This year’s GLAAD Media Awards will include an Outstanding Broadway Production category for the first time since 2014.
The decision to bring back the category came after “a surge of powerful LGBTQ-inclusive shows” have appeared on Broadway. The LGBTQ advocacy organization has been consulting on several recent Broadway productions, according to the organization.
“Broadway is an impactful part of American culture and has an undeniable legacy of including LGBTQ stories and characters that entertain and enlighten,” Sarah Kate Ellis, president and chief executive of GLAAD, said in the press release. “As GLAAD’s work in theater grows, this category will not only honor worthy productions, but raise the bar for LGBTQ-inclusion on Broadway.”
In December, GLAAD released a statement saying that the organization had consulted with the producers and creative team of “Tootsie.” The organization did not officially consult on “Mrs. Doubtfire,” but a member gave feedback in an unofficial capacity and the organization has been having conversations with the musical.
The 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards will be held in New York on March 19, 2020 and in Los Angeles on April 16. Nominees will be announced Jan. 8.
The award for Outstanding Broadway Production can be given to a play or musical and can include revivals, so long as it includes “bold and original content,” according to GLAAD. In the past the award included Off-Broadway productions, but will now only be open to Broadway shows within the previous calendar year.
Previous recipients include “Rent,” “Angels in America,” “Falsettos,” “The Normal Heart” and “The Little Dog Laughed.”
