The 22nd Annual Genesis Awards celebrates the major media whose outstanding works have raised awareness of animal issues. Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), presented The Wyler Award to "Heroes" actress Hayden Panettiere, following footage showing her tangling with Japanese fisherman as she attempted to save trapped dolphins rounded up for slaughter.
This year's ceremony was dedicated Gretchen Wyler, Broadway actress and animal advocate who launched the Genesis Awards in 1986. Gretchen believed that rewarding members of the media encouraged them to continue spotlighting animal issues, increasing public awareness and compassion toward animals. The first annual event, a luncheon drawing only 140 attendees, quickly grew into a large gala in Beverly Hills, California, with more than 1,000 guests.
The Genesis Awards became a one-hour television special in 1990, airing first on the Discovery Channel and then on Animal Planet. In 2002, The HSUS joined forces with Wyler’s organization, changing its name to the Hollywood Office of the HSUS. Wyler, as Vice President of The HSUS Hollywood Office, continued her role as Chairperson of the event and Executive Producer of the Genesis Awards Television Special until her retirement in June, 2006. In May of 2007, Gretchen Wyler died from complications of breast cancer. She was 75.
Nicole Lapin, CNN News Anchor
Marie Oser chats with Nicole Lapin at the Genesis Awards. Nicole has been vegan for 10 years, and became the youngest news anchor in the country when she signed on at CNN at 22.
http://www.vegtv.com/?clipId=923363&channel=VegTV%20Lifestyle
Celebrity Spotlight
"Cruelty Can't Stand the Spotlight!" Star-studded Beverly Hills event put on by the Hollywood office of The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.vegtv.com/?clipId=923159&channel=VegTV%20Lifestyle
Wayne Pacelle at Star-Studded Genesis Awards
Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the US, talks with Marie Oser about HSUS and some recent victories for the animals.
http://www.vegtv.com/?clipId=923489&channel=VegTV%20Lifestyle