Thursday, September 30, 2010

Winners of the GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising Announced, include Levi's, American Airlines, Progressive Insurance, Wells Fargo

Bethenny Frankel, Andy Cohen (pictured top left), Bryan Batt and Chely Wright were among the celebrities who joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to honor American Airlines, legendary Advertising Age critic Bob Garfield and outstanding images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in advertising at the 2nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising in New York City.

SAG Award-winning actor Bryan Batt (pictured left), who portrayed ad executive Salvatore Romano on AMC's hit series 'Mad Men', hosted the event which recognizes and honors individuals and projects in the advertising and marketing industries for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

"Tonight's honorees, nominees and award recipients have set new industry standards which underline the value of gay and lesbian consumers," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "More and more companies are moving toward ads that reflect truly reflect all people and learning that LGBT people should be accepted and respected, not only for their potential buying power, but for their contribution to the American cultural fabric."

Barrios continued, "While LGBT representation on TV continues to grow, the advertising industry has not yet fully embraced our community. Tonight's nominees and honorees have set new benchmarks in the industry and continue to lead the way in fair, accurate and inclusive LGBT representation in advertising."

At the ceremony, country music artist Chely Wright presented American Airlines with the Corporate Responsibility Award in recognition of the company's longstanding and public commitment to the LGBT community. American Airlines’ Vice President of New York, Art Torno, was on hand to receive the Award.

For a complete list of nominees and award recipients, please visit www.glaad.org/advertisingawards.