Jennifer Lawrence’s Bold Act of Defiance: Mocking Mike Pence and Celebrating Orville Peck at GLAAD Awards

On Saturday (May 11), there was only one show on planet Earth that could boast more queer energy than the Eurovision Song Contest, and that was the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards in New York City at the Midtown Hilton Hotel.

Not unlike this year’s Eurovision in Malmö, Sweden, the event was not without protestors. A small group picketed outside the hotel’s entrance during the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards, accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people. What truly captured the attention, however, was the interruption of the opening monologue by host Ross Matthews. An attendee repeatedly declared “GLAAD is complicit in genocide” before being escorted out, leaving an uncomfortable atmosphere at the start of the event.

Matthews, addressing the disruption, emphasized the importance of fighting for everyone’s rights, reminding attendees of the core values the event stands for despite the disturbance. While the Israel-Hamas War did not reemerge during the night, the overarching theme of politics remained central to the GLAAD Media Awards.

Among the notable appearances and statements made, New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated LGBTQ New Yorkers and advocated for trans rights. GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis urged attendees to use their “platform and privilege” to ensure that LGBTQ rights are valued by the next U.S. president. Also, during the event, one Oscar winner humorously addressed a former U.S. vice president.

Actress Jennifer Lawrence, donning a Veronica Lake haircut, took the stage to celebrate her friend Orville Peck, who was honored with the Vito Russo Award at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards. Lawrence’s remarks, laced with humor, resonated with the audience as she shared anecdotes and expressed her support for the LGBTQ community.

Peck, speaking after receiving the award, emphasized the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in the music industry and the importance of visibility and representation. He highlighted the role of queer individuals in turning adversity into artistic expression, humor, and cultural impact.

Throughout the evening, various guests and performers graced the stage, including Jennifer Hudson, who received an award for an episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show. The emotional and celebratory atmosphere was further amplified by Loren Allred’s performance of songs from The Greatest Showman, accompanied by Scott Hoying.

Toward the conclusion of the event, GLAAD recognized Billboard and its Pride Editor Stephen Daw for the outstanding print article of the year. The award-winning article, a comprehensive interview with Maren Morris and drag artists about drag bans in the U.S., showcased the publication’s commitment to LGBTQ rights and representation.

The 2024 GLAAD Media Awards served as a platform to celebrate inclusivity, advocate for LGBTQ rights, and honor individuals who continue to push boundaries and pave the way for a more diverse and accepting society. As the evening came to a close, the messages of unity, resilience, and empowerment reverberated, leaving a lasting impact on all those in attendance.