Rosie Perez is set to be honored at the 10th Anniversary Hispanicize, an event celebrating Latinx culture. The Oscar-nominated actress will be recognized with the Latinavator Award, presented to a “trailblazing Latina who rises to leadership, transforms power structures and policies, and positively impacts their community through passion, inspiration, and consistent commitment to confronting obstacles.” A press release announced the news.
The “In Living Color” alumna is a three-time Emmy nominee for her work on the groundbreaking sketch comedy series. Perez received an Oscar nod for her role in “Fearless.”
“Rosie Perez is an icon who broke through the glass ceiling and paved the way for other actresses of color to step into the spotlight,” said Hispanicize Co-Founder Lexi Terrero. “We are truly honored to recognize her with this year’s Latinavator Award. Her bold, brave moves campaigning for change on issues that were sometimes controversial without wavering or backing down has made her a beloved figure in our community and around the world. Rosie has showcased her strength both on camera and off, and continues to empower and inspire the Latinx community through her leadership and philanthropic work. We are truly honored to recognize her with this year’s Latinavator Award.”
Also active off-screen, Perez serves as the Artistic Board Chair for Urban Arts Partnership. “She is an activist for the Puerto Rican community, and it is documented in the 2006 film she co-directed, ‘Yo soy Boricua, pa’que tu lo sepas! (I’m Puerto Rican, Just So You Know!).’ Her activism also extends to the HIV/AIDS community and in 2006/2007 she starred in a Spanish AIDS PSA campaign, ‘Join the Fight,’ and former President, Barack Obama appointed her to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS PACHA in 2010,” the press release details.
Previous recipients of the Hispanicize award include Rita Moreno, Soledad O’Brien, and Rosario Dawson.
“Rise,” “She’s Gotta Have It,” and “The Dead Don’t Die” are among Perez’s recent credits. Her upcoming projects include Cathy Yan’s “Suicide Squad” spinoff “Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” and Dee Rees’ Joan Didion adaptation “The Last Thing He Wanted.”
Hispanicize will take place October 17-19 in LA.
