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.

The Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (LIFE) Film Festival has unveiled its 2026 honorees, announcing that Oscar-winning producer Yvette Merino and acclaimed film and television director Patricia Riggen will be recognized at this year’s event, set for March 5–8, 2026 in Boyle Heights and Pico Rivera.

Now in its 13th year, the annual celebration of Latina-directed cinema will present Merino with the Lupe Ontiveros Award on Opening Night, while Riggen will receive the Maverick Award. Both honors spotlight Latina leaders whose work has reshaped representation, storytelling, and opportunity across the entertainment industry.

Yvette Merino to Receive Lupe Ontiveros Award

Merino, producer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be honored for a career defined by artistic excellence and trailblazing achievement. The Lupe Ontiveros Award—named after the late actress who paved the way for generations of Latina performers—recognizes women whose careers demonstrate courage and a sustained commitment to expanding representation in film.

Merino made history as the first Latina to receive the Academy Award for Animated Feature for producing Disney’s Encanto. Over her 25-plus years at Disney Animation, she has served in key production roles on blockbuster titles including Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, the Oscar-winning Big Hero 6, and Oscar-nominated Moana.

Following Encanto, Merino earned an Emmy Award for producing the short film Once Upon a Studio and served as producer on Moana 2. She is currently producing Zootopia 2. Beyond the screen, Merino was also instrumental in launching Voces@Disney, the studio’s first Latino employee resource group, serving as co-president for two years.

Patricia Riggen to Receive Maverick Award

Riggen will be presented with the Maverick Award, honoring a filmmaker whose body of work has challenged dominant narratives while bringing underrepresented stories to global audiences with authenticity and emotional depth.

Widely regarded as one of America’s leading female directors, Riggen’s feature credits span genres and scale. Her recent action thriller G20 stars Viola Davis, while earlier work includes Sundance breakout feature Under The Same Moon/La Misma Luna and Sony Pictures’ box-office hit Miracles from Heaven starring Jennifer Garner.

Her television directing credits include multiple episodes of the Emmy-winning limited series Dopesick starring Michael Keaton, as well as season one of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

A graduate of Columbia University School of the Arts, Riggen’s early short film work earned a Student Academy Award, Student Emmy, and Mexican Academy Award. She later directed Lemonade Mouth, which received a Directors Guild of America nomination, and the Chilean mining drama The 33 starring Antonio Banderas and Juliette Binoche—a production that required 30 days of filming underground in active mines.

Originally from Mexico, Riggen remains one of the few women of color to have directed top-grossing studio features in the past decade and continues to mentor emerging Latino filmmakers.

Festival Leadership and Mission

LIFE is led by Festival Directors Iris Almaraz and Cristina Nava, whose shared focus on community engagement, equity, and independent film continues to define the festival’s growth. Nava, a veteran independent producer and cultural organizer, brings decades of experience championing socially conscious storytelling and grassroots arts advocacy. Together, Almaraz and Nava position LIFE as both a platform for exhibition and a space for mentorship, networking, and long-term career development.

Founded thirteen years ago by screenwriter and playwright Josefina López (known for writing the groundbreaking film and Broadway play Real Women Have Curves), the festival was built on the belief that representation matters and that diverse voices strengthen the cinematic landscape.

In addition to screenings, the 2026 edition will feature panels, workshops, and networking sessions connecting emerging Latina directors with industry leaders and resources. LIFE is a fiscally sponsored project of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP).

Tickets and full programming details are available at www.LIFEFilmFestLA.com.

Now Available for streaming on Amazon, Tubi, Hoopla, Biblio+, and Fawesome.

REVIEW by Bel Hernandez Castillo

In 2018, Vanessa Marquez – a beloved actress known for her roles in ER (as Nurse Wendy Goldman) and the iconic indie film Stand and Deliver (as Ana Delgado) – was killed in her own home during what was meant to be a wellness check. The tragedy shocked her colleagues, devastated her fans, and sparked an urgent conversation about mental health, policing, and justice.

The new documentary Ninety Minutes Later, directed by Cyndy Fujikawa and produced by Daniel Villarreal, explores the heartbreaking events leading up to Marquez’s death and the aftermath that galvanized her community. 

Shot with a quiet sensitivity and clear purpose, Ninety Minutes Later does more than recount the final, devastating 90 minutes of Vanessa Marquez’s life — it peels back the layers of a talented, complicated woman whose light was extinguished too soon.

