Glee, Wanda Sykes and RuPaul’s Drag Race picked up GLAAD awards on Saturday. The 21st annual GLAAD Media Awards was presented by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation at the Hyatt Regent Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

Glee won an award for Best Comedy. Out writer/co-creator Ryan Murphy accepted the award with cast members including Jane Lynch, whom he thanked for using the show’s “national platform” to talk about her engagement to her longtime partner Lara Embry and tipped his hat to her fellow out cast member Chris Colfer, who plays Kurt.

Wanda Sykes snagged the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is presented to an LGBT media professional for promoting equal rights.

“I want to thank the Fox network for allowing me to do the show I’m doing; it’s like Rupert Murdoch buying back all the hate — like I’m saving him from going to hell,” Sykes joked during her acceptance speech.

Lastly, RuPaul’s Drag Race was named Outstanding Reality Program.

You all better work! I love when forward thinking people and programming get the props they deserve. We take things like this for granted but shows like Glee, which promote diversity and acceptance, and people like Wanda Sykes and RuPaul probably help to save a lot of lives and self-esteem.

This was the second of three ceremonies. The organization has more to announce on Jun 5 in San Francisco. Keep up the good work!

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It’s almost two weeks  since Erykah Badu premiered her video for “Window Seat” and folks are still mad but whether you loved it or hated it, people are talking. The neo-soul artist appeared on the Wanda Sykes show Saturday where she talked about what her intentions were with the video (for the umpteenth time since people still don’t get it or can’t get past the nudity). Part of the backlash she received came from people who felt like she defiled JFK’s honor but Miss Badu says the contrary, “JFK is one of my heroes…he’s the nation’s hero.”

There’s also a treat from Wanda. Yep, a parody of “Window Seat” but her version is called “Middle Seat” and she doesn’t quite make it to the bucky naked part. Just watch the clip below and enjoy.

Of all the “Window Seat” parodies I’ve seen thus far, that one was my favorite.

Wanda Sykes scored the opportunity of a lifetime when she got Sade to participate in a skit on her show over the weekend.

For a while now, Wanda has been touting herself as Sade’s biggest fan. It’s the same claim another comedian, Sinbad, used to always make. But this year, the title might go to Wanda since she’s scored the biggest coup so far: Getting Sade to crack a joke.

Although I adore her, Sade typically only talks about two things publicly: Music and making music without the media being all up in her business. That’s about as funny as an eviction notice.

It’s nice to see the subdued singer crack a joke — especially since we may very well not see her again until 2020.

George Lopez is the latest comedian to join the late night TV show roster. Yay for more diversity on TV from comedians! However, I wonder who’s going to come out on top when it comes to ratings. Lopez will join David Letterman, Conan O’Brian, Jimmy Fallon, Mo’Nique and Wanda Sykes. Each adds something unique to the late night game so maybe the competition won’t be too stiff. We shall see…

The show will incorporate other traditional talk show elements like jokes, guests, comedy and live music but Lopez says he wants to bring change to the night time talk show arena. His plan is to attract a diverse audience and he says they’ll be having a party every night (the LA-based show will air Monday through Thursday), describing the set as “bringing the outdoors indoors.” There will be no desk and no dividing  line between guests and the audience as he wants everyone to interact with each other. 

Lopez Tonight premiers on November 9 at 11p on TBS.  So far, guests for the first night include Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria-Parker and Kobe Bryant. Other scheduled guests for upcoming weeks include Jamie Foxx, Jessica Alba, Queen Latifah, Floyd Mayweather, Arsenio Hall and more.

Did I just type Arsenio Hall? Yep, I did. I’m sold.

Will you watch?

I mentioned that The Wanda Sykes Show was on my list of top priority TV this fall. We’re getting closer to its premiere date (Nov. 7 at 11pm on Fox) and the hype is mounting (in my head anyway). If that’s not enough, I read an interview she did with Entertainment Weekly where she explained why the show’s format makes it easier for her as a new mom, how coming out publicly was a random decision and how she plans to go about spreading Prop 8 awareness. Despite being a notorious funny lady, she has a good head on her shoulders.

