Carrie Ann Inaba To Host The Humane Society Of The United States' 26th Annual Genesis Awards

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — "Dancing With The Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba stopped by the KCAL9 studios Thursday!

Inaba is hosting the 26th Annual Genesis Awards this weekend.

The Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) annual Genesis Awards stands out from other award shows because it's not about who's best actor or director, it's about the animal protection message and inspiring people to make a difference on behalf of animals.

The awards honor the news and entertainment media for showcasing animal protection issues. The event celebrates the power of the media to raise public awareness, and thus influence societal attitudes for the better.

Among the 58 nominees for The 26th Genesis Awards are the feature films are: Warhorse (human/animal bond), Rise of the Planet of the Apes (chimps in research), Rio (exotic bird smuggling), and Dolphin Tale real life dolphin rescue/rehabilitation). Broadcast news shows: 20/20 (egg farm cruelty), Anderson Cooper 360 (SeaWorld trainer death), ABC World News with Diane Sawyer (egg farm cruelty), and Today (animal rescue), and Talk shows: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (dogfighting, puppy mills) The Oprah Winfrey Show (going vegan) and Martha Stewart (going vegan). Comedy nominees include: The Colbert Report (whaling and hunting), The Cleveland Show (rodeos) and Melissa & Joey (modeling fur).

Inaba is also launching a new online series called CRIB CAT. It premieres on March 26 on PETSAMI, a new digital entertainment network of shows hosted by animals with funny pet videos too. Subscribe and watch on YOUTUBE.COM/PETSAMI or at PETSAMI.COM to check out CRIB CAT and a slate of incredibly funny shows.