Photos: Rich Polk/Phil Pharaone for Getty Images
WHAT: Last Saturday night, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka joined forces once again with GLAAD at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles for a glittering night celebrating the cultural progress made by powerhouses dedicated to advancing LBGTQ representation and conversations in the media.
Award-winning actress, singer, and activist Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez was honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for her groundbreaking work in opening doors for other trans artists. Rodriguez is most well known for her role as Bianca Evangelista in FX’s series Pose, a performance that earned her a win as the first-ever trans woman to win a Golden Globe. Her ongoing work as an activist for Black and trans lives demonstrates a dedication and courage we could all learn a lot from.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was a surprise on-stage proposal by Zeke Smith to his longtime partner, actor Nico Santos. The crowd erupted with applause as Nico tearfully accepted, and was followed by a congratulatory moment by presenter Jonathan Bennett, who exclaimed, “Thank you Ketel One for helping GLAAD the LGBTQ community tost major moments like this one,” as he raised his martini with the audience.
The star-studded evening included presenters, winners, and guests including Andrew Garfield, Kacey Musgraves, Christina Ricci, Paris Jackson, Lena Waithe, Troye Sivan, Shangela, Mira Sorvino, Chloe Zhao, Frankie Grande, Gigi Gorgeous, Lisa Rinna, Meredith Marks, and many more.
Guests had the chance to enjoy the Martini en Rose, a signature Ketel One cocktail crafted specifically for the evening. Additional Ketel One Family Made Vodka sips were enjoyed, including the Ketel Espresso Martini, the Ketel One Botanical Spritz, Ketel and Soda, and the Ketel One Mule.
WHO: Micaela Jae Rodriguez, Andrew Garfield, Kacey Musgraves, Nico Santos, Zeke Smith, Jonathan Bennett, Paris Jackson, Troye Sivan, Shangela, Mira Sorvino, Chloe Zhao, Frankie Grande, Gigi Gorgeous Getty, Law Roach, Lisa Rinna, Meredith Marks, Haaz Sleiman, Symone, Gottmik and others.
WHEN: Saturday, April 2nd 2022
WHERE: The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA
