Genesis Awards: Honoring the Best Coverage of Animal Protection Advocates in the Media

Saturday March 20 marked the 24th annual Genesis Awards, the Humane Society’s once a year bash at the Beverly Hilton. As the only presentation of its kind, the Genesis Awards honors the news and entertainment media for raising awareness of animal protection issues. This year’s event featured actress Kristen Bell and actor Michael Vartan introducing a special tribute to dogs, but it was a banner night for dolphins and big cats.

Fresh off their recent Academy Award wins, The Cove and Up were among the major winners. The Cove, a searing indictment of Japan’s dolphin slaughter, carried off the Genesis “Outstanding Documentary Film” award, adding this significant honor to a growing list of international accolades. Keely Shaye-Smith and Pierce Brosnan presented the well-deserved award to director Louie Psihoyos. Tying for “Outstanding Feature Film” were the Academy Award-winning Up and Hotel For Dogs, both of which offered meaningful messages about the importance of the human-animal bond.

Big cats had their moment in the Genesis spotlight when Melanie Griffith presented her mother, actress and animal advocate Tippi Hedren, with a “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Recognized for her tireless advocacy on behalf of captive big cats, Tippi, who runs the Shambala Preserve, a sanctuary for discarded exotic felines in California, was given a standing ovation.

Among this year’s celebrity presenters and attendees were Antonio Banderas, Kristen Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Emily Deschanel, Jessalyn Gilsig, Ginnifer Goodwin, Melanie Griffith, Teri Hatcher, Tippi Hedren, Maria Menounos and Moby.

The 24th Genesis Awards Winners:

Outstanding Feature Film: (tie) Hotel for Dogs, Up

Outstanding Documentary Film: The Cove

Outstanding Dramatic Series: Bones “The Tough Man In The Tender Chicken”

Outstanding News Magazine: Time “The New Age Of Extinction” and “The Real Cost Of Cheap Food” by Bryan Walsh; and “Abused No More” by David von Drehle

Check out the Haute Living events page for more shots from the party.