Written by Bel Hernandez Castillo

Thirty years ago, Latino representation at the Academy Awards was almost invisible. In the mid-1990s, nominations for Latino artists were almost non existent and often limited to a single acting nod or a film from Latin America competing in the international category. Hollywood’s biggest night rarely reflected the depth of talent emerging from Latino communities in the United States and across Latin America.

The 98th Academy Awards, set for March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, feature 13 Latino creatives recognized across acting, producing, writing, and animation categories. The nominations highlight the continued global influence of Latinos talent in both studio and independent filmmaking.

Fast-forward to the 98th Academy Awards, and the picture—while still imperfect—shows meaningful progress. This year’s nominees include 12 creatives, from actors to casting Directors

What we can say is that there has been some progress.

Throughout the 1990s there were only three Latinos who garnered an Academy Award nomination in the actor category. That is three actors in ten years: Andy Garcia (Best Supporting Actor, The Godfather Part III, 1990), Rosie Perez (Best Supporting Actress, Fearless, 1994), and Brazilian actress Fernanda Montenegro (Best Actress, Central Station, 1998), who was the first Latina nominated in that category.

Fast-forward to the 98th Academy Awards, and the picture—while still imperfect—shows meaningful progress. This year’s nominees include a historic Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura, and a secont Oscar nomination for Oscar winner Benicio del Toro (for Traffic). However this year there is a strong showing behind the lens beginning with multiple nominations for visionary Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. It is behind the scenes that Latino creatives are ceating and shaping major studio projects and independent film, including producer Yvett Merino and filmmaker Adrian Molina in the animated feature category — and more.

Compared with three decades ago—when Latino nominees could often be counted on one hand—the 2026 slate reflects a broader presence across acting, producing, writing, and directing. It’s a that there is more projects employing Latinos, or they themselves are creating the projects. There is definitely a stronger presence of Latino actors and behind the scenes creative, with an increasing move from the margins into the creative center of global filmmaking.

Yet the progress tells only part of the story. One glaring absence remains: Latinas. Despite a year rich with powerful performances and acclaimed films by Latina creatives, women of Latin American descent are largely missing from the nomination roster.

As Hollywood celebrates this year’s nominees, the conversation inevitably turns to the question that continues to echo through awards season: whose work is still being overlooked? But that is for another article.

For now we celebrate all the the Oscar nominees and draw your attention to the 2026 Latino Oscar nominees, from on-screen talent, to behind the camera. And the nominees are…

2026 Actor Oscar Nominees

ACTORS

Benicio del Toro

Nomination: Best Supporting Actor — One Battle After Another

Academy Award winner Benicio del Toro received his third career nomination for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ensemble drama One Battle After Another. One of the most respected Latino actors in Hollywood, del Toro first gained global attention with films such as The Usual Suspects and Traffic, the latter earning him an Oscar. His career has spanned major franchises (Sicario, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) and auteur-driven cinema.

Oscar history:

Wagner Moura

Nomination: Best Actor — The Secret Agent

Brazilian actor Wagner Moura earned a historic nomination for his performance as a political dissident navigating Brazil’s military dictatorship in The Secret Agent. Moura first gained international recognition starring as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos, after becoming one of Brazil’s most acclaimed actors through films such as Elite Squad and Elite Squad: The Enemy Within. Known for his politically charged roles and directing work, Moura continues to bridge Brazilian cinema with Hollywood productions.

Oscar history:

Notably, Moura becomes the first Brazilian man ever nominated for Best Actor.

Producing, Writing & Directing

Juan Arredondo

Nominations:

Colombian photojournalist and professor Juan Arredondo earned a 2026 Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Short Film Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud. Arredondo, who was severely wounded in the 2022 Ukraine attack that killed his colleague, produced and edited the film to honor Brent Renaud’s legacy.

Oscar history:

Guillermo del Toro

Nominations:

Mexican visionary Guillermo del Toro continues his remarkable awards legacy with multiple nominations for his gothic reimagining of Frankenstein. Del Toro is widely celebrated for blending dark fantasy with emotional storytelling in films such as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio. His work has made him one of the most influential filmmakers to emerge from Mexico’s modern cinematic wave.

Oscar history:

Yvett Merino

Nomination: Best Animated Feature — Zootopia 2 (Producer)


Photographed by: Mat Fretschel

Producer Yvett Merino has become one of the most prominent Latina executives in animation. As a producer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, she previously won the Oscar for Encanto, the globally celebrated musical inspired by Colombian culture. With Zootopia 2, Merino continues her work shepherding large-scale animated storytelling within the Disney system.

Oscar history:

Nidia Santiago 

Nomination: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Producer)

Multiple award- winning producer for the animated short Little Amélie or the Character of Rain including an Oscar. In her productions we find the titles Chulyen, histoire de corbeau by Cerise Lopez and Agnès Patron (nominated for the Emile Awards 2017); Negative Space by Ru Kuwahata and Max Porter (FIPRESCI Award at the Annecy Festival, Grand Prix at Animamundi (Brazil), nominated for the Oscars in 2018.

