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 series The 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 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 her Abbott Elementary co-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 on Abbott Elementary and 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.