'Orange is the New Black,' Elton John up for GLAAD Awards

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Elton John, Lady Gaga, "Orange is the New Black" and "The Fosters" earned GLAAD Award nominations in Los Angeles Thursday.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation -- a U.S. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender media advocacy organization -- also nominated for awards the TV shows "Orphan Black," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "Modern Family;" the films "Dallas Buyers Club," "Blue Is the Warmest Color," "Concussion," "Behind the Candelabra," "Bridegroom," "Call Me Kuchu" and "God Loves Uganda;" the cable networks MSNBC and ESPN; and the magazines Black Enterprise and Rolling Stone.

"Since its inception 25 years ago, the GLAAD Media Awards have reshaped the news and entertainment industries, inspiring thoughtful and inclusive characters and plotlines that have driven equality forward," GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement Thursday. "This year has brought momentous progress for [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] people and families -- and our nominees have created images and stories that continue to challenge misconceptions, shatter stereotypes, and change hearts and minds of millions all across the globe."

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies are to be held in Los Angeles April 12 at The Beverly Hilton and in New York May 3 at the Waldorf Astoria.

Special honorees for each city and recognition of an international LGBT advocate will be announced in coming weeks, GLAAD said.