Oscar history:

Adrian Molina

Nomination: Best Animated Feature — Elio (Co-Director)

Adrian Molina is best known as the co-director and co-writer of Pixar’s Coco, which celebrated Mexican culture and became a global box office success. Molina returned to Pixar’s director’s chair with Elio, a sci-fi adventure about a boy mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to an intergalactic council.

Oscar history:

Beyond the acting and directing categories, Latino talent continues to make a significant impact behind the camera, shaping the visual, technical, and sonic elements of some of the year’s most talked-about films.

Ken Diaz

Oscar Nomination: Best Makeup and Hairstyling — Sinners

Veteran makeup artist Ken Diaz earned an Academy Award nomination for his work on the genre-bending supernatural drama Sinners. Diaz, known in Hollywood for his expertise in character transformation and special makeup effects, helped create the film’s striking visual aesthetic alongside collaborators Mike Fontaine and Shunika Terry. The nomination places Diaz among the few Latino artists recognized in the Academy’s makeup branch in recent years. He has three Primetime Emmys for his work as a make-up artist in television and an overall of six nominations. With the Sinners nomination that makes him a three time Oscar nominee My Family/Mi Familia (1996) and Dad (1990). The chances of a “third time is the charm” just might work out.

Oscar history:

Jose Antonio Garcia

Oscar Nomination: Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, One Battle After Another

 José Antonio García a renowned Oscar-nominated and awarded sound engineer Mexican known for his work on major films like Argo (2012), Roma (2018), and the 2025 film One Battle After Another. He has received multiple Acadmey Award nominations for Best Sound Mixing throughout his career.

Oscar history:

Felipe Pacheco

Nomination: Best Sound — Sinners

Costa Rican–born sound editor Felipe Pacheco received an Oscar nomination as part of the sound team for Sinners. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Pacheco has built a reputation in Hollywood for his work on large-scale productions and streaming series, including the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance. His nomination reflects the increasingly global nature of sound design teams in modern filmmaking.

Oscar history:

Juan Peralta

Oscar Nomination: Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, One Battle After Another

Juan Peralta is an American sound engineer.[2] He was nominated for an Academy Award in the category Best Sound for the film F1.[3]. Hia other credits include  Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Doctor Strange (2016).

Adolpho Veloso

Nomination: Best Cinematography — Train Dreams

Brazilian cinematographer Adolpho Veloso earned a historic nomination for his atmospheric photography on Train Dreams. Known for his painterly visual style and ability to capture expansive natural landscapes, Veloso became one of the few Brazilian cinematographers ever nominated in the category, bringing international attention to his work.

Oscar history:

Gabriel Domingues

Nomination: Best Casting — The Secret Agent

Brazilian casting director Gabriel Domingues received an Oscar nomination for assembling the ensemble of The Secret Agent. His work recreating the political and social landscape of 1970s Brazil through casting was widely praised and marks recognition in the Academy’s newly introduced casting category.

Oscar history:

Additional, although not an Oscar nominee Danya Jimenez is a Mexican American screenwriter and LMU alumna who, alongside writing partner Hannah McMechan, co-wrote the 2025 hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters which is a two time Oscar nominee. Released on Netflix, the musical action-comedy became a global phenomenon, ranking as the platform’s #1 most-watched movie. The duo was named to Variety’s 2025 screenwriters to watch list. 

The progress from three decades ago is undeniable. Latino artists today are directing Oscar-winning films, leading global franchises, and shaping Hollywood’s creative future. Yet the absence of Latina nominees in 2026 is a reminder that the industry’s evolution remains incomplete. Until the Academy’s ballot consistently reflects the full spectrum of Latino talent—women included—the celebration will always carry a note of unfinished business.

Los Angeles audiences will have an opportunity to witness art used as a powerful form of activism when Constance Marie and eight other actors take to the stage to read monologues inspired by true stories of families and communities affected by ICE.  Malice: Stories of Injustice, a special two-night theatrical event at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.

The monologues are inspired by real stories and written by Vivianne Nacif and Juan Pablo Oubina 
Directed by Vivianne Nacif.

Performances will be on March 10 at 8PM (Constance Marie will perform on this day) and March 11 also at 8PM. The performances feature nine monologues inspired by real-life stories of individuals affected by immigration enforcement actions. The fundraising event is designed inform and create community around the topic of immigration, not only as a theatrical experience but as a fundraiser with all proceeds going to help support and aid immigrant detained and/or their families.

Post-show discussions after each day’s performance will give the audience an opportunity to engage with the cast, writers, directors and discussions and learn what and where help will be provided for immigrants navigating the new challenges they face with ICE raids.

