The Critics Choice Association has announced the honorees of its inaugural Celebration of Latino Cinema. Recognizing “groundbreaking achievements in Latino cinema from the outstanding work of Latino performers and creators,” the ceremony will be held virtually December 9, Deadline reports. Comedian, actress, and writer Cristela Alonzo is hosting.
Olga Merediz will receive the Actress Award for her scene-stealing role in this summer’s “In the Heights.” She originated her character, Abuela Claudia, in the stage version of the musical. The film adaptation’s director, Jon M. Chu, will present Merediz with the prize.
Filmmaker Tatiana Huezo will take home the International Film Award for “Prayers for the Stolen,” Mexico’s 2021 Oscar entry. Director Gregory Nava is presenting. Huezo’s feature “Tempestad” was selected as Mexico’s Oscar selection in 2017. She counts “The Empty Classroom” and “El lugar más pequeño” among her other directing credits.
Natalie Morales, who directed two features released this year, “Language Lessons” and “Plan B,” will receive a Special Honoree Award, presented by Michaela Watkins. Best known for her on-screen work in projects like “Dead to Me” and “Parks and Recreation,” Morales’ previous directing credits include episodes of “Room 104.”
Gloria Estefan and Ynairaly Simo are among the recipients of the Film Music Award, which will honor the creative team behind animated musical “Vivo.” Andy Garcia is presenting.
As previously announced, EGOT winner Rita Moreno will receive the Icon Award, presented by Estefan and Emilio Estefan. Moreno was the subject of this year’s doc “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It” and most recently did voice work for “Maya and the Three.” You can see her next in the new film adaptation of “West Side Story,” out December 10. Moreno won an Oscar for her supporting turn in the 1961 version.
“We are deeply honored to be presenting these awards to such a distinguished group of iconic artists and are thrilled to be celebrating Latino Cinema for this inaugural awards event,” said Critics Choice Association’s Claudia Puig and Clayton Davis, who serve as programmers of the Celebration of Latino Cinema. “We applaud the Critics Choice Association for showcasing the innumerable contributions of these Latino standout performances.”
Head over to Deadline to check out all of the Celebration of Latino Cinema honorees.