The documentary traces Marquez’s early years, exploring her love of singing and acting, and the rise of a career that included a starring role in Stand and Deliver and a four year recurring part on ER (1994-1997). Along the way, it offers glimpses of her home life and the struggles with mental illness that would later isolate her. Director Fujikawa gently asks: Were there warning signs? And if so, what could have been done differently to help her?

On that fateful day, a concerned friend called South Pasadena authorities to check on Marquez, who was reportedly living in hoarding conditions and battling depression. Instead of receiving compassionate care, Marquez was approached by heavily armed police officers. After 90 tense minutes, officers decided to forcibly remove her for psychiatric evaluation. When Marquez was lured our of her her bedroom and appeared at her stairwell holding an armful of stuffed animals and a plastic BB gun, police opened fire. She was killed instantly.

The 88-minute documentary film features interviews with Marquez’s friends and co-stars of the hit indie film Stand and Deliver Villarreal, Ingrid Oliu, Patrick Baca, and Will Gotay.

What elevates the film is the deep love and loyalty of Marquez’s Stand and Deliver castmates and friends. Their enduring bonds — born from a film that created lifelong relationships — became the force that pushed this case to trial. Their insistence on seeking justice ensured Marquez’s story wasn’t forgotten.

Ninety Minutes Later uses never-before-seen footage from police body cameras to reconstruct the chain of decisions that turned a routine welfare check into a fatal encounter. It elicits anger, shock, and sorrow. It forces viewers to confront hard questions about how we treat those in crisis and whether police are equipped — or even capable — of handling situations that demand care rather than force. It also challenges us to reflect: What tools did officers think they had when they decided to forcibly want to take Marquez to a psychiatric ward, despite her pleas not to?

This was not just a patient. She was a daughter. A friend. A woman who mattered deeply to those who knew her. The documentary asks, pointedly: What is the right way to handle moments like this? And if we don’t speak up, how many more times will this tragedy play out?

Ninety Minutes Later lingers long after its closing credits — a stirring call for empathy, accountability, and change.

As her co-stars reflect in the film, Vanessa’s light may have been extinguished too soon, but her legacy endures – sparking necessary conversations about mental health, justice, and how we treat one another in moments of crisis.

Ninety Minutes Later is released through MultiVisionnaire Media and is now streaming on platforms like Amazon, Tubi, Hoopla, Biblio+, and Fawesome.

By Bel Hernandez Castillo

Avenida Entertainment Group is taking center stage in the streaming landscape with its latest move: a strategic partnership between its newly launched streaming platform A+ and Nuestra.TV, the bilingual, ad-supported platform from Adsmovil. The collaboration will bring a curated selection of A+’s original English-language programming to Nuestra.TV, extending the reach of both platforms and reinforcing a shared mission—to authentically represent bicultural U.S. Latino audiences through compelling storytelling.

A+ (Avenida Plus), the brainchild of Avenida Entertainment Group, is carving out space in a media environment where Latino voices are often underrepresented or misrepresented. The platform delivers a carefully crafted slate of original series, docuseries, talk shows, and films that speak directly to the U.S. Latino experience—particularly bicultural and multigenerational viewers who toggle seamlessly between English and Spanish in their daily lives.

Among the standout A+ titles now featured on Nuestra.TV are Illegally Brown, Immigrant Voices of America, Baldo, Pinkafé Unfiltered, Barrio Chino, and Rated V. These stories span genres and formats, but all center Latino perspectives with authenticity, humor, and heart.

“This partnership between Avenida Entertainment Group and Nuestra.TV signifies a powerful alignment of innovation, cultural authenticity, and audience engagement,” said Fanny Grande, CEO of Avenida Entertainment Group. “By joining forces with Nuestra.TV and our streaming platform A+, we’re creating an unparalleled streaming experience that truly represents multicultural audiences. We’re also empowering a new generation of diverse creatives to share narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.”

The collaboration also amplifies the reach of A+, giving it access to Nuestra.TV’s expansive distribution across Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android and iOS devices. Nuestra.TV has grown significantly since its 2020 launch, now offering over 10,000 hours of on-demand content and more than 20 FAST channels from the U.S., Latin America, and Spain.

