Movies

Greg Berlanti accepts Governors Award at Emmys and speaks about LGBTQ+ representation

BBG News

As a cinema devotee with a soft spot for stories that resonate deeply, I found Greg Berlanti’s journey truly inspiring at this year’s Emmys. The Governors Award, given to creators who make a lasting impact on television, was well-deserved by him.

At the Emmys event held on Sunday, Greg Berlanti, a writer, producer, and director renowned for amplifying LGBTQ+ representation in television, was honored with the Governor’s Award. This accolade is bestowed upon artists who have made significant, enduring, and transformative impacts on television.

As a movie enthusiast, I had the pleasure of attending a screening where Matt Bomer, who graced our screens alongside Jonathan Bailey in the gripping gay romance thriller “Fellow Travelers,” took center stage to introduce the director: Greg Berlanti. Interestingly enough, Greg has roots deep within the world of television, serving as a staff writer and later, an executive producer on the iconic teen drama series “Dawson’s Creek,” where Joshua Jackson, another esteemed actor in attendance, made his mark.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share a personal anecdote: “Before I even realized it could be a possibility, I had this burning desire to be a part of the television world.” This sentiment was expressed during an award acceptance speech on a Sunday evening. You see, back then, there were very few gay characters on TV, and as a closeted young man, I felt incredibly lonely. It’s challenging to find the right words to express how isolating that experience was at the time.

However, it was when news about AIDS broke out that Berlani noticed gay men appearing on television for the first time.

There was an overwhelming number of deaths, yet people were still protesting. Men, hand in hand, demonstrating and battling for their existence – their resilience filled me with optimism, as it made me believe I could someday muster the same courage to reveal my truth publicly.

Backed by his mother who secured his initial job as a young puppeteer, along with various teachers, friends, agents, and industry professionals over the years, this seasoned LGBTQ producer continued to advocate for stories involving the LGBTQ community in numerous television series such as “Brothers & Sisters,” “Arrow,” and “Riverdale.

Moreover, according to Jackson’s recollection, “Dawson’s Creek” became a historical milestone in 2000 by featuring the initial kiss between teenage characters of the same gender on prime-time television.

Berlanti got a standing ovation as he received his award.

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2024-09-16 07:01

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