American Scene Awards Honor ATWT

The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists have honored AS THE WORLD TURNS, RANDY JACKSON PRESENTS AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW and HAWTHORNE with American Scene Awards, recognizing programming that portrays diversity in a positive and realistic light.

The American Scene Awards is a national competition that recognize excellence in the employment and portrayal of women, ethnic minorities, seniors, people with disabilities and the LGBT community in a positive, balanced and realistic manner. Celebrating its 15th year, the awards ceremony, presented by the AFTRA National Equal Employment Opportunities Committee, took place at the union’s National Convention in Chicago on Friday.

AS THE WORLD TURNS won the daytime drama award.

In the face of potential criticism, ATWT became the first daytime drama to include a gay couple as part of their ongoing storyline by exploring the growing relationship between gay Oakdale teenagers, Luke and Noah. Handling their love story like others on the soap opera, the couple is open and proud of their relationship and speak up for gay rights and other issues. Recording artist Cyndi Lauper was featured as part of daytime’s first Gay Pride Celebration.