by guest contributor Robin Bronk.
Photos and Videos credit: TCC
TV’s biggest stars gathered on Thursday to honor entertainers making a difference at The Creative Coalition’s sixth annual Television Humanitarian Awards presented by Novo Nordisk. Among the highlights, Mira Sorvino revealed that she and Lisa Kudrow are all in for a “Romy and Michele” sequel, Uzo Aduba shared what she expects from Sunday’s first-ever Emmys-at-home telecast, Billy Porter previewed his Emmys wardrobe, Kermit the Frog was unexpectedly interrupted by a foreign broadcast, Amy Poehler shared details of her upcoming documentary about Lucille Ball, Ricky Gervais warned viewers not to eat bats, and much more. Also at the show, which streamed exclusively on Variety’s Facebook and YouTube channels,
Mira Sorvino on a “Romy and Michele” sequel:
“It’s not in my hands. It’s up to Disney. I would be so grateful if they would decide to do it. I know that Lisa and that [screenwriter] Robin Schiff is interested in it. Maybe Alan is interested in it. I heard that maybe Janeane is interested in it. I love Lisa and I would do anything just to work with her again in any capacity.”
Mira Sorvino on her plans to run for office:
“I want to affect change. I like to advocate. I like to influence legislative change, and I have helped pass more than 10 laws… The fact that some of those were #MeToo laws, I feel like I turned my trauma into some sort of progress, which I feel good about… But I’m not very interested in power. I’m just interested in change.”
Uzo Aduba on what one wears to the virtual Emmys:
“Something like what I would wear in my house. I think I’m going to bring a blend of both — a celebration and at home.”
Uzo Aduba on what Shirley Chisholm would think of today’s state of affairs:
“She would be pulling up that folding chair to the table and rolling up her sleeves and sirening out a call to action. She was an amazing leader, voice, force, political force, who will never be forgotten.”
“Meat causes cancer, heart disease, viruses, AIDS, MERS, SARS, and of course COVID so stop eating anything that moves you disgusting, greedy, thoughtless parasites. We’re not even good parasites cause we’re destroying the host. We’ve only got one planet. Stop destroying it, you absolute filth. So thanks for this award and have a great day. And don’t eat bats.”
Amy Poehler on a “Parks and Rec” reunion:
“I’m really proud we got together to raise over $3 or $4 million dollars for Feeding America… It’s so good to be around those people… Anytime I get a chance to see them, in a tiny screen or in a real way, I’m down.”
Amy Poehler on her upcoming directorial debut, a documentary about Lucille Ball:
“Ron Howard at Imagine came to me and said, ‘would you be interested in telling this story.’ We started talking about Lucy who I grew up with, and I’m, of course, a huge fan of her comedy, but I’m also very inspired by her story. And what kind of woman she was in business. And what kind of culture she was in when she was making her show. And the relationship between her and her husband, Desi Arnaz, and how interesting and complicated and loving and complicated it was.”
Billy Porter on what he plans to wear to the Emmys:
“Listen, they gave me a greenscreen. I got this new house. You are going to see the full look from head to toe… It’s cute. I had a fitting last night…. It’s a little toned down this time cause we at the house. So I’m doing at-the-house appropriate.”
Issa Rae on her regret about Yvonne Orji:
“My only regret is that you guys don’t get to see her beautifully beet face and warm smile and inappropriate body gyrations in person. I’m really sad that you’re missing out on that. Not to mention her melodic, absolutely out-of-key impromptu singing. Her DMX voice that she brings up without any kind of context. I’m really sad. I hate that for you guys — that you’re missing that.”
Alan Cumming on his “evil twin,” Sienna Miller:
“We became great friends and also great party-animal buddies. We get up to a lot of mischief when we’re together. In fact, my husband, Grant, calls Sienna my evil twin. But in a nice way.”
The Creative Coalition’s newest PSA debuted bringing attention to the fact that there is help and healthcare available for the 40% of Americans are obese, which is the primary risk factor for contracting a severe case of COVID-19 for people under 60. The new campaign was underscored when the cast and creative team from the NBC hit medical drama New Amsterdam received a special award for their story arc on a patient living with obesity and for their commitment to bringing social welfare issues to the forefront through their television show.
“Bestowed since 2015, The Creative Coalition’s Television Humanitarian Awards honor prominent figures in the television industry who use the power of their celebrity for social good. Previous Television Humanitarian Award recipients include Debra Messing, Chrissy Metz, Keegan-Michael Key, Anthony Anderson, Jill Soloway, Patricia Heaton, Alan Cumming, Alfre Woodard, Tim Robbins, Terry Crews, Patricia Arquette, Finn Wolfhard, Alyssa Milano, Henry Winkler, and Laverne Cox, among others. Gracious thanks to sponsor Novo Nordisk Inc.”