In addition to Marie, the actors (and the roles they will play) donating their time and talent to these two day charitable performances include:

Eduardo Enrikez – Francisco (Paletero) 
Angelines Santana – Linda (Tamalera) 
Alejandro Cardenas – Andry Hernandez (make-up artist) 
Iran Daniel – Alma (Home Health aid worker) 
Eduardo Enrikez – Marcos (Gardner) 
Constance Marie English performance only – Angeles (Agricultural worker) 
Vivianne Nacif   – Mariana (Jazmin’s mom) 
Alex Peña – Antonio (Daca Recepient-uber driver) 
Maria Jimena Gastelum -Sofia (US citizen College Student) 

All proceeds from the performances will benefit Mar Vista Voice and West Los Angeles Rapid Response Network, grassroots groups working on the front lines to provide legal aid, emergency response alerts, and community support for families impacted by ICE detentions.

The evening brings together actors who will portray the voices of individuals whose lives have been directly affected by immigration enforcement. Rather than statistics or headlines, the monologues present deeply personal narratives that reveal the human impact of policy.

“These monologues are based on are real people,” said Marie. “They’re not numbers or talking points. Many of them have lived in this country for decades and contributed enormously to the communities they live in.”

Marie will perform during the English-language performance on March 10, portraying an agricultural worker whose story reflects the experiences of many essential laborers. The Spanish-language performance will take place March 11, bringing the stories to Spanish-speaking audiences.

Among the characters represented are long-time residents, workers, and even a DACA recipient studying law whose life was disrupted by detention.

Art as Action

For Marie, whose decades-long career includes iconic roles in films like Mi Familia and Selena and starring as Angie Lopez on George Lopez (2002–2007) and Regina Vasquez on Switched at Birth (2011–2017) and most currently in TV showrunner Gloria Calderon Kellett’s With Love, working on Malice reflects her belief that storytelling can play a role in social awareness and community engagement.

“The antidote to despair is action,” Marie said. “People can protest, they can donate, they can post online — and this performance is another way to take action. Creative resistance is important right now.”

Audience members are encouraged to attend, bring friends, and engage with the community through the event and enjoy an evening is meant to be both moving and empowering.

For Marie, being part of this creative fundraiser is more than doing a monolough of another persons’ real life experineces with ICE — it is personal. “The hardest part for me is being in a country where I am a citizen but because the color of my skin i’m asked for my papers. I’m indigenous but because i’m brown I have to worry about the racial profiling that’s happening.”

Malice: Stories of Injustice performances will take place at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles with two performances:

Tickets and donation information can be accessed through Constance Marie’s Instagram, @GoConstance, where a link and QR code are available for purchasing tickets or contributing to the cause, or at The Odyssey Theater website. Donations can also be made online at the Odyssey Theater Support Page, However, make sure to to indicate your donation is restricted funds to be used only for Malice charities.

Marie leaves us with an ecnouraging thought, “Right now many people feel overwhelmed. But community is the answer. Remembering our humanity and our shared stories are essential.”

By Bel Hernandez Castillo

In the crowded field of documentary shorts this awards season, the Oscar nominated The Devil Is Busy stands out not through spectacle, but through access and immediacy. Executive produced by award-winning journalists Soledad O’Brien and veteran producer Rose Arce, the film directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Christalyn Hampton offers a clear-eyed portrait of reproductive healthcare in America after the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade. directed by 

The result is one of the most quietly powerful entries in this year’s Oscar race—and a reminder that the debate over reproductive rights is no longer theoretical, but unfolding daily at clinic doors across the country.

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, it didn’t just change the law—it erased half a century of protections that women in the United States had fought to secure.

“It was really back at the end of 2022 that we started thinking.  If this happens, if in fact Roe v. Wade is no longer the lay of the land, what could we do”, explained O’Brien on the urgency to “do something” immediately after the law was overturned. 

“There is actually a very strong Latina connection to all of this”, Arce points out. “During the Supreme Court oral arguments Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked the question of the Court, “Will this institution survive the stench this creates?”  Aware of the challenge ahead, O’Brien and Arce understood the mission and went to work producing the documentary. They approached the Ford Foundation and it was a Latina, Sonia Enriquez and Darren Walker who both said, yes to the funding.  “Once we had the film, a Latina executive at HBO was the one that said ‘OK…I am gong to run this’.” The Devil Is Busy has been streaming on HBO Max since September 23, 2025.

Powerfully, the film arrives guided by Latina leadership behind the scenes, bringing journalistic rigor and emotional clarity to a subject that too often gets reduced to political slogans. 

Filmed in cinéma vérité style, the 30 minute documentary short unfolds over the course of a single day, inside a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta.  Tracii, the facility’s head of security, navigates the daily reality of protecting patients and staff amid ongoing protests and heightened threats – from security sweeps of the premises to escorting patients inside while safeguarding their anonymity. 

For more than five decades, American women lived with the protections established under Roe v. Wade. The Devil Is Busy starkly contrasts that era with the new reality many patients face navigating restrictive state laws and an increasingly hostile climate surrounding reproductive care. 

Rather than relying on political commentary, the filmmakers keep the camera trained on the human infrastructure holding the system together. Tracii emerges as the film’s emotional anchor—part protector, part counselor. The documentary avoids polemics in favor of observation, allowing viewers to witness the emotional and operational toll on the staff tasked with ensuring women can still access basic healthcare.