Alberto Pardo, Co-founder and CEO of Nuestra.TV, echoed Grande’s enthusiasm. “Collaborating with A+ allows us to expand the bilingual experience we offer—while also creating new value for advertisers and content owners interested in reaching this high-growth audience,” he said.

With A+ programming now integrated into the Nuestra.TV ecosystem, the partnership stands as a major step forward in the evolution of Hispanic-targeted streaming. It also sets the stage for new co-marketing initiatives across AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) and FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) environments.

By putting Avenida Entertainment Group and its A+ platform in the spotlight, this collaboration reaffirms the demand for Latino-driven content that doesn’t compromise on quality, language, or cultural nuance.

To explore A+ programming on Nuestra.TV, visit www.nuestra.tv, and learn more about A+ at www.aplusstreaming.com. Follow @watchaplustv on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Bridging Generations Among Mexican and Mexican-American Filmmakers

Submission Deadline: Until January 15

The Mexican-American Cultural Foundation, a U.S. based non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the Latino image in film and and television, will hold the 4th Edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival  & Awards (MAFTF)  Saturday, April 19th and Sunday 20th, 2025, returning to its homebase at the Harmony Gold Theater in the heart of Hollywood. 

Filmmakers wishing to showcase their work at MAFTF are invited to submit now through our website  (www.MAFTF.org) where they can also find submission requirements. The final deadline for  submission is January 15th , 2025. 

This year MAFTF continues its mission of amplifying the voices of Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers with its theme Bridging Generations By Our Shared Roots: Somos De  Aquí Y Somos De Allá, which furthers their mission. The aim is to bridge the diverse experiences of Mexican born filmmakers and the Mexican-American/Chicano-born filmmakers, in an effort to showcase the nuanced difference and similarities which will foster communication, cultural awareness, and  shared identity through their projects.

The reality is, being Mexican-American fosters an opportunity to benefit from two rich cultures, shared experiences, and access to more perspectives that differ from one single  culture mindset. We are united, fierce, and resilient. 

MAFTF is a two day event with screenings of short films, features, and television content, culminating with the yearly Illustrious Award ceremony on April 20, 2025.  

“As we proudly announce the 2025 edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival, I am reminded of the incredible success of our past three editions,” said MAFTF Director Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz. “However, I am  also aware that despite our shared heritage, filmmakers from Mexico and  Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers have not always collaborated as closely as we could. This year’s festival theme is a call to action – a reminder that by working together,  we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and celebrate our rich cultural diversity.

Dr. Ruiz, adds, “I am  excited to see the amazing work that will emerge from this collaboration and I invite all  filmmakers to join us on this journey.” 

MAFTF enlists a panel of judges consisting of Hollywood industry professionals who will be judging the submissions in the following categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Short Film, Best TV Series, Best Male Actor, Best  Female Actress, Best Screenplay For Film, and Best Screenplay For TV.  

Our Illustrious awards honor Industry leaders and honor those in the industry pushing to change the narrative and how they go  above and beyond. Our past honorees have included producer Yvett Merino (Encanto), directors Patricia Riggen (G20, Miracles from Heaven), Writer/Director Luis Valdez (La Bamba/Zoot Suit), Frank Rodriguez, Head of Distribution at Amazon (MGM), and Producer Moctesuma Esparza (Selena).

Tickets will be available for purchase in early 2025.  Check our website at www.MAFTF.org

By Cris Franco

Is it Hispanic Heritage Month already?  But I just took down my Cinco de Mayo decorations. Dios, mio — I’ve been caught culturally unprepared!  Luckily 54 BELOW, NYC’s toniest supper nightclub, has prepared a month-long fiesta filled with Broadway’s best Latinx talent and a specially designed dinner menu with dishes from México, Peru, El Salvador, Puerto Rico and more. Both the entertainment and food are sure to satisfy even the most discriminating Hispanic pallet.  Here’s what’s coming! 

