GLAAD Media Awards 2012: ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy' Wins Drama Prize

ABC/RICHARD CARTWRIGHT

"Grey's Anatomy's" Jessica Capshaw and Sara Ramirez

After featuring a lesbian wedding last season, ABC's Grey's Anatomy was recognized Saturday as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's outstanding drama series of the year.

our editor recommends

'Grey's Anatomy': Shonda Rhimes Confirms Two Stars Will Exit

GLAAD Media Awards 2012: Brown Carpet Arrivals

John Stamos Honors NBC 'Smash' Producers Craig Zadan, Neil Meron at GLAAD Awards (Exclusive Video)

GLAAD Media Awards Red Carpet Arrivals

Created by Shonda Rhimes, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender watchdog group also honored the prolific showrunner with its Golden Gate Award during a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco.

STORY: GLAAD Media Awards 2012 Winners Include 'Modern Family,' 'Becoming Chaz'

Rhimes collected the prize -- which is presented annually to media professionals who through their work have increased the visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. During its eight-season run, Grey's has featured several LGBT characters, including series regulars played by Sara Ramirez (Callie) and Jessica Capshaw (Arizona), whose characters were married in a sweet ceremony last season.

The prolific showrunner, whose three ABC series (Grey's, Private Practice and D.C.-set political fixer drama Scandal) were each renewed last month for additional seasons, accepted the award from Scandal stars Kerry Washington, Katie Lowes and the openly gay Guillermo Diaz.

STORY: Lady Gaga, 'Dancing With the Stars,' Among GLAAD Award Winners

Grey's topped fellow drama series nominees Degrassi (TeenNick), Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family), Shameless (Showtime) and Torchwood: Miracle Day (Starz) to collect the award, its first win in the category after earning nominations in 2010 and 2011. (The series took home GLAAD's outstanding individual episode in 2007 for "Where the Boys Are."

Hosted by Glee's Dianna Agron, the third and final ceremony completed GLAAD's 2012 Media Awards, also honoring NBC's Days of Our Lives as its outstanding daily drama and presented special recognition awards to Wells Fargo and Facebook.

PHOTOS: GLAAD Media Awards Red Carpet Arrivals

The GLAAD Media Awards fund the organization's efforts to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans. Each year, the events raise nearly $3.5 million for the group.

A complete list of winners from events earlier this year in Los Angeles and New York follows on the next page; a clip of Callie and Arizona's wedding from Grey's Anatomy follows.