On Why She Wanted a Talk Show:
“I thought it would be cool to have an outlet where I can go and speak about things that are happening right now. Also, being a new mom, I’ll have somewhat of a normal schedule…not doing standup.”

*Wanda Sykes and her wife of nearly a year have 5-month-old twins.

On Her Show’s Format:
“I’m gonna have a panel of guests so it’s more laid-back, like they’re hanging out at my place. I’d love to start with Condoleezza Rice and then throw in Andy Roddick and Dave Chappelle. We’ll have a few drinks.”

On Coming Out:
“[I came out] after the election. I was playing in Vegas. It was after the national protest day on Prop 8 [the California ballot proposition that blocked gay marriage], and the Gay and Lesbian Center there was having a rally. I had no intention of doing it that day, it just happened.”

She added:
“I will continue the discussion about Prop 8, as long as it’s funny…not preachy.”

We definitely need more people like Wanda Sykes. She’s relatable to everyone despite her sexuality. I think her show will do well. I’m particularly feeling the round table format. Plus, I’m still holding on to hope that someone will fill the late night talk show void that Arsenio Hall left wide open. At least now I’m grown and won’t have to sneak to watch it.

(Interview excerpts taken from the October 30, 2009 edition of EW)

Let’s face it, Black actors still have a long way to go for quality roles on TV. However, progress is being made. Some of the most anticipated shows this Fall star a few of our favorite Black actors new and old. Here’s my list of 10 actors to watch this season.

1. Derek Luke

Trauma (NBC)
Premieres September 28
I’m looking forward to Derek Luke starring in his first TV role. He plays an EMT who is touted as a hero on the job, but struggles with inner demons in his personal life. It doesn’t hurt that he’s nice to look at too.

2. Mo’Nique

The Mo’Nique Show (BET)
Premieres October 5
America’s favorite PHAT girl moves into the late-night arena with a nightly hour-long part-talk, part-variety show. Mo is funny and keeps it real. I can’t wait to see what she has in store.

3. LL Cool J

NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)
Premieres September 22
LL plays Sam Hana, the tough but charming former Navy SEAL who works undercover. He’s also very nice to look at and charming in real life. This role is perfect for him.

4. Katerina Graham

The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
Airs Thursdays at 8/7c
Katerina Graham is a dancer, actress, rapper and singer. The former Fanta girl has appeared on TV shows like Hannah Montana, CSI, and in movies (most recently 17 Again). I had the pleasure of interviewing her once and she talked about how hard it is to be not just a Black actress, but also a non-wild child (read: no play from the paparazzi). She’s a rare exception of a genuinely talented triple threat, but finding roles isn’t always easy. I’m glad she’s co-starring in The Vampire Diaries, where she plays a teen psychic.

5. Wanda Sykes

The Wanda Sykes Show (Fox)
Premieres November 7
The Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian comes back to late night (she wrote for The Chris Rock Show). She’s a riot so I can’t wait. Hopefully her show won’t conflict with Mo’Nique’s as far as scheduling. Choosing is not an option.

6. Morris Chestnut

V (ABC)
Premieres November 3
This is a remake of the 1980s miniseries about an invasion of aliens known as “visitors” and the resistance against them. Chestnut will play the boyfriend of a Homeland Security Agent who doesn’t know he’s a visitor.

7. Sherri Shepherd

Sherri
Premieres October 5 (Lifetime)

The View co-host stars in a sitcom that’s loosely based on her experience as a single mom, paralegal and actress who’s dealing with dating after a divorce. Malcolm Jamal Warner also stars.

8. Rochelle Aytes

The Forgotten (NBC)
Premieres September 22
Aytes co-stars in this Jerry Bruckheimer executive-produced crime drama that follows a group of dedicated civilian volunteers who try to solve unidentified victims.

