Ana Maria Bahiana and Ruben V. Nepales won second and third prizes, respectively, for their articles which appeared on the Golden Globes website (goldenglobes.com) at the 15^th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism (NAEJ) Awards, presented by the Los Angeles Press Club, held last Sunday, December 4, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.

Bahiana won for her piece entitled, “Tucum: The Power, The Beauty, The Forest,” in the soft news, on arts category. The veteran journalist from Brazil said of her winning article: “Tucum is a cooperative of indigenous artisan women from the High Xingu, a region of the Amazon Rainforest that I love deeply – and is a key to the survival of our planet. I had been there, at High Xingu, when I started as a journalist, and that visit changed me forever.

“Decades later, I discovered this cooperative organized by photographer Amanda Santana. I have been following the growth of the cooperative – and their struggles against the invasion and destruction of the sacred, beautiful, powerful Amazon Forest. All of this is expressed in their gorgeous art.”

Nepales, won for his article, “Asian Actresses Struggled with Racism, Prejudice to Pave Way for Next Generations,” in the diversity in the film industry category. The member, also a veteran reporter (from the Philippines), said, “I was especially inspired to write the piece as part of the website’s observance of Women’s History Month last March.

“As an Asian journalist myself in Hollywood, it was quite an eye-opener to know more about what the pioneering Asian actresses in Hollywood had to endure – from discrimination, and blatant pay inequity to being typecast as maids, prostitutes, and slaves.

“I have even more respect and appreciation for Tsuru Aoki, Anna May Wong, and Elena Jurado Wingate and the long list of women who trailblazed and paved the way for the likes of Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Mindy Kaling, Vanessa Hudgens, and Constance Wu to thrive and prosper in Hollywood.”

Nepales, also won third place in the category, entertainment blog by an individual or group, tied to an organization, for “Only IN Hollywood” in Rappler, the Philippines’ leading news online set.

He shared, “To be in the company of the major Hollywood outlets was already a huge honor by itself. And for me – from Rappler – to win a prize in a field dominated by the giant entertainment trades, I am humbled. This recognition inspires me to continue representing.”

Barbara Gasser and this writer were finalists in the 2022 edition of the nationwide journalism competition with entries from all over the United States, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and the entertainment trades led by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

Gasser was a finalist in the celebrity news category for the article, “Good Climate,” on Maxima while this writer was a finalist in non-fiction book for “FASHION. Filipino. Hollywood. The World.”

Previously announced honorees included filmmaker and Disney Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee (Distinguished Storyteller Award – Film) for opening “the door to new voices, pushing inclusiveness and cultural authenticity”; Byron Allen (The Impact Award), founder, chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group and The Weather Channel for “his relentless pursuit of opportunities for Black entrepreneurs”; host-producer-philanthropist Ryan Seacrest (Luminary Award) for his achievements and contributions to society and the entertainment community; country music star Tanya Tucker (Distinguished Storyteller Award – Music) for excellence in storytelling outside of journalism; and 91-year-old actress Marla Gibbs (Legend Award) for her lifetime achievement in entertainment.