Madonna to present Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award

Madonna will present Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, it was announced today.

She will will appear with the journalist, author and talk show host on March 16 at the Awards ceremony in New York, presented nationally by Ketel One Vodka and Wells Fargo. Cooper and Madonna are longtime friends who have both used their careers to raise support for LGBT people around the globe.

“Madonna has been a passionate spokesperson and longtime supporter of gay rights. She has embraced LGBT people around the world on many occasions,” said Herndon Graddick, President of GLAAD – the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Again Defamation. “From speaking out against bullying to raising support for marriage equality, Madonna has always been one of our community’s strongest allies. We are honored to have her stand with GLAAD and Anderson Cooper.”

GLAAD will honor Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at the New York event. The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality. Previous honorees include Ricky Martin, Rosie O’Donnell, and Elton John. The Award takes its name from legendary HIV/AIDS activist Vito Russo, who was also one of GLAAD’s founders.

“By sharing his own experiences as a gay man, Anderson has reminded millions of Americans that LGBT people are part of their everyday lives and an integral part of our cultural fabric,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “He continues to raise the bar and set a new standard for journalists everywhere, and I’m proud to call him a friend.”

Good Morning America anchors Lara Spencer, Josh Elliott, and Sam Champion will host the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, presented locally by Delta Air Lines. The GLAAD Media Awards are presented nationally by Ketel One and Wells Fargo.

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 16, 2013 at the New York Marriott Marquis; in Los Angeles on April 20 at the JW Marriott; and in San Francisco on May 11 at the Hilton San Francisco – Union Square. Additional Special Honorees for each city will be announced in coming weeks.

The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are executive produced by Marc Honaker, Director of Creative Development at GLAAD, and by Josh Wood, founder and president of Josh Wood Productions. “I am very proud that my company is producing the GLAAD Media Awards this year alongside such great collaborators. I have always been a fan of the organization and the important work GLAAD is doing to make the world a better place for the LGBT community. The fight is not over in the United States, or globally, and I admire GLAAD for inspiring and changing opinions through media,” said Wood.

Emmy Award winning production designer James Connelly will design this year’s set across the three cities. Acclaimed producer and editor Brett Henrichsen will also contribute to this year’s GLAAD Media Awards.

For ticket information visit: www.glaad.org/mediaawards

For further information about GLAAS please visit glaad.org and to receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

Thanks to MadonnaTribe contributors Scott and Kevin.