Outfest, the world's leading organization that promotes equality by creating, sharing, and protecting LGBTQIA+ stories on the screen, has announced the winners of its Visionary Award -- and Marvel Studios' Victoria Alonso is the top honoree!
Alonso is the President, Physical and Post Production, Visual Effects, and Animation Production for the popular superhero film studio and also has served as an executive producer for projects like Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Endgame, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, WandaVision, and Loki.
She's helped to bring about a new era of inclusivity and diversity to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which previously had been woefully white, cis, straight, and male. As a Latina, she's also inspiring others and showing them what is possible.
"As a preeminent arts, media and entertainment organization Outfest thrusts LGBTQIA artists into the spotlight," Outfest's Executive Director Damien S. Navarro said in a statement. "40 years into our legacy, our commitment to Queer artists remains steadfast, even as the world around us changes in unexpected ways. We are thrilled to be celebrating the incredible talent, impact, intersectionality, and advocacy of our honorees."
Others being honored at the 2021 Outfest Legacy Awards gala include film distribution company Neon receiving the Guardian Award, which recognizes a company's commitment and legacy to the LGBTQIA+community; Jonathan Howard receiving the Outfest Legacy Award, which honors his extensive contribution to Outfest as a Board member; Robin de Jesus (tick, tick...BOOM!) receiving the Terrence McNally Award, which acknowledges his out and proud career across stage and film; Rain Valdez (Razor Tongue) receiving the Trailblazer Award, which celebrates her fierce creativity as a writer, director, and actor in creating roles and Emmy-nominated shows ensuring that trans people lives are seen; and current Board Co-President Alan Koenigsberg and immediate past Outfest Board Co-President Marissa Roman Griffith receiving the Jonathan Howard Legacy Award honoring their outstanding leadership during a global pandemic.
The 2021 Outfest Legacy Awards will open with a musical performance from Garrett Clayton, and will feature appearances from Brie Larson and Jamie Clayton.
Past honorees have included Laverne Cox, Sean Hayes, Joey Soloway, Lee Daniels, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, and producers Bruce Cohen, Craig Zadan, and Neil Merdon.
The celebration will occur at the brand-new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 13th. Tickets and tables can be purchased now.
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