2002 Genesis Awards | The Humane Society of the United States

	2002 Genesis Awards

In March 2002, just months after the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and The Pentagon in Washington D.C., two heroes of the post-9/11 world walked on stage at the 16th Annual Genesis Awards for a proper ovation. They were probably unaware that they were even the center of attention.

Abby and Duke, two of the search and rescue dogs who climbed through tons and tons of wreckage looking for survivors, clearly set the emotional tone for this year's awards. They not only symbolized the bravery of the canine world after these attacks, but also served as reminders that not all the loved ones who died on 9/11 were humans.

But they weren't the only stars on this evening at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. They weren't even the only canine stars for that matter. The new Benji also made an appearance, as did celebrities of the human variety, including co-hosts Wendie Malick and James Cromwell. They were joined by presenters Shannon Elizabeth, Ellen Burstyn, Doris Roberts, Charlotte Ross, Ed Begley, Jr., Dana Daurey, Victor Webster, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gloria Steinem, Aisha Tyler, Tippi Hedren, Julia Butterfly Hill, Ken Howard, Mimi Kennedy, Anthony Montgomery and Steve Valentine.

Treated to a compelling range of awardees, from Dr. Dolittle 2 to The Washington Post, this influential gathering of representatives from the news and entertainment media, as well as those representing more than 70 animal-protection organizations, sat enthralled as honoree Jill Robinson made an impassioned plea on behalf of the endangered Asiatic black bear (Moon Bear), victim of the cruel practice of bear-bile farming in China.

Rounding out the memorable evening, John S. Hendricks, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Discovery Communications, was acknowledged as Guest of Honor for his work and vision in bringing outstanding animal-related programming to The Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

Most Memorable Moments:

They literally stole the show and the hearts of the entire audience! They being Abby and Duke, two of the brave search and rescue dogs (and their handlers from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation), who received a standing ovation following an emotional film tribute to the animal victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Appearing on stage with presenter AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, these special canine stars found themselves among hundreds of humbled and grateful fans.

Winners:

Feature Film: Dr. Dolittle 2, Twentieth Century Fox

Television Dramatic Series: Law & Order, "Whose Monkey Is It Anyway?" NBC

Family Dramatic Series: Providence, "Gobble, Gobble," NBC

Comedy Series: Dharma & Greg, "A Fish Tale," ABC

Network Newsmagazine: Primetime Thursday, "Dangerous Game," ABC

TV Commentary: The Last Word with Jim Rome, Fox Sports Net

News Feature: MSNBC Investigates, "Animal Smugglers"

Cable Documentary Series: Earth Rescue, multiple segments, Outdoor Life Network

Children's Programming: Braceface, ABC Family

PBS Documentary: The Natural History of the Chicken

PBS Series: Scientific American Frontiers, "Chimps R Us"