9. Mekhi Phifer

Lie to Me (Fox)
Returns September 28
Mekhi Phifer switches from ER doctor to FBI agent in this crime drama, where telling a little white lie could cost him big time.

10. CCH Pounder, Michael Strahan, Daryll “Chill” Mitchell, Carl Weathers

Brothers (Fox)
Premieres October 2
This one is a cheat because it’s a whole cast. No complaints there, somebody needs to fill the Black sitcom void and this group of talented actors is up to the job. Former NFL player Michael Strahan plays Mike Trainor, a recently retired NFL all-star. Penniless and ashamed, Trainor goes to his parent’s home where he reunites with his estranged paraplegic brother (Mitchell). Of course the boys are still at each other’s throats! Good comedy will definitely ensue.

The best thing about Wanda Sykes is how she incorporates brutal honesty into her comedy. In fact, she’s so real that even when she’s acting she still comes across as Wanda Sykes. If I ever doubted my fanship, she has definitely proven me wrong with her most recent appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.

She told Leno that the Obamas were very genuine people and somehow the topic of the”real” Michelle Obama came up. The media has been giving Mrs. Obama a hard time, claiming that she hasn’t revealed her true self despite the fact that she has been nothing but gracious, humble and candid. However, Miss Sykes got to the bottom of the issue, which has pretty much been the elephant in the Oval Office ever since it became 100% clear that the Obamas might really become America’s new first family. Watch the clip and enjoy.

I was browsing Entertainment Weekly’s website and came across a list of what they consider the 25 funniest women in Hollywood. The first thing I thought was mm hmm, watch there be no Black women, but to my surprise, there were some very talented sistas on the list who have been able to make smooth transitions from TV to film and vice versa. I also learned about two new women who I had previously never paid attention to. Here’s a break down of who they had listed (photo credit goes to EW):

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is the number one Black funny-woman in my book, in terms of women who are still relevant. I reported last month that she would be getting her own late night talk show, and now, I’m even more excited for its potential success (because she’s prominently on the pop culture radar). We’ve seen her in film but her TV roles on The New Adventures of Old Christine and Curb Your Enthusiasm are why we love her. She’s always a scene stealer with her sassy, witty loud mouth.

Maya Rudolph

Primarily known as for her ability to impersonate everyone from Michelle Obama, to Beyoncé, to Paris Hilton, this Saturday Night Live funny-lady switches to film in this summer’s road trip dramedy, Away We Go.

Octavia Spencer

OctaviaSpencer

Spencer has been in guest-star rotation on CSI: NY, NYPD Blue, and Medium for the past ten years. Drama aside, she has also proven her comedic quality in Bad Santa and Ugly Betty. This summer, she goes back to the big screen with the horror flick, Drag Me to Hell. I never really noticed her before, but now I’m going to start paying more attention.

Rashida Jones

She is the daughter of Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton. Her latest film credit includes I Love You, Man but she is no stranger to TV, currently appearing on Parks and Recreation and The Office. I definitely didn’t pay much attention to Miss Jones’ career, but she has an extensive resume and EW describes her as the “adorable goofy girl.”

Congrats to you ladies! Hopefully Wanda Sykes new show will start a trend—meaning, we’ll see more Black comediennes with their own TV shows. Fingers crossed. 

Comedienne Wanda Sykes will be returning to TV to host her own late night talk show. She is currently finalizing the deal with Fox, for a Saturday night hour-long show slated to premier in the Fall. The show will be topical, featuring a panel of recurring guests bantering about issues concerning politics and pop culture. Sykes will also appear in field segments. Her previous sitcom, Wanda At Large aired on the same network.

Wow, first good news about Jada Pinkett-Smith (scroll down) and now Miss Sykes. How exciting to see Black women in Hollywood commandeering their careers! I’d definitely watch Wanda Syke’s show because not only are we alumnae of the same school (Hampton University, so I have to support), but she’s funny. Point. Blank. I loved Wanda At Large and I liked her on Curb Your Enthusiasm. I’m in. Good luck Wanda Sykes.