Patrick Page & Perla Batalla: Looking for Leonard – SEPTEMBER 21 @ 7PM

Inspired by the work of Federico Garcia Lorca, poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen became globally recognized for his hits: Hallelujah, Bird on a Wire, I’m Your Man, Suzanne and So Long, Marianne. His work will be honored by the captivating duo of Patrick Page (Hadestown) and Grammy-nominated powerhouse Perla Batalla as they ignite the stage with an electrifying celebration of Leonard Cohen’s enduring legacy. In a stirring evening of music, poetry, and personal anecdotes, they honor the profound impact of Cohen’s genius on their lives and careers. Perla Batalla, once a cherished member of Cohen’s inner circle, enchants audiences with her velvety vocals and intimate reflections.  Born the daughter of a Mexican mariachi, Perla has seven albums to her name, all infused with social relevance, soul and sabor.  While Broadway veteran, Patrick Page – whose rich basso profundo voice is similar to that of Leonard Cohen — will add his magic to this evening of rock, ballads and reflection. 

NOTE: This very special event will be live-streamed EST.

Jaime Lozano & Florencia Cuenca’s Broadway en Spanglish Album Release Celebration, Featuring Mariachi Real & More – September 22 @ 7PM

Lin-Manuel Miranda said, “Florencia Cuenca’s soaring Spanglish cover of Burn (Hamilton) is one of my favorite renditions of the song. She has that lagrima in her voice, and it is perfect for conveying Eliza’s heartbreak.” While Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Tom Kitt said,  “It is the greatest gift when extraordinary artists take a song that you’ve written and bring their own gorgeous artistry to it. Listening to Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca’s beautiful new interpretation of “I Miss the Mountains,” (Next to Normal) I am moved by all the rich tonalities they have captured on this beautiful recording. It is a recording that I will always cherish, and it is an honor that it will live on this exquisite collection of songs.” 

Yes, husband and wife duo Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca are back at 54 Below with their acclaimed project Broadway en Spanglish to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the upcoming release of their anticipated album by Concord Theatricals Recordings. Featuring live accompaniment by the renowned Mariachi Real de Mexico de Ramon Ponce, the show includes some of musical theater’s most iconic contemporary tunes with a Mexican twist. You’ll hear songs from Hamilton, Waitress, Disney’s Frozen, and others, along with exciting new arrangements by Lozano. Featuring special guest performer, Mayelah Barrera!

Juan Pablo de Pace October 4 & 5 @ 7PM

Join Argentine-born performer, Juan Pablo de Pace in a musically-filled evening where he traces his artistic trajectory – from Buenos Aires to London via Madrid and Los Angeles. Performing Broadway classics by Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Kander & Ebb y mucho más,  Juan Pablo will guide you through his true-life theatrical journey.  So, sit back, relax, and dive into a teenage immigrant’s dream of becoming an artist.

With credits that read like a travelogue, Di Pace has moved seamlessly across continents and entertainment mediums since 2002. As an actor, he played Fernando on Netflix’s #1 sitcom Fuller House (People’s Choice Awards), starred as Jesus Christ on NBC’s A.D. The Bible Continues (Best Actor Grace Award), appeared in Mamma Mia! (2008) and starred in Paramount’s film Dashing In December (GLAAD Award). On the global stage, he has appeared in the musicals Chicago (West End), starred as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (Spain) and Danny Zucco in Grease (Trieste). He was a semi-finalist on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and has starred with the Houston Symphony Orchestra, headlining The Music Of George Michael. Possessing a sultry and spirited voice, Juan Pablo has released Te Senti, Fall On Me, Be Ready, Just A Feeling, available on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube. 

His performance will be accompanied by Michael Orlando who for 16 seasons has served as pianist, arranger, vocal coach, and associate musical director on American Idol.  A classic Renaissance man, Juan Pablo will amaze and delight all with his many gifts and abundant charm.

On Your Feet! Starring The National Tour Cast – October 7 @ 9:30PM

Actors will attest that nothing forges a theatrical family like going on tour with a big show.  Especially one as successful as the national tour of the mega-bio-musical: On Your Feet!  Well, 54 Below will be hosting this ensemble’s long awaited reunion as they recreate the stirring score of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. This gathering will be an extraordinary celebration of the hits that led Gloria Estefan to her Grammy Award-winning career. On Your Feet! takes you on Gloria’s musical life journey including the chart-toppers 1-2-3, Conga, Mi Tierra, and Cuba Libre and more! The night will feature On Your Feet! cast members: Facundo Agustín, Gaby Albo, Camila Aldet, Berny Balbuena, Max Cervantes, Jake Dylan, Miguel Flores, Samuel Garnica, Marielisa Gutierrez, Emma Heistand, Madelin Marchant, Brian Marquez, Katie McCollum, Sara McGuire, María Moreras, Ralphie Rivera, Khi’Shawn Robinson, Adela Romero, Angelliz Rosado, Rodolfo Santamarina, Cami Taleisnik, Kristen Tarragó, Glendaliris Torres-Greaux, and Sophia Yacap.

