The 5th Annual Critics Choice Association Celebration of Latino Cinema and Television was a resounding success. The event, held on the afternoon of October 24 at one of Los Angeles’ most prestigious venues, the Four Seasons Hotel, was a beautiful tribute to Latino excellence in film and television.
Throughout the ceremony, heartfelt acceptance speeches highlighted the recent achievements of the Latino community in the U.S. and Latin America, while also addressing the challenges it continues to face — always with messages of courage, determination, and hope for a brighter future.
Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta received the Icon Award for her lifelong dedication to social justice on behalf of the Latino community in the United States. Her legacy — one that has inspired artists, filmmakers, and real change for over seven decades — was celebrated with standing ovations. As co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union and one of the most influential labor leaders in American history, Dolores has devoted her life to fighting for the rights of farmworkers, women, and marginalized communities. Her work continues through the Dolores Huerta Foundation and the Peace and Justice Cultural Center.
Her powerful rallying cry, “Sí, se puede” (“Yes, we can”) — later adopted by Barack Obama — remains a universal call to action. Now 95, Huerta continues to inspire the next generation of activists to step off the sidewalks and into the streets. Her extraordinary life story will soon be adapted into a feature film co-written by Barbara Martinez Jitner and Gregory Nava, who will also direct.
Cuban star Andy Garcia was honored with the Vanguard Award in recognition of his distinguished career and his latest work in the Paramount+ series Landman.
Oscar nominee and Emmy, SAG, and Critics Choice Award winner America Ferrera received the Pioneer Award for her outstanding contributions to the industry and her recent leading role in The Lost Bus (Apple Original Films).
Critics Choice and Emmy Award nominee Oscar Isaac took home the Film Actor Award for his performance in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (Netflix). The Guatemalan actor had a remarkable year, premiering two acclaimed films at the Venice Film Festival — Frankenstein and In the Hand of Dante.
Our own Kleber Mendonça Filho was recognized with the Directing Award for his film The Secret Agent (NEON). Earlier this year, he also received the Best Director Award at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and the FIPRESCI International Critics Award. To make him feel at home, the event organizers seated two Brazilian CCA members — journalist Jana Nascimento Nagase and myself — at his table.
Other honorees included:
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Frida Perez, Showrunner Award for The Studio (Apple TV+)
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Anthony Ramos, Best Supporting Actor in a Film for A House of Dynamite (Netflix)
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Gabriel Luna, Best Supporting Actor in a Series for Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (Peacock)
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Tonatiuh, Breakthrough Actor for Kiss of the Spider Woman (Roadside Attractions)
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Camila Perez, Breakthrough Actress for Acapulco (Apple TV+)
“It’s a true privilege to celebrate this extraordinary group of honorees,” said Clayton Davis, Board Member and Co-Programmer of the Critics Choice Association. “At a time when Latinos are often vilified or ignored, their art is a testament to our genius, resilience, and undeniable influence. These stories reflect our community and enrich the global cultural landscape.”
It was truly a night of pride, celebration, and inspiration — a vivid reminder of the talent and impact of Latino voices in cinema and television.
(I’ve included some pictures from the party for you to enjoy.)
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