GLAAD hands out founders award

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NEW YORK, March 25 (UPI) -- Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron received the Vito Russo Award in New York at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, the organization's Web site said.

The accolade is presented every year in the name of the founder of GLAAD to openly LGBT media professionals making a significant difference in promoting equality, the Web site said.

Bernadette Peters and John Stamos handed out the Vito Russo award Saturday night. Producer Harvey Weinstein presented a Special Recognition Award to Katy Butler, an openly gay high school student who began a campaign last month to change the rating of the upcoming documentary "Bully" from an "R" rating to "PG."

Among the winners announced at the ceremonies were The New York Times, The Advocate, CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," Oprah and Lady Gaga.

Other award winners included: "Battle Against Bullying" ABC World News with Diane Sawyer -- Outstanding TV Journalism Segment; "Pariah" -- Outstanding Film -- Limited Release; and Cheyenne Jackson for "30 Rock."

The GLAAD Media Awards will continue in Los Angeles April 21 and in San Francisco June 2 the Web site said.