The film’s power lies in this juxtaposition: routine healthcare operating under extraordinary pressure.

At a brisk half hour, The Devil Is Busy is compact but potent filmmaking. In an awards season often dominated by sweeping global stories, this short opts for a focused lens on a single clinic, a single day, and a single gatekeeper standing between patients and the chaos outside.

By Bel Hernandez Castillo

Nosotros and NBCUniversal are signaling a decisive shift in how Latino talent is developed and presented for the industry. With Season 5 of Ya Tú Sabes, the long-running incubator has fully transitioned from a traditional showcase model into a cinematic short-form pipeline—culminating in the crowning of The Comedian as this year’s top winner and positioning the program as a serious launchpad for writers and actors ready for film and television.

What began in 2020 as a challenge from NBCUniversal Launch to rethink the traditional actor showcase has evolved into a fully realized creative pipeline. Initially launched as the Ya Tú Sabes Monologue Slam, the program emphasized original writing and live performance. Over time, it expanded into fully produced stand-alone scenes selected through a competitive process, under a new name, Ya Tú Sabes Monologue Shorts.

Nosotros and NBCUniversal have marked that evolution and raised the bar once again with the explosive fifth season of Ya Tú Sabes, unveiling a bold new evolution of the long-running Latino talent incubator—one that trades the traditional stage showcase for cinematic pieces designed to reflect the professional readiness of Latino talent when given meaningful resources and production value.

“In a year shaped by a difficult national climate for Latinos, support for arts programs like this was far from guaranteed,” said Joel M. Gonzales, President of Nosotros. “We’re deeply grateful to NBCUniversal and the NBC Launch program for standing with us when sponsorships were tight. What Season 5 represents is how much this program has grown over the past five years—and how Latino artists continue to create opportunity, break through, and tell our own stories on our own terms.”

Emerging as Season 5’s creative breakthrough and top winner with judges and audiences alike, is The Comedian, written by stand-up comic José Maestas and powerfully performed by actor Richard Eick. This piece amplifies the Ya Tú Sabes’ core mission: spotlighting Latino writers and actors through original work rooted in universal themes—while steadily expanding the scale and seriousness of the platform.

A sharply observed and emotionally layered piece, The Comedian draws directly from Maestas’ personal experience to explore the duality of life on and off the stage—the persona versus the person. Its resonance was immediate, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about monologue shorts of the season for its depth, honesty, and cinematic execution.

“Across a lineup of powerful shorts, one of the strongest examples was the winner, The Comedian,” said Gonazlez, adding “The writing and performance stood out immediately and reflect the level of depth and readiness that exists in our community when the opportunity is real.”

The Ya Tu Sabes Monolouge Shorts premiered live at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre this past December, streaming simultaneously on the Nosotros YouTube channel, with Audience Choice voting closing on December 31 declaring writer Cristal González Ávila and actor Mariana Belén as the  Audience Choice winners for Ropa Sucia.

Industry-Level Execution

Season 5’s six monologue shorts were led creatively by Hector Felix, who served as director, editor, and cinematographer, establishing a cohesive visual language across the entire showcase. The project was produced by Gonzales and co-produced by Nosotros Creative Director Juan Munevar, with creative collaboration from Joaquin F. Palma, writer/director of the program’s first three seasons—bridging the initiative’s roots with its cinematic future.

This year’s highly noted celebrity ambassador judges underscored the program’s industry credibility, include Julian Works (The Long Game, Jimmy), actor/producer Nicholas Gonzalez (La Brea, The Good Doctor), producer/director Ben DeJesus (Leguizamo Does America), actor/director Jon Huertas (This Is Us), and Larry Laboe, Executive Director of NewFilmmakers LA. They were joined by NBCUniversal executives and a broad cross-section of casting directors, agents, managers, publicists, and industry professionals.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the Season 5 monologue shorts—led by The Comedian and Ropa Sucia—will be submitted as stand-alone short films to film festivals, extending their life well beyond the showcase and expanding visibility for the participating writers and actors across the festival and industry landscape.

Winners will receive cash prizes and sponsored access to key industry leaders, including NBCUniversal executives, casting directors, agencies, and senior writers and producers—solidifying Ya Tú Sabes not just as a showcase, but as a tangible bridge to career advancement.

With Season 5, Nosotros and NBCUniversal have made a clear statement: when Latino artists are given space, resources, and respect, the results are not just promising—they’re cinematic.

By Bel Hernandez Castillo

SUNDANCE SPOTLIGHT

Writer/Director Luis Valdez (Photo: Sundance Institute)

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will shine a long-overdue national spotlight on one of the most influential cultural architects in American history: Luis Valdez. With the world premiere of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB) cements Valdez’s towering legacy as a revolutionary artist who transformed theater, film, and the visibility of the Mexican-American experience—while also affirming the vital role of public broadcasting in preserving Latino cultural memory.

Directed, written, and produced by David Alvarado, American Pachuco is far more than a biographical documentary. It is a cultural reckoning—charting how Valdez reshaped the American stage and screen by insisting that Chicano stories were not peripheral, but central to the national narrative.

