National Hispanic Media Coalition Holds annual Impact Awards Gala

On Friday, April 24th, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) hosted its annual Impact Awards Gala. The Gala celebrates individuals in the entertainment industry who embody accurate and positive qualities of the Latino community in mainstream media. The event was held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, and co-hosted by comedian Chris Estrada and actress Isabella Gomez. It also featured countless special appearances, including actor and Producer Wilmer Valderrama and actress Mayan Lopez.

The Honorees

Beyond the Lens Impact Award – The Studio

The Beyond the Lens Impact Award “recognizes creative works that move beyond conventional narratives to spark, enhance, or promote a more inclusive and reflective industry,” according to the NHMC. Rep. Joaquin Castro presented the award, and Frida Perez, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, and Lorena Perez Batista accepted on behalf of the cast of Apple TV’s The Studio. The show offers a sharp yet satirical view of Hollywood as Latino voices are not only valued but championed. Frida Perez, the show’s co-creator, shared her love for her cast and crew. “I feel so lucky and so grateful to work in a job where I get to collaborate with people I admire.”

Visionary Impact Award – Beth de Araújo

Beth de Araújo accepted the Visionary Impact Award presented by Barbara Muschietti. The accredited Writer and Directer received this award for her sophomore feature JOSEPHINE. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in U.S. Dramatic Competition and won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize. During her speech, she looked to empower victims of sexual assault and praised those who were brave enough to share their stories. She dedicated her award to the survivors of Cesar Chavez’s abuse.

Outstanding Actress Performance in a Series Award – Belissa Escobedo

Belissa Escobedo accepted the Outstanding Actress Performance in a Series Award. Melissa Peterman & Pablo Castelblanco presented the award for her role opposite Reba McEntire on NBC’s half-hour series HAPPY’S PLACE. She previously starred on the ABC one-hour drama THE BAKER AND THE BEAUTY. During her speech, she thanked NHMC President & CEO Brenda Victoria Castillo for bringing the community together. She expressed her gratitude and thanks to those who paved the way before her. She closed her speech by remarking, “I am standing up here today because my community put me up here.”

Storytelling Impact Award – Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan

Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan accepted the Storytelling Impact Award presented by Nick Pugliese. The co-writers behind Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters thanked the coalition and Brenda Castillo herself.

“Thank you Brenda Castillo and the whole NHMC, we couldn’t believe that you picked us for this honor. To be recognized as storytellers with meaningful impact is surreal.” The film became Netflix’s most-watched film, winning two Golden Globes, a Grammy, and two Oscars.

Artistic Excellence Impact Award – James Ortiz

Award-winning actor James Ortiz accepted the Artistic Excellence Impact Award presented by filmmakers Phil Lord & Chris Miller. He starred in the hit film Project Hail Mary as Rocky, bringing the non-human character to life on set. Ortiz’s puppetry design will be on full display this summer as he features in the world-premiere opera adaptation of George Saunders’ novel Lincoln in the Bardo at the Metropolitan Opera. He completed his speech with praise for the NHMC. “Thank you to NHMC for this incredible honor and for helping me connect to my roots.”

Brenda Victoria Castillo and The NHMC’s Mission

The NHMC’s mission is to spotlight the accurate and positive representation of the Latino community within the media. The NHMC is a non-profit, nonpartisan civil and human rights organization. It was created to eliminate hate, racism, and discrimination within the Latino community. The organization encourages media transparency and is committed to closing the ‘digital divide’ between communities. In their eyes, it is imperative each that each community has access to authentic media representation and equal opportunity to express their vastly different cultures.

The Impact Awards Gala are a small part of the NHMC’s mission, but its importance cannot be diminished. NHMC President & CEO Brenda Victoria Castillo kicked off the night by expressing his utmost gratitude and thanks for the continued participation in the organization’s views. She praised the communities’ strength in overcoming adversity this past year, “What’s happening is not random, it’s intentional. It’s designed to distract, overwhelm and break us. But here’s the problem with that strategy….they picked the wrong community.” Castillo took this opportunity to double down, ““When told to wait our turn – we organize, when told to tone it down – we amplify, when told our stories are too specific – we prove they resonate across cultures and tap into our shared humanity.”

Notable Past Impact Award honorees include: James Cameron, Salma Hayek and Eva Longoria

Featured Photo By: Rodin Eckenroth

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