Quinta Brunson Honored at EMA Awards: “We All Have to Do What We Can to Hand Over This Planet and Make it Sustainable”

The Environmental Media Association held its 34th annual awards gala on Saturday.

Hosted by EMA board member Malin Akerman and actor Dermot Mulroney, the night recognizing Hollywood productions for their sustainability efforts took place at Radford Studios. The pair, starring in the upcoming Starz seriesThe Hunting Wives, kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening, which started following remarks from board member Lance Bass and EMA CEO Debbie Levin.

A theme of the night — presented by Toyota — was appealing to younger generations, getting them involved in the cause of sustainability. Quinta Brunson was awarded the EMA Futures Award, which recognizes young industry professionals for their commitment to a greener lifestyle.

Brunson was introduced by herAbbott Elementaryco-star Chris Perfetti in a heartfelt speech. “Quinta Brunson is nothing less than a force of nature. A modern marvel. I believe fervently that a hundred years from now, scientists will study her brain in an effort to better understand human productivity and genius,” Perfetti said of his co-star and boss.

Perfetti spoke of Brunson’s compassionate leadership as the ABC sitcom’s creator and star. “The vast majority of our crew have been with us from the pilot, that is rare. That is because Quinta has created a place that you don’t want to be without,” Perfetti said. “How’s that for sustainability?”

Brunson then took the stage, thanking Perfetti for the introduction. “Like all of you in the room tonight, I care deeply about this planet that we all share,” she told the crowd. “I feel proud to be part of a community that values sustainability, and I’m excited to keep moving forward on that path without just recycling and composting old jokes.”

The actress borrowed words from TV legend Norman Lear and music legend Bob Marley to “briefly address the past, present and future without boring” the audience. She took the time to speak about the “endless flood” of environmental issues that everyone collectively needs to help clean up.

“That’s why we’re here, because we all have to do what we can to hand over this planet and make it sustainable for those kids onAbbott Elementaryand those amazing members of the Pasadena Girls Choir who sang ‘Big Yellow Tennessee,'” she said, referencing the group of young performers who kicked off the evening.

“Thank you for your faith in me, I will do my best to continue to be worthy of it,” Brunson said to wrap up her speech. “Thank you even more so for all you have done and will do for the future of all of our children.”

Ed Begley Jr. and his daughter Hayden Begley were among the presenters at the awards, along with Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder and Jesse Metcalfe.

See a full list of winners below.

Dune: Part Two– Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary PicturesFuriosa: A Mad Max Saga– Warner Bros. PicturesThe Marvels– Marvel StudiosTwisters– Amblin, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Pictures (WINNER)

Bad River– 50 Eggs Films (WINNER)Wilding– Passion Planet and HHMI Tangled Bank StudiosBrandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion– HBO / Max

Poacher, “The Confessor” – QC Entertainment, AmazonTrue Detective: Night Country, “Part 5” – HBO / Max (WINNER)Industry, “Il Mattino Ha L’Oro in Bocca” – HBO / Max

Hacks, “One Day” – Universal Television (WINNER)The Curse, “It’s A Good Day” – ShowtimeThe Simpsons, “Thirst Trap: A Corporate Love Story” – A Gracie Films Production in Association with 20th Television Animation

Planet III, “Ocean” – BBC America (WINNER)Secrets of the Octopus, “Masterminds” – National Geographic, Sealight Pictures, Wildstar Films, Earthship ProductionsOn the Roam with Jason Momoa, “The Phantom and the Electric Way” – Max in association with On the Roam

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, “Corn Production” – HBO in association with Peyance Productions and Avalon Television (WINNER)Real Time with Bill Maher, “Eric Schlosser, Frank Bruni, Douglas Murray” – HBO in association with Bill Maher Productions

OMG Fashun, “Plastics” – NBCUniversalTop Chef, “The Good Land” – NBCUniversal, Bravo (WINNER)Shark Tank, “Global Sharks come together at the United Nations for the SDGs” – Sony Pictures Entertainment

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, “Hope and Socks” – The Jim Henson CompanyA Real Bug’s Life, “Braving the Backyard” – National Geographic, Plimsoll Productions (WINNER)Cyberchase, “Hacker’s Birthday Bash” – THIRTEEN