From the Fields to the Forefront of American Theater

Valdez’s story is inseparable from the Chicano Movement itself. In 1965, alongside the United Farm Workers, he founded El Teatro Campesino, a theater company born not in traditional playhouses but in the fields—using satire, music, and performance as tools of protest, education, and empowerment for farmworkers demanding dignity and justice.

Marquee at the Aquarius Theater in Los Angeles (Photo: Suncance Institute)

That radical foundation led to one of the most consequential theatrical moments in U.S. history. Zoot Suit originated at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, where it became an undeniable hit, electrifying audiences with its bold fusion of American Latino music, movement, history, and political urgency. The production was so successful that it made history—transferring to Broadway in 1979, marking the first time a Chicano playwright’s work appeared on the Great White Way.

In a rare and telling testament to its cultural impact, Zoot Suit didn’t simply move east. While one company made its groundbreaking Broadway run, a second cast remained in Los Angeles, where the show continued at the Aquarius Theatre, running for nearly a full year. The dual productions underscored something unprecedented: Chicano theater was no longer a niche movement—it was a mainstream cultural force commanding audiences on both coasts.

Edward James Olmos: A Full-Circle Cultural Moment

Original L.A. Play poster by Ignacio Lopez

Central to Zoot Suit’s legacy—and to American Pachuco—is Edward James Olmos, whose star-making role as El Pachuco was written by Valdez and became one of the most iconic performances in American theater. The role launched Olmos’s career and redefined the possibilities for Latino actors at a time when such opportunities were nearly nonexistent.

Decades later, Olmos narrates American Pachuco not only as a collaborator and witness, but as co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Latino Public Broadcasting, the organization that partially funded the documentary. The symmetry is profound: a playwright who opened doors for an actor, and an actor who now ensures those doors remain open for future generations of Latino storytellers.

“Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we give a voice to our Latino filmmakers and make sure that our stories are heard,” Olmos said. “While these two films are very different, both of them celebrate how art can lift individuals and communities and bring about real transformative change.”

A Definitive Portrait of a Cultural Revolutionary

Winner of the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film, American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez features extensive interviews with Valdez, offering rare insight into his artistic philosophy, political consciousness, and lifelong commitment to cultural truth-telling. The film positions Valdez not only as a playwright and filmmaker, but as a cultural architect whose influence reshaped the American artistic landscape.

The documentary is a co-production of Insignia Films, ITVS, Latino Public Broadcasting, and Firelight Media, in association with American Masters Pictures and PBS, with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It will premiere nationally in Fall 2026 as a co-presentation of VOCES and AMERICAN MASTERS, placing Valdez among the most essential artists ever profiled in the series.

LPB at Sundance: Expanding the Latino Story

Latino stories are foundational to American culture, not footnotes. And at the center of that truth stands Luis Valdez—a visionary who proved that telling our own stories is an act of resistance, celebration, and transformation.With American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, Sundance 2026 does more than honor a filmmaker. It honors a movement—and a legacy that continues to shape every Latino story told on stage and screen today.

By Bel Hernandez Castillo

In an industry where independent films are too often sidelined by limited marketing muscle and one-size-fits-all distribution strategies, The Dreamer Cinderella is doing something bold—and long overdue. Ahead of its January 23 nationwide theatrical release, the romance drama has mounted a studio-scale rollout without a studio, proving that vision, strategy, and cultural clarity can rival traditional Hollywood machinery.

Rather than waiting for a distributor to define its audience or dilute its message, the filmmakers behind The Dreamer Cinderella took control of their own narrative. The result: a grassroots-meets-glamour campaign that blends red-carpet prestige, celebrity visibility, and authentic community engagement, successfully activating audiences across Los Angeles and Texas through a series of high-profile advance screenings.

This is not indie film marketing as we’ve come to expect it, this is indie filmmaking on its own terms. At the helm of the film’s production is writer/director & producer Jose Luis Ruiz (The First Cowboy, Holy Cash), who has wholeheartedly embraced this unique Indie Film Marketing Campaign, collaborating with Entertainment Media Specialists to see it through.

“Small Independent Latino films are very misunderstood in Hollywood, and traditional publicity and marketing avenues are expensive and oftentimes ineffective for the indie filmmaker,” said Ruiz. “I want to find a new path with people who understand our stories and community.”

A New Model for Latino-Led Storytelling

At the heart of the film’s rollout is a quiet but powerful rebellion against outdated marketing approaches that frequently miss—or misunderstand—Latino audiences. Instead of relying on distributor-led strategies that often overlook cultural nuance, the Dreamer Cinderella team embraced a self-directed, creator-first model, aligning promotion with purpose.

It’s a strategy increasingly embraced by Latino filmmakers who recognize that ownership equals power—power over how stories are positioned, who they reach, and how long they resonate. By designing a campaign that mirrors a major studio release—albeit on a leaner budget—the film demonstrates that scale is not solely about dollars, but about intention.

