Jean Smart and Sterling K. Brown will be honored by the LGBTQ civil rights organization Human Rights Campaign at its Los Angeles gala on March 23.
Smart, known for iconic roles on “Hacks,” “Mare of Easttown” and “Designing Women,” will receive the National Equality Award. Brown, star of “This is Us,” “American Fiction” and “The People v O.J. Simpson,” will be recognized with the Ally for Equality Award.
“It’s such a joy to be recognizing some incredible advocates and allies who have provided so much support in the fight for equal rights. Sterling K. Brown has made diversity and inclusion pillars of his work. Jean Smart has championed LGBTQ+ rights and equal representation over a decades-long career in television and film,” Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson said Tuesday.
Smart said, “LGBTQ+ stories bring so much life, humanity and joy into the world of film and television. Yet, the lack of adequate representation only functions as a disservice to audiences everywhere. There is so much work to be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are heard and that the community is seen and celebrated in all its authenticity. I am so excited to be receiving the National Equality Award and to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. I’ll continue to do my part so LGBTQ+ people can have equal opportunities on and off screen.”
The third season of “Hacks” premieres on May 2 on MAX.
“Injustice for one is injustice for all—the path towards freedom and equality for Black and Brown people is intertwined with the fight for LGBTQ+ justice, so we must stand together to create a more equitable world,” said Brown, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work in “American Fiction.” “To be receiving the Ally for Equality Award and to be recognized for my LGBTQ+ allyship is truly an honor—I look forward to continuing this fight alongside my fellow advocates as we advance equal rights for everyone, everywhere.”
HRC announced earlier this week that First Lady Jill Biden will deliver the keynote address at the gala, which is set to take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel. For tickets, go to hrc.org.
