They put their best paws forward and stole the show and the hearts of an audience of
over 800 people at the Sixteenth Annual Genesis Awards on Saturday, March 16 at The
Beverly Hilton. 'They'were Abby and Duke, two of the brave 9/11 search and rescue
dogs who, along with presenter AJ McLean of the 'Backstreet Boys,' received a
standing ovation at the gala awards ceremony following an emotional film tribute to the
animal victims and heroes of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
These very special canine stars were joined by the new 'Benji' and an array of
celebrities of the human variety who were there to present awards to outstanding
individuals from the major news and entertainment media for producing works that raise
awareness of animal issues.
Among the star-studded gathering, led by hosts Wendie Malick and James Cromwell, were Shannon Elizabeth, Ellen Burstyn, Doris
Roberts, Charlotte Ross, Ed Begley, Jr., Dana Daurey, Victor Webster, Jessalyn Gilsig, Seth Peterson, Gloria
Steinem, Aisha Tyler,
Tippi Hedren, Julia Butterfly Hill, Ken Howard, Mimi Kennedy, Anthony Montgomery, Gillian Anderson and Steve Valentine.
Other memorable moments included the audience's enthusiastic response to Genesis honoree Jill Robinson's impassioned plea on behalf
of the endangered Asiatic Black Bear (Moon Bear), victims of the cruel practice of bear-bile farming in China.
Each year, awards are presented in categories ranging from film to television to periodicals, and include two international awards.
Click here for a list of winners!
The event also honored John S. Hendricks, Chairmain and CEO of Discovery Communications. We are grateful to this remarkable man
whose vision has brought outstanding animal-related programming via Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. We have been proud to be
part of the Discovery Communications family for the past eleven years since our Genesis Awards event has aired as a TV Special, first
on Discovery and now on Animal Planet.
This year the Genesis Awards was taped for a 2-hour Television Special and will air on May 18, 2002, on Animal Planet.
The Sixteenth Annual Genesis Awards was sponsored by Hallmark Entertainment, Hixon, Inc., Tsukuba Institute and Paketunes
Holdings.
Brian Thomas Littrell ~ The Golden Voiced Backstreet Boy
- Established Jan 1999 -