Fans of On Your Feet! will relish being in the room where it happens as cast members reunite for a tremendous night of great songs delivered by great singers.  Get on your feet and go see this show because the rhythm is gonna get you!

Brooklyn Bossa Nova: Celebrating Brazilian Music With JChris and Carla Ardito – October 10 @ 9:30PM

JChris and Carla Ardito  are proud to present Brooklyn Bossa Nova, a celebration of the classic and contemporary sounds of Bossa Nova. Featuring the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim, Marisa Monte, Brazil 66, and more, Brooklyn Bossa Nova also performs American pop hits that complement the Bossa Nova groove from such greats as Stevie Wonder and Burt Bacharach. Mas Que Nada, Desafinado, and Summer Samba, as well as hits by  Aretha Franklin, and more make for a fun-filled, sexy, and joyful night on the town. Brooklyn Bossa Nova was founded in 2022 and made its debut at Superfine in Dumbo. Featuring special guest Anna Paloma.

Carla Melucci Ardito graduated from NYU and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her credits include the soap opera Another World, Broadway Salutes Lincoln Center at Avery Fisher Hall, Give My Regards To Broadway at Playhouse 91, touring for a year with Opera Northeast, Light Opera Of Manhattan, Broadway Review at Brooklyn Barge Music, Burt Bacharach Review (music directed by Mat Eisenstein.) Carla performed with Bernadette Peters and Bea Arthur in the Broadway salute at Lincoln Center. 

JChris is an urban Latin singer-songwriter known for a smooth voice and high energy performances. His music transcends boundaries, infusing Latin pop nostalgia, his Brazilian and Peruvian heritage, and exploring themes of queer culture. JChris has worked with many great artists including Carlos Vives, Omar Apollo, Kristin Chenoweth, and Tito Puente, Jr., to name a few. JChris has performed at Carnegie Hall, The White House, and will tour the world through the U.S. Department of State’s American Music Abroad program in the 24-25 season.  

The Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5Uintent – October 15 @ 9:30PM

The uniquely American artform, jazz, has taken root worldwide. And when in the gifted hands of master guitarist/composer, Francisco Lelo de Larrea, a whole new vibe is born. Accompanied by The Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5uintet, this conjunto is aimed at bringing a new sound to both the movement of Mexican jazz, as well as the international music scene.

Founded by the guitarist/composer, Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5uintet project seeks to blaze a new trail and set trends within the art of jazz. Hear arrangements and original compositions inspired by an array of styles, ranging from traditional and contemporary jazz, swing, hard bop, to experiments with various tints of rock and soul. The quintet has performed in the most prominent jazz festivals in Latin America and their album Francisco Lelo de Larrea 5uinteto is regarded as one of the modern era’s most outstanding jazz compositions.

In 2022, they released their second album titled Ataraxia which was recorded in NYC, composed and arranged by Francisco Lelo de Larrea (guitar), with the collaboration of internationally renowned musicians such as David Binney (alto saxophone), Elliot Mason (trombone), Scott Colley (bass), and four-time Grammy award winner Antonio Sánchez (drums).

It’s difficult to describe the moody brilliance of this jazz sensation, except to say that this is his 54 Below debut and it’s is not to be missed!

I Like It Like That: the 30th Anniversary Concert – OCTOBER 18 @ 9:30PM

54 Below welcomes you to celebrate the 30 year anniversary of a Latino cult classic, I Like it Like That, with some of the original cast of the film. The audience will be teleported to a bustling, rowdy, yet somewhat charming neighborhood in the Bronx during 1994, where la cultura latina and family dynamics are explored through the music humming beneath it all. From Marc Anthony to The Barrio Boyzz to Jerry Rivera, the audience will be immersed in orgullo puertoriqueño and spirit that many from the Bronx still carry to this day, a pride that lives on through those who never forget where they came from. With Hispanic Heritage Month coming to a close, we want to celebrate a moment in history that is sometimes forgotten, excited for the audience to get up on their feet and sing along to the iconic music of the film, including the legendary title track, I Like it Like That.