Studio Ambition, Indie Heart

Written/ produced/ and directed by Jose Luis Ruiz for Dr. Ruiz Productions, The Dreamer Cinderella offers a modern reimagining of a classic fairytale, grounded in themes of resilience, identity, and emotional connection. It’s a romance that reflects lived experience, cultural specificity, and universal longing—elements too often absent from mainstream love stories.

The film boasts a diverse and notable ensemble cast, including Tara Reid (American Pie), Anakaren Chablé (Troop Dragonfly), , Paul Johansson (One Tree Hill, Van Helsing), Paul Rodriguez (Holy Cash, Blood Work, Ali), Anthony W. Preston (Billionaire’s Borrowed Bride), Abigail Stanton (Ex-Convict Nanny & Billionaire Single Dad), Selena Ringel (You, Me & Her, Single Mother by Choice), and Victoria del Rosal (Lolita, Strange Love, #sorrynotsorry). The film brings together talent from across film and television in support of a story that refuses to be marginalized.

Press Access and National Visibility

Further underscoring its studio-level ambitions, the film’s campaign includes targeted national press outreach, cross-country screenings, and a virtual press junket on January 15, 2026, offering media direct access to the cast and creative team—an opportunity rarely afforded to independent releases at this scale.

The message is clear: independent films don’t have to wait for permission to be seen.

More Than a Release—A Statement

By taking ownership of its marketing and distribution, The Dreamer Cinderella isn’t just opening in theaters—it’s opening a conversation about equity, access, and the future of independent cinema, particularly for Latino creators.

As awards season conversations and box office narratives continue to exclude diverse voices, this film stands as a reminder that visibility is a strategy, not a stroke of luck.

The Dreamer Cinderella is being distributed by Atlas Distribution and opens theatrically nationwide on January 23—and with it, a new blueprint for how independent films can rise, connect, and endure.

Title: The Dreamer Cinderella Genre: Romance Drama. Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes. Language: English

Production Company: Dr. Ruiz Productions. Distributor: Atlas Distribution Company

SOCIAL MEDIA:INSTAGRAM:  @dreamercinderellafilm

By Bel Hernandez Castillo

Award-winning filmmaker and storyteller Jorge Xolalpa has signed a groundbreaking distribution agreement with Lumexx Media, paving the way for his complete eight-film canon to premiere on Apple TV+ in 2026. The multi-picture deal marks a career-defining milestone for one of independent cinema’s most daring and emotionally resonant voices, offering Xolalpa’s decade of work its first unified global streaming home.

Xolalpa is a Mexican-born, Los Angeles–based filmmaker, writer, and producer whose films explore identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience. Known for his emotionally charged narratives and minimalist visual approach, his work has screened internationally and earned accolades for authenticity and heart.

The partnership represents not only a major win for the filmmaker, but also a significant moment for contemporary Latino cinema, bringing long-overdue visibility to a body of work that blends profound humanism with gripping narrative artistry.

The collection of short and feature films spans Xolalpa’s evolution as a writer-director: a filmmaker who has consistently infused his stories with emotional realism, social consciousness, and an unmistakable minimalist visual style. Although Jorge did not attend film school, his writing and directing method have been critically acclaimed in the industry. His thematic is constantly very dark and dramatic. Jorge’s has publicly admitted that he is heavily inspired by the works of Woody Allen, David Fincher, and Darren Aronofsky.

The list of his films that are part of the distribution deal include:

Blue Line Station (2016) — A high-school couple embarks on an unexpected journey to Planned Parenthood as they face the realities of an unwanted pregnancy.

Valentina (2017) –When her daughter is kidnapped, Valentina must outsmart the system to raise the ransom money and save her child.

Sweet Caroline (2018) — A once-happy couple is thrust into psychological darkness after a devastating tragedy shatters their world.

Your Iron Lady (2020) — Inspired by true resilience, the film follows Teresa, an immigrant mother of four, who makes the brave decision to leave her abusive husband upon arriving in the U.S.

Melancolia (2021) — A hospice nurse haunted by grief struggles to care for the dying while navigating the trauma of losing her daughter in a school shooting.

Union Station (2023) — Two strangers stranded in Los Angeles confront one transformative night that forces them to reclaim their lives and face their fears.

Lolita (2025) — After serving nine years in prison, Jesús fights to reintegrate into society and regain custody of his daughter, Lolita.

Huehxolotl (2027) — Currently in pre-production for an early 2026 shoot, the epic expands Xolalpa’s cinematic universe, tapping into myth, heritage, and identity.

For Xolalpa his has been a long-awaited and well earned moment. For years, Jorge Xolalpa stayed patient. Despite doubts surrounding his work, he continued to create, refine, and believe.

His  perseverance forms the emotional spine of the announcement. Now, Xolapa feels the world will finally discover his work through this new partnership.  For Xolalpa, the moment is nothing short of a transformative.

“Partnering with Lumexx Media and Apple TV+ feels like the beginning of a new chapter,” said Xolalpa. “Every one of these films was made with heart, faith, and defiance. To see them finally brought together on a global platform is nothing short of a dream realized.”

