In large part, animal abuse and exploitation have only received mainstream media attention in recent years. What happened to animals in the past invariably occurred in the dark, behind closed doors.
Most people simply didn't stop to think where their hamburgers came from; they didn't know there were trails of blood behind every fur coat; that the make-up they wore was often cruelly tested on animals; that many animals led horrific lives in zoos and circuses; that millions of animals suffered pain in laboratories. They didn't know—in part—because the media hadn't told them.
Today, however, because of the major media, many people realize the disturbing truth about slaughterhouses, fur, vivisection, zoos, and circuses—and all the myriad ways animals suffer.
Eighteen million viewers, for example, watched Dateline NBC for a segment titled "Under the Big Top," which questioned the moral right of humans to hold circus elephants captive in the name of entertainment, depriving them of their natural lifestyle.
Likewise, millions of people watched the remarkable episode of "The Simpsons" ("Lisa the Vegetarian") in which Lisa converted to ethical vegetarianism, simply because she made the connection between the lamb chops on her dinner plate and the lamb she had befriended at a petting zoo.
Every year, the Genesis Awards pays tribute to the major news and entertainment media for producing outstanding works such as these, which raise public understanding of animal issues. As much as film, television, print and the arts reflect societal attitudes, they also help shape and change those attitudes. The mass media have the power to spotlight animal issues to vast audiences—literally at the speed of light.
So it is within the major media—with its influential voices and its huge audience—that the Hollywood office of The HSUS concentrates its efforts. The Genesis Awards recognizes that the media hold an important key to a more enlightened and civilized society.
We believe “Cruelty Can't Stand the Spotlight!” and our awards celebrate the media celebrating animals.
The Beginning
In 1986, the Genesis Awards event was launched by animal advocate and actress Gretchen Wyler, under the aegis of The Fund For Animals. Wyler came up with the idea because she strongly believed that rewarding members of the media encouraged them to spotlight more animal issues, thus 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, Calif., with more than 1,000 guests.
In 1991, Wyler founded The Ark Trust, Inc., which continued to present the Genesis Awards. In 1990, the program became a television special airing, first on the Discovery Channel and then on Animal Planet. In August 2002, The Ark Trust joined forces with The HSUS, 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 2006 retirement.
Who Wins
Beginning with the first ceremony in 1986, Genesis Awards entries have been submitted by the public as well as by media professionals. Categories span television, film, print, radio, music, and the arts. The Genesis Awards Committee—via a process of submission, nomination, candidate selection, debate, and secret ballot—makes all final decisions regarding the winners.
The 13 committee members have been selected because of their personal histories in working for the animals, averaging more than 15 years "in the trenches." The members include people from various animal-protection organizations and diverse walks of life, who all share a demonstrated commitment to animals.
The Big Event
Genesis Awards are presented annually at a star-studded ceremony drawing representatives from the media, entertainment, social, business and humane communities. Known as the nation's premier consciousness-raiser, the awards are bestowed by a host of celebrity presenters such as James Cromwell, Pierce Brosnan, Martin Sheen, Kelsey Grammer, Charlotte Ross, Alicia Silverstone, Bill Maher, Wendie Malick, David Hyde-Pierce, Christian Bale, Dennis Franz, Sidney Poitier, and Doris Roberts.
The taped event is edited to become the Genesis Awards Television Special, airing nationwide and exposing millions of viewers to animal wrongs—and animal rights.
Why the Name "Genesis"?
The book of Genesis tells the story of Noah and the Ark and is, therefore, the first "news report" of an animal rescue! Genesis is also the word for "beginnings," and as such, the humane community is witness to the world's emerging awakening to animal suffering.
What You Can Do
Our members can play a part of the Genesis Awards: if you've seen any animal-friendly storylines, no matter how small, in a television show or film, contact us at hollywood@humanesociety.org.
Updated Nov. 24, 2008