For all Show Info LOG ON HERE

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month LeaLA makes it official kick-off on September 19, 2024 with a special performane of El Mariachi a blend of storytelling and music, offering a unique tribute to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

Through humor, irony, and poignant self-reflection, this performance tells the captivating story of a disillusioned mariachi singer seeking to escape the stereotype of the “Mexican macho,” and his quest for artistic freedom while exploring the complexities of Mexican identity and cultural values. 

Author Juan Villoro will bring his celebrated story to life with a powerful reading, accompanied by esteemed writers Hernán Bravo Varela and Jorge F. Hernández, performing timeless Mexican classics by legendary artists such as José Alfredo Jiménez, Pedro Infante, Juan Gabriel, and Antonio Aguilar.

This first day sets the richness of the programming of the four day event which will be offering authors and book panels, readings, music, and activations. Also in the three day following, kids from LASD will be bussed in to take part on countless workshops and activities that LEALa will be offering for free activations and special workshops for kids, and all are free!

Highlights include thought provoking conversations on identity, poetry, women empowerment panels and a musical experience entitled Tocada Y Fuga created and performed by musician and director Sergio Arau accompanied by his wife and actress Yareli Arizmendi.

The same d will be a panel on film identity on September 20 at 5pm and immediately following there will be a 20th anniversary screening A Day Without a Mexican directed by Sergio Arau on Friday, Sept\. 20th at 4PM.

The full schedule can se seen HERE .

Visit SpotlightDorado.com to tune in and vote for your favorite short film now through Feb. 11.

Get ready to vote for the latest short films from emerging Latino and Hispanic filmmakers in the Spotlight Dorado lineup. Starting today, you can check out three diverse projects from the latest edition of the short film contest at SpotlightDorado.com. The films include Marissa Díaz‘s action-packed “Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation,” Kryzz Gautier‘s virtual reality romance, “Chimera,” and Pablo Riesgo‘s satire sci-fi, “Cuando Volvimos A La Tierra.” Voting for your favorite film is open until February 11 to help determine the grand prize winner.

The short films are launching at a time when there’s a notable lack of representation for Latinos and Hispanics in the entertainment and film industry. Recent research from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, supported by McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado, reveals that less than 5% of directors of major motion pictures from 2007 to 2022 were Hispanic/Latino. Among them, only five were women.

This inequality extends beyond directors, with a mere 4.4% of lead or co-lead roles featuring Hispanic/Latino actors. This research underscores the pressing need for a more inclusive film landscape.

(L-R) Kryzz Gautier , Pablo Riesgo, Marissa Diaz

McDonald’s is addressing this issue by supporting important research and upcoming storytellers, contributing to inclusivity and demonstrating its commitment to diverse communities.

Ryan Worthy, Content and Culture Director at McDonald’s USA, stated, “As part of our commitment to giving back to the diverse communities we call home, we are proud to support opportunities that help drive inclusivity and change. With Spotlight Dorado, McDonald’s has been able to use its scale to amplify pivotal research and create opportunities for Latino and Hispanic storytellers. We’re proud of the outstanding talent showcased by this year’s Spotlight Dorado finalists, and we look forward to seeing what else is in store for them.”

After being selected as the top three finalists last summer, McDonald’s provided the filmmakers with a combined budget of $225,000 to produce their short films. Each filmmaker also received personalized mentorship from industry leaders, including Grammy®-winning artist, Golden Globe® and Emmy® nominated actor Anthony Ramos, actress Danay Garcia, comedian, writer, actor, and producer Al Madrigal, director Carlos López Estrada, and writer-director Nancy Mejía.

The grand prize winner of this year’s program will be announced in March. For more information on the program, and to cast your vote visit www.spotlightdorado.com.

Pepe Serna: Life is Art Showcases The Actors Trailblazing Accomplishments TS

The life of legendary Hollywood actor and internationally renowned artist Pepe Serna is revealed in Pepe Serna: Life Is Art, a one-hour documentary film directed by Luis Reyes will be available for streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu on February 21, 2024. Told by Serna himself, the documentary follows his lengthy acting career and artistic life and provides viewers with a rare opportunity to discover previously unseen and unknown sides of the actor’s journey. 