Lumexx Media is a global entertainment company specializing in premium independent film distribution and strategic streaming partnerships. Under the new agreement, Lumexx Media and Apple TV+ will execute a coordinated international marketing campaign ahead of the 2026 premiere. The partnership cements Xolalpa’s rising prominence among contemporary Latino filmmakers whose work is reshaping independent cinema and expanding representation across global streaming platforms. 

“Jorge Xolalpa represents the fearless new wave of independent auteurs,”  echoed Lumexx Media CEO Marco Medina. “His films are deeply human and profoundly cinematic—exactly the kind of storytelling that transcends borders. We’re honored to introduce his vision to a worldwide audience.”

Xolalpa is also an author who is currently embarking on a book tour promoting his first book Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá: A Soul Suspended Between Two Worlds a raw, intimate memoir about identity, resilience, and the healing power of storytelling.

 AFSC launches “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger” Campaign:

A powerful cultural movement is taking shape as Latino celebrities and influencers step into their power—not just as entertainers, but as advocates for justice and unity. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a century-old Quaker organization dedicated to peace and equality, has launched its first-ever Hispanic celebrity PSA and publicity campaign, “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger.”

The bilingual, nonpartisan campaign represents a cultural awakening across the Latino creative community. For the first time, some of the most influential names in film, music, and media are aligning to uplift the dignity of immigrants, celebrate their contributions, and push back against divisive narratives with truth and pride.

A New Era of Latino Leadership

Latino immigrants have long fueled America’s progress—powering industries, enriching culture, and driving innovation. Yet in today’s political climate, fear and misinformation threaten to erase their humanity. AFSC’s campaign responds with compassion and storytelling, led by voices that reflect the very communities under fire.

“Immigrants make our communities stronger—neighbors, coworkers, students, and business owners,” said Brian Minter, AFSC’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “But right now, immigrants are being detained and disappeared, tearing apart families and neighborhoods.”For Mexican-American actor Tonatiuh, the message is deeply personal: “My mother came to this country not knowing the language and without a roadmap. She faced an impossible task and persevered. Our story isn’t unique—it’s the story of countless Americans before us. Immigrants are not a problem to fix; we are the living embodiment of America’s values.”

Cultural Power Meets Social Impact

The campaign’s star lineup reads like a cross-section of Latino excellence: labor legend Dolores Huerta, actors Melissa Barrera, Tonatiuh, and Mishel Prada, Grammy-winning icons Los Tigres Del Norte, Ozomatli’s Wil-Dog Abers, Latin Grammy winner Chiquis, beloved singer Marisela, Univision journalist Daniela Ganoza, and radio personalities Don Cheto and Said Garcia Solis.

“Immigrants aren’t just part of America’s story; they are central to its success,” said Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers. “The people being targeted are not just immigrants; they are the indigenous people of these continents. People are being harassed because of the color of their skin—it’s ethnic cleansing.”

Melissa Barrera, who has built a thriving Hollywood career while staying true to her Mexican roots, echoed the urgency: “As a proud Mexican actress working and living in the U.S., I’ve seen the strength and beauty that immigrants bring. We are not outsiders; we are an integral part of the fabric of the United States.”

Mishel Prada added, “Immigration is the heartbeat of American culture. Nothing great here was built alone. We’re all living proof of someone else’s courage to start again.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

Culture, Courage, and Community

Running through the end of the year, AFSC’s “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger” campaign will appear across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms. The storytelling-driven effort highlights resilience, family, and cultural pride—core values that define the Latino experience in America.

By leveraging their platforms, Latino stars are not only raising awareness but reasserting leadership in shaping the national narrative on immigration. What emerges is a shared call to action: to recognize immigrants not as strangers, but as the heart of America’s story.

To learn more about the campaign, visit https://afsc.org/stronger-immigrants.


Tickets: Available at www.foxtucson.com/resurrection

Written by Bel Hernandez Castillo

A Hollywood celebration happens in Tucson, Arizona, on October 19, when actors, producers, and fans gather to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking Showtime family drama Resurrection Blvd. The hit series, which ran for three seasons, broke new ground as the first dramatic television show created, written, and performed by an all-Latino cast.

For creator Dennis Leoni, who was born and raised in Tucson, this milestone marks a true homecoming — where his real-life family and his beloved on-screen family reunite in a heartfelt celebration of legacy, culture, and storytelling.

The event, titled “A Day with Resurrection Blvd. – The 25th Anniversary Celebration,” will take place at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, the crown jewel of downtown Tucson. This landmark Art Deco venue is the ideal setting for a series that continues to resonate with audiences and inspire new generations of Latino creatives.

“Resurrection Blvd. is the defining moment of my lifelong career in television,” says Dennis Leoni, creator and executive producer. “It’s incredibly meaningful to bring this 25th Anniversary Celebration to my hometown, and to host it at The Fox Theatre — the very place where I saw my first movie over sixty years ago. I can’t wait to share the pilot, behind-the-scenes clips, and stories from the making of this groundbreaking series.”

