Downton Abbey, Rocketman among 176 nominations for LGBT awards … and Taylor Swift?

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation celebrates film and television shows that promote LGBT characters in a fair and complex way

Musical performers, comic books and video games are among the categories for its media awards. Taylor Swift was a surprise honoree for some

Reading Time:2 minutes

Taylor Swift is to be awarded the GLAAD vanguard award. Some commentators are surprised at the American singer receiving an LGBT award. Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

Published: 8:00pm, 11 Jan 2020Updated: 8:00pm, 11 Jan 2020

The growing voice and presence of the LGBT community in entertainment in the United States will be celebrated at the 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards, for which a record number of nominations have been announced.

The awards presented by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation are intended to highlight and celebrate those names in film and television who tell LGBT stories and portray LGBT characters in a fair, complex, and non-derogatory light.

With 176 nominees in 30 categories, 2019 was a banner year for LGBT stories and characters. In announcing the nominations, GLAAD also announced it would be bringing back the category for outstanding Broadway production and adding a category for children’s and family programming, reflecting the growing visibility of gay stories and characters in children’s entertainment.

“There are more nominees for the 31st annual GLAAD Media Awards than ever before, not only because LGBTQ diversity and inclusion has progressed, but because GLAAD’s work to forward LGBTQ visibility has never been more important,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO. GLAAD presents awards in English- and Spanish-language categories.

Zoe Saldana and John Cho (right) in a still from Star Trek Beyond.

Among the many nominees this year are Rocketman, Booksmart, and Downton Abbey, and TV shows such as Schitt’s Creek, Vida, Pose, Dickinson, and Star Trek: Discovery. There are also categories for musical artist – where our money is on Lil Nas X – and even comic books and video games.