With over 100 film and television credits, Serna is most recognized for his iconic role opposite Al Pacino in the classic film Scarface as Ángel Fernández, whose grisly demise is one of the most memorable in cinema history. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1944, Serna built a career from the ground up and appeared in films such as Car Wash with Richard Pryor, Postcards from the Edge with Meryl Streep, The Jerk with Steve Martin, and Academy Award-winning director Alexander Payne’s Downsizing with Matt Damon. 

Eva Longoria and Edward James Olmos, both longtime friends of Serna, provide personal insight and perspective on his versatility and longevity as an actor and artist alongside Cheech Marin, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Luis Valdez and many others.

Throughout his journey, he has inspired countless Latino artists to follow in his footsteps by delivering powerful performances for filmmakers such as Brian De Palma, Clint Eastwood, John Schlesinger, Dalton Trumbo, Roger Corman, Henry Hathaway, William Friedkin and Dick Donner. 

Serna’s career is a testament to how far Latinos have come in Hollywood. He has indisputably claimed a reputable place in one of the world’s most competitive industries for his story-telling abilities and unique drive to empower not just Latinos but also other underserved communities. 

His recent memoir “Life is Art” recounts his motivational story from humble beginnings and offers life-changing lessons to overcoming adversity. “Life is Art” is available now for purchase here.

In addition to Hollywood success, Pepe is a visual artist whose paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. He also conducts motivational and improvisational workshops in high schools nationwide.

The documentary received awards in 2022 including Best Documentary at the Official Latino Film and Arts Festival, and the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Audience Award at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, and Festival Prize at the South Texas International Film Festival.

Most recently, Serna can be seen in Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut Flamin’ Hot and on Amazon’s TV series With Love.

For additional information on Pepe Serna: Life Is Art, please visit: 

Website: https://www.pepeserna.net

Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/pepesernanews/

Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/pepefied11/

Purchase the book today Here

Cast: Luis Valdez (Playwright, director Zoot Suit, La Bamba), Edward James Olmos (Oscar-nominated actor & director), Eva Longoria (actor, producer & director), Gloria Calderón Kellet (showrunner on “One Day at a Time,” “With Love”), David Ansen (former Newsweek film critic), Cheech Marin (of the comedy duo Cheech and Chong, actor & art collector) and Robert Beltran (actor, Cmdr. Chakotay in Star Trek: Voyager TV series)

Produced By: Kayvon Derak Shanian, David Méndez and Isaac Artenstein 

Executive Produced by: David Damian Figueroa 

Directed By: Luis Reyes

Run Time: 1 hour and 2 minutes

Rating: Not rated

After more than 20 years since her chart topping studio album This Is Me…Then, Jennifer Lopez is releasing her new cinematic original This Is Me…Now: A Love Story. Alongside Grammy winning director Dave Meyers (No Tears Left to Cry by Ariana Grande, ME! by Taylor Swift, Adore You by Harry Styles, Shirt by SZA, HUMBLE. by Kendrick Lamar, Gorilla by Little Simz), Lopez has created a narrative-driven cinematic video, steeped in mythological storytelling and personal healing. Featuring an all-star cast including Fat Joe, Trevor Noah, Kim Petras, Post Malone, Keke Palmer, Sofia Vergara, Jenifer Lewis, Jay Shetty, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Sadhguru, Derek Hough, and more, the cinematic event This Is Me…Now: A Love Story will stream globally on Prime Video on February 16th.

Amazon MGM Studios will release the cinematic original

Watch the Official Trailer:

This Is Me…Now: A Love Story will stream globally on Prime Video on February 16th. This is the same day the new album This is Me…Now will be released, which is currently available for pre-order at https://jenniferlopez.lnk.to/ThisIsMeNowPR 

Directed by: Dave Meyers

Written by: Jennifer Lopez, Matt Walton 

Story by: Jennifer Lopez, Dave Meyers, Chris Shafer

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe, Trevor Noah, Kim Petras, Post Malone, Keke Palmer, Sofia Vergara, Jenifer Lewis, Jay Shetty, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Sadhguru, Tony Bellissimo, Derek Hough, Trevor Jackson, Paul Raci, Bella Gagliano, Brandon Delsid, Ashley Versher, Malcolm Kelner, Alix Angelis, Danielle Larracuente, Matthew Law and Ben Affleck

Runtime: 65 Minutes

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