The celebration will feature a screening of the pilot episode, rare behind-the-scenes footage, and an engaging live panel discussion moderated by Tucson born talent Dan Guerrero with cast and crew members reflecting on the show’s lasting influence.

Confirmed guests include Dennis Leoni, Tony Plana, Michael DeLorenzo, Ruth Livier, Nicholas Gonzalez, Mauricio Mendoza, Daniel Zacapa, and possibly Esai Morales,  The panel will be moderated by acclaimed producer and performer Dan Guerrero.

To honor the show’s enduring impact on Latino representation, the event will also introduce The Leoni Filmmaking Scholarship, a new initiative to support emerging storytellers. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a local high school film student, nominated by their teacher and selected for excellence in storytelling. The winner will be announced at their school and formally recognized on stage during the celebration.

For fans seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets offer access to an exclusive after-party, where guests can mingle with the cast and creative team, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and raise a glass to the show’s remarkable legacy.

“Resurrection Blvd. broke barriers and gave a voice to stories that continue to inspire,” says Chris Scott of Elephant Scout, co-organizer of the event. “This anniversary celebration at Fox Tucson Theatre is not just about looking back—it’s about celebrating how far Latino storytelling has come and where it’s headed next.”

L-R: Resurrection Cast: Ruth Livier, Michael de Lorenzo, Girlfriend, Nicholas Gonzalez and Mauricio Mendoza (Photo Credit: Resurrection Blvd.)

Whether you grew up watching Resurrection Blvd. or are discovering it for the first time, this 25th Anniversary Celebration is a powerful reminder of the show’s enduring message — that family, identity, and resilience transcend generations. 

This exclusive celebration, presented by Elephant Scout Films, will take place at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, located at 17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ, on October 19, 2025.  Special thank to The Leo Kent, the Resurrection Blvd. 25th Anniversary official hotel partner.

To join in on the celebration in Tucson on October 19 Event Details:
What: A Day with Resurrection Blvd · The 25th Anniversary Celebration
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701
When: October 19, 2025. Doors Open at 2:00 pm MST
Tickets: Available at www.foxtucson.com/resurrection. General admission and limited VIP tickets for the exclusive after-party are on sale now.

La Marisoul & Los Hermanos Carlos and Bolero Soul Shine

By Bel Hernandez Castillo

Bolero Soul (Photo: Brandee Allen – The Ford)

There’s something magical about boleros—the romantic lyrics, the gentle strum of guitars, and those unforgettable harmonies that wrap around your heart. The Boleros de Noche performances presented as part of LA Phil’s 2026 summer season at The Ford, felt like a true homecoming. 

This year’s lineup started off with the dynamic ensemble Arturo and Jose Luis of Bolero Soul, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the golden era of romantic Latin music. It was followed up by the reunion of La Marisoul with Los Hermanos Carlos, making for a powerhouse bolero trio.  La Marisoul delivers vocals that drip with heartache, longing, and love, while the Carlos brothers’ harmonies wrap around her like a warm summer breeze. The crowd didn’t just watch—they felt it, often singing along, swaying in their seats, and cheering in between every heart-tugging verse.

One of Los Hermanos Carlos (Photo by: Brandee Allen – The Ford)

La Marisoul, best known as the powerhouse vocalist of La Santa Cecilia began her career singing boleros.  “That’s the root of what I sing—traditional boleros and rancheras,” she explains. “I learned from the musicians that played at restaurants on Olvera Street.”  She is a Grammy Award winning artist who credits her songs as being inspired by life, love, heartbreak and the drunken rants of the neighborhood.

It was clear that for many, boleros are more than music—they’re memories. The Ford was a perfect backdrop for this concert, with palm trees lit in vivid hues framing the stage, the hillside seating enveloping the audience in a close shared beautiful sensory experience of sight and sounds. 

While the bolero’s origins trace back to 18th-century Spain and Cuba, it was Mexico that truly made the genre its own, becoming a cultural epicenter for its evolution. Many of us grew up hearing the voices of Los Panchos, Pedro Infante, or Javier Solís serenade generations with their soulful bolero renditions. Boleros De Noche at The Ford Theater brought that timeless sound back to life, creating an unforgettable night of music, nostalgia, and connection that felt both deeply personal and universally moving.

(Photo: Latin Heat Ent.)

Boleros De Noche, now a yearly tradition at the Ford, began in 2015 with a mission to preserve the bolero tradition and create a space to keep the tradition alive. They moved to The Ford in 2018 and are now celebrating their 9th year at this venue. Boleros De Noche has evolved from a small grassroots concert series into a major cultural event. 

This year’s LA Phil summer season at The Ford runs through October 31st, features everything from retro cinema, hip-hop and poetry to mariachi legends and cutting-edge dance of all genres. Boleros De Noche at The Ford proves that great programming doesn’t need to be big and flashy to be powerful. It just needs to be authentic. And this show? It absolutely was.

Performance line up at The Ford  Follow on social media: @TheFordLA 

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