Celebrating Latino Cinema: A Powerful Call to Action at the Critics Choice Association’s 5th Annual Event
The Critics Choice Association hosted its 5th Annual Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television in Los Angeles last Friday, a significant gathering held during a challenging time for the Latino community, particularly in light of recent actions by the Trump administration. This timely event featured heartfelt acceptance speeches from renowned figures like America Ferrera, Andy Garcia, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Ramos, Camila Perez, Dolores Huerta, Frida Perez, Gabriel Luna, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Dolores Fonzi, and Tonatiuh, who were all honored for their remarkable contributions to the industry.
America Ferrera, who received the Trailblazer Award from producer Jamie Lee Curtis, delivered an impactful closing speech. She emphasized the importance of storytelling in today’s divided world, stating, “In a day and age where discourse is failing to foster connection and empathy, the stories we tell become essential.” Ferrera, an outspoken political activist, stressed that the entertainment industry plays a crucial role in civil society. “Artists and the narratives we create are vital in shaping our society,” she asserted.
Ferrera passionately urged her fellow storytellers to not only highlight injustices but also to envision and create the world they aspire to live in. “We must avoid portraying one another as mere charity cases; we are born with dignity that cannot be taken away. Our role as storytellers is to uplift each other and reaffirm our shared humanity,” she continued. “Now is the time for us to be courageous and use our art to inspire change and reflect the world we want to see.”
The event kicked off with honoring activist Dolores Huerta, who received the Icon Award. Huerta inspired attendees by stating that the entertainment industry has the power to reshape perceptions about the Latino community. “We are not criminals; we are the backbone of this nation,” she declared, highlighting the struggles faced by indigenous people. She concluded her speech by leading the audience in her famous rallying cry, “Sí se puede!”
Throughout the ceremony, several distinguished awards were presented: Garcia received the Vanguard Award, filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho was honored with the Director Award, and Frida Perez received the Showrunner Award, introduced by Seth Rogen. Anthony Ramos was recognized with the Supporting Actor Award for his role in A House of Dynamite, while Oscar Isaac accepted the Actor Award for Frankenstein virtually. Gabriel Luna received the Supporting Actor Award for Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, and Dolores Fonzi was awarded the International Film Award. Camila Perez was celebrated with the Breakthrough Actress Award, while Tonatiuh earned the Breakthrough Actor Award for his work in Kiss of the Spider Woman.
In a poignant moment, Tonatiuh shared how he facilitated access to a recent Jennifer Lopez musical for students from his former high school, allowing them to see themselves represented on screen. “As they watched, I held them in my arms while they cried, sharing that they had never experienced anything like this before,” he recounted. He echoed Huerta’s empowering “sí se puede” and added a bold statement: “F*** ICE.”
This year’s celebration not only spotlighted the achievements of Latino artists but also served as a powerful reminder of the role of storytelling in advocating for justice and representation. As the event unfolded, the collective call to action resonated, inspiring attendees to harness their creativity for a brighter, more inclusive future.
