO Original series, We’re Here.
