The 78th Peabody Awards Hosted by Ronin Farrow On May 18, 2019 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York
By Nina Castillo
With a career that spans over 70-year Rita Moreno has consistently knocked down barriers for generations of Latinas and women of color with her undeniable talent, boundless energy, and stubborn perseverance. She has already reached EGOT status, one of only 11 people to have received the four major entertainment honors—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Now she will add a Peabody Career Achievement Award to her collection—the first Latinx performer to do so, officially making her a PEGOT, tonight when she is celebrated at the 78th Peabody Awards in New York
Moreno has forged a vibrant career spanning seven decades and several mediums, starting with her breakthrough role as Anita in 1961’s West Side Story for which she received an Oscar; a Grammy Award for the Best Album for Children (The Electric Company Album); a Primetime Emmy for The Rockford Files, and a Tony Award for The Ritz which played on Broadway. But at 87 years old she is busier than ever, and don’t expect her to be slowing down anytime soon.
Her recent three year run as the tough matriarch Lydia on the Netflix reboot of Norman Lear’s comedy series One Day at a Time has only served to solidify her as the most respected Latinx performers in the history of television and film and has introduced her to younger audiences.
The visibility has lead her back to the project that launched her career. Moreno will return to the next big-screen in the latest adaptation of West Side Story that Steven Spielberg is directing. Not only will play Valentina, a take on the original peace-making shop keeper Doc role, only it will be expanded to a bigger role, but she is also on board to serve as executive producer.
The Puerto Rico-born actress shattered culture and color barriers in the pre-Civil Rights era, becoming one of the few artists of color to reach mainstream audiences on the big screen, the stage, and in their living rooms.
Born Rosa Dolores Alverio in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno began acting at an early age and by her teens was landing small roles in film and on Broadway. By her 31st birthday, she had become the first Latina to win an Oscar for best-supporting actress for her role in West Side Story. A versatile artist who could dance, sing, and tackle comedy and drama, Moreno’s multi-faceted talents found her working with directors such as Mike Nichols, performing alongside Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, and James Garner.
Moreno has used her celebrity status to raise awareness around issues that affect her community, including diabetes and heart disease. In 2017, she contributed to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s song “Almost Like Praying,” the proceeds of which went to benefit Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Maria.
The documentary Dolores is also receiving a Peabody tonight. For the complete list of Peabody Award Recipients CLICK HERE
The Peabody Awards honor radio and television stations, networks, online media, producing organizations, and individuals from around the world. Established in 1940 by a committee of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Peabody Award was created to honor excellence in radio broadcasting.
For more information on the awardees, the full scope of the organization’s work and how to submit your project next year CLICK HERE.