On Friday night leading up to the Emmy’s, The Television Industry Advocacy Awards benefitting The Creative Coalition in partnership with TV Guide Magazine and TVInsider.com saluted leaders in the television industry who have used their power of celebrity to advocate for charitable and social causes. The inaugural event honored television’s most significant actors, showrunners, and executives for commitment to their respective causes.

Early in the night, guests gathered for a cocktail reception, where they sipped on cocktails by Maestro Dobel Tequila. The Awards kicked off as Orange Is the New Black and How to Get Away with Murder star Matt McGorry presented the first award of the night to his dazzling co-star Laverne Cox, who looked remarkable in a yellow flowing dress and hombre hair. The actress thanked Matt for his persistent effort to be educated and help educate others on transgender issues. Even though she isn’t nominated for an Emmy this year, she is still our favorite actress of the moment.

Other Honorees included: Eva Longoria, Anthony Anderson, Tim Robbins, Constance Zimmer, Alan Cumming, Beth Behrs, Jeffrey Tambor, Alfre Woodard, and Neal Baer.