(For more information, visit: www.nhmc.org/ImpactAwards)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 2014CONTACT: Brian Pacheco, NHMC bpacheco@www.nhmc.org (213) 718-0732
Edward James Olmos Joins Previously Announced Honorees Diego Luna, Demian Bichir, Emily Rios, George Parra and Comcast Corporation
Actors Gina Rodriguez and Yancey Arias to Co-Host the Event Honoring Outstanding Contributions to Positive Media Portrayals of Latinos
PASADENA, Calif. - The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), the leading media advocacy and civil rights organization for the benefit and advancement of Latinos, announced today it will also honor Edward James Olmos at the 17th Annual NHMC Impact Awards Gala to be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at the historic Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Olmos will receive the Lupe Ontiveros Indomitable Spirit Award. Inaugurated in 2013, the Lupe Ontiveros Indomitable Spirit Award is presented to media and entertainment leaders for their outspoken and relentless commitment to advocacy and increasing the visibility of the Latino community's achievements and contributions to this country. The Award is named in memory of iconic Latina actress and NHMC friend Lupe Ontiveros, a pioneer and longtime advocate for the Latino community, for LGBT, women, HIV/AIDS and labor issues, as well as an outspoken advocate against typecasting in the entertainment industry.
"Throughout his distinguished acting and filmmaking career, Edward James Olmos has courageously used his platform to stand up for what is right, even when it might have hurt him with some audiences," said NHMC President & CEO Alex Nogales. "As he continues to lift up and defend the Latino community, Olmos' leadership sets the example for all Latino media and entertainment professionals to use their voice to make this country a better place for all Americans--especially people of color--and embodies the values of NHMC's Lupe Ontiveros Indomitable Spirit Award."
Filly Brown star Gina Rodriguez and Yancey Arias, who is co-starring in the upcoming filmCesar Chavez, are both emceeing the event.
NHMC previously announced honorees Cesar Chavez director Diego Luna for Outstanding Direction in a Motion Picture; Academy Award-nominated Demian Bichir and Emily Rios for Outstanding Performance in a Television Series on The Bridge; executive producerGeorge Parra for Excellence in Motion Picture Producing on the Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated American Hustle and Nebraska; and Comcast Corporationwill be recognized for its Outstanding Diversity Practices.
For tickets and additional information about the honorees and the 17th Annual NHMC Impact Awards Gala, visit: www.nhmc.org/ImpactAwards. Extended talent biographies and headshots can be provided upon request.
The NHMC Impact Awards Gala recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions to the positive portrayals of Latinos in media, and is one of the premiere Latino entertainment events in the country, hosting Hollywood's most influential figures. Past honorees include Eva Longoria, Robert Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, America Ferrera, James Cameron, Lana Parrilla, George Lopez, Cesar Millan, Zoe Saldana, Mario Lopez, Gina Torres, Rosario Dawson, and the late Lupe Ontiveros.
The NHMC Impact Awards Gala also raises important funds to support NHMC's efforts to increase positive media portrayals of Latinos, advance Latino employment at all levels of the media industry, and push for federal media and telecommunications policies that benefit Latinos and other people of color.
For the latest updates on the 17th Annual NHMC Impact Awards Gala, follow NHMC on Twitter @nhmc and hashtag #ImpactAwards.
The 17th Annual NHMC Impact Awards Gala is supported by The Walt Disney Company and Disney ABC Television Group. Other sponsors include Comcast NBCUniversal, Univision Communications, Inc., Entravision Communications Corporation, NUVOtv, and Bright House Networks. For information on becoming a sponsor and placing an ad in the NHMC Impact Awards Gala program book, please visit www.nhmc.org/ImpactAwards.
Please direct event media credential requests to:
Ivette Rodriguez, ivette@aem-la.com
Please direct all other media inquiries to:
Brian Pacheco (NHMC), bpacheco@www.nhmc.org, (213) 718-0732
