Genesis Awards facts for kids
The Genesis Awards are special prizes given out every year by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). They honor people in the news and entertainment world. These awards celebrate great work that helps everyone learn more about animal issues.
The awards show happens every March in California. It is put on by the HSUS Hollywood Outreach program. Many famous people have won these awards. Some past winners include Michael Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey. Journalists, writers, and TV channels also receive awards.
There are also special honorary awards. These include the Sid Caesar Award for funny TV shows. The Doris Day Award is for music. The Brigitte Bardot International Award is for media outside of America. The Gretchen Wyler Award goes to a celebrity who uses their fame to help animals.
How the Awards Started
The Genesis Awards began in 1986. They were started by Gretchen Wyler. She was a Broadway actress and a strong supporter of animals. She believed that giving awards to media people would encourage them. This would make them focus more on animal issues. It would also help more people care about animals.
The first event was a small lunch with 140 people. Over the years, it grew into a big party with about 800 guests. In 1991, Gretchen Wyler created the Ark Trust, Inc. This group helped present the Genesis Awards. Later, in 2002, the Ark Trust joined with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The awards show also became a TV special. It was shown first on the Discovery Channel and then on Animal Planet.
How Winners Are Chosen
Anyone can suggest entries for the Genesis Awards. This includes people from the public and media professionals. The awards cover many areas like TV, movies, books, radio, and music.
A special group called the Genesis Awards Committee chooses the winners. This committee has 13 members. They are chosen because they have worked to help animals for a long time. They come from different animal protection groups and various jobs. They discuss and then secretly vote to pick the winners.
The Award Ceremony
The Genesis Awards is a special event. It is the only one that honors the entertainment and news industries. It celebrates their work in raising awareness about animal protection. The awards recognize great work in TV, movies, print, and the arts. They show how media can change people's ideas for the better.
Many famous people have hosted the Genesis Awards. These include Betty White, William Shatner, and Ellen DeGeneres. Well-known celebrities also present the awards. Some of them are Christian Bale, James Cromwell, and even Kermit the Frog. The whole ceremony is recorded to be shown on TV.
The awards have been held at fancy hotels in Beverly Hills. These include the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Over the years, the show has been on channels like the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. Big companies like Warner Bros. and Honda have helped sponsor the event.
Past Winners
Many different types of shows and films have won Genesis Awards. They all help people think about animals.
- In 1986, Magnum, P.I. won for Best TV Drama Series. Night Court won for Best TV Comedy Series.
- In 1988, Michael Jackson won the Doris Day Music Award for his song "Man in the Mirror". The classic movie Bambi also won an award.
- In 1993, The Simpsons won for Best TV Comedy Series with the episode "Dog of Death".
- In 1994, Free Willy won for Best Feature Film. Paul McCartney won the Doris Day Music Award. Jane Goodall received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- In 1996, Babe won for Best Feature Film. The Simpsons won again for "Lisa the Vegetarian".
- In 2000, The Iron Giant won for Best Animated Feature Film. Prince also received a special award.
- In 2004, Finding Nemo won for Best Animated Feature Film.
- In 2007, Happy Feet won for Best Animated Feature Film. Sir Paul McCartney won the Gretchen Wyler Award.
- In 2009, Bolt won for Best Feature Film. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi won the Gretchen Wyler Award.
- In 2010, The Cove, a documentary about dolphins, won Best Documentary Feature. Tippi Hedren received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- In 2011, The Oprah Winfrey Show won for Best Talk Show.
- In 2012, Rise of the Planet of the Apes won for Best Feature Film. Ian Somerhalder won the Gretchen Wyler Award.
- In 2014, Blackfish, a documentary about whales, won Best Documentary Film. The Ellen DeGeneres Show won for Best Talk Show.
- In 2018, Okja won for Outstanding Feature Film. The Loud House won for Outstanding Children's Programming.
See also
- List of American television awards
