[Photos by Andreas Branch for PMc] On Saturday, Teri Hatcher, Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Kristen Bell, and the newly engaged Michael Vartan all turned up for the 24th Annual Genesis Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where they were recognized for their efforts of fighting animal cruelty.-
Whether by way of film, television, newspaper, or on the internet, the Genesis Awards praise the actors and actresses who set aside time to speak out on behalf of animal rights (kind of like PeTA, but without the whole splattering-animal-blood-on-your-fur-coat thing). Instead, advocates spread information on what really goes on inside puppy mills, how poorly animals can be treated on farms, the pain they endure when they're used for scientific testing, and exactly how an animal is stripped of its fur when a decadent winter coat is to be manufactured.
But the Genesis Awards also praise specific networks, programs, and films that find ways to encourage widespread behavioral change in terms of the way animals are treated. With the motto of "cruelty can't stand the spotlight," the following celebrities are seeing to it that all forms of animal cruelty are "blinded by the light" (so to speak).


Antonio Banderas Amanda Righetti


Booboo Stewart, Firel Stewart Carlotte Ross


Debra Wilson Emily Deschanel


Elaine Hendrix Eric Stonestreet


Elizabeth TenHouten Tamar Geller


Maria Menounos Michael Vartan


Moby Pauley Perrette


Nicole Lipin Ginnifer Goodwin, Joey Kern


Kristen Bell Jon Lovitz


Kelly Carlson Jane Velez Mitchell


Teri Hatcher Wendie Malick