Liza Minnelli was the surprise guest at the 2026 GLAAD Awards
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As a result of her continued allyship over the years, Minnelli was presented with GLAAD's first-ever storyteller award
"You make me so proud because you're strong and you stand up for what you believe in. You really do and it's so nice to be here with you," she said at the event on Thursday, March 5
WhenLiza Minnellispeaks, the world listens.
The ever-elusive actress and singer, 79, decided to make a rare public appearance at the 2026 GLAAD Awards, which were held on Thursday, March 5 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., and featured actorJonathan Bennettas host and a special live performance fromDemi Lovato.
During the awards, Bennett, 44, energized guests by teasing a special surprise appearance to come. Though attendees were initially left in the dark, things became clear as day when Minnelli was eventually revealed via a synchronized group of dancers taking to the stage around her.
Pianist Michael Feinstein paid tribute to Minnelli during the special occasion, sharing with the crowd, "Our stories give us strength. The queer community could not wish for a bigger and more wonderful advocate, friend and ally. The greatest storyteller of all time." As a result of her continued allyship over the years, Minnelli was presented with GLAAD's first-ever storyteller award.
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"You make me so proud because you're strong and you stand up for what you believe in. You really do and it's so nice to be here with you," Minnelli shared, directly following a rousing standing ovation from attendees. "I feel like a five-year-old. I didn't make a speech, so now I'm just rattling away."
Alongside Minnelli, other significant names in attendance at the 2026 edition of the GLAAD Awards wereNoah Schnapp,Rob McElhenney,Quinta BrunsonandFrankie Grande, among others.
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The surprise appearance at the GLAAD Awards comes just days ahead of Minnelli sharing her memoir,Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, which is scheduled for release on Tuesday, March 10.
Shared as a part of a recent, exclusive PEOPLE excerpt of her forthcoming memoir, Minnellispotlighted the varying highs and lowsof her life in the spotlight.
As she shares in her memoir, "The world knew me as LIZA! For the first time in my life, I wondered what that really meant, especially through the haze of substances. Benzodiazepines. Barbiturates. Amphetamines. Cocaine."
Minnelli notes in the memoir's prologue, "I finally understand. I've been waging a war my whole adult with what we now call SUD, substance abuse disorder. It's a disease, a condition caused by physical and mental wiring that can trigger abuse of drugs and alcohol. I got it from Mama."
Minnelli adds, "And if I fall down ... in other words, if I fell off the program ... I'd go right back in and fight again. Don't give up. There's fun. There's good out there. "
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