The Jackson Family Honors
Taped: February 19, 1994
Aired: February 22, 1994 on NBC
Elizabeth, in honour of her AIDS charity work, was one of two recipients of the first Jackson Family Honors Awards (Berry Gordy was the other), presented by her dear friend Michael Jackson. The Jackson Family Honors were held on February 19, 1994 at MGM Grand Hotel’s Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Actor Lou Gossett, Jr. saluted Elizabeth’s courageous willingness “to not only lend her name to the fight against AIDS, but her celebrity, her energy, her finances, and her very soul at a time when others were unwilling to even acknowledge the existence of the dreaded disease.”
Paying tribute to his friend’s big heart, Michael Jackson said: “For me, Elizabeth Taylor is the ultimate humanitarian because she is the embodiment of love, compassion, faith, and integrity and she has been that ideal for hundreds of millions of fans over the five decades of her illustrious career.” He also expressed his gratitude for Elizabeth’s steadfast loyalty. “In the midst of my recent trials and tribulations, Elizabeth stood by my side with unwavering strength and support.”
Elizabeth, who received a standing ovation, used her acceptance speech to denounce the accusations made against Michael and pay tribute to his resilience, as well as to decry the tabloid media before expressing her gratitude “for honouring me for merely doing what I must do.”
Special guests included Celine Dion, Bruce Hornsby, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Paul Rodriguez, Dionne Warwick, Another Bad Creation with the Michael Peters’ Dancers, and performances by members of the Jackson family.