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Oscar Nominations Highlight Latino Representation
This year’s Oscar nominations have garnered significant praise for their improved representation of Latino talent in the film industry.
Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, expressed her excitement about the diverse list of acting nominees. Notable mentions include trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón for her role in Emilia Pérez, Brazilian star Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here, and Zoe Saldaña, whose heritage includes Dominican and Puerto Rican roots for her performance in Emilia Pérez. Additional recognition went to Monica Barbaro, who has Mexican heritage in her ancestry, for her role in A Complete Unknown, and Colman Domingo, who made history as the first Afro-Latino to receive dual nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Sing Sing.
Castillo further acknowledged the achievements of Pablo Helman, who earned a nomination for his visual effects in Wicked, and Adrian Quesada, nominated for Best Original Song for “Like a Bird” featured in Sing Sing.
“It is crucial now more than ever to ensure that the Latino community, along with the diversity within it, is properly represented across all media platforms,” Castillo stated. She emphasized that representation in entertainment is directly linked to how the community is perceived in broader societal and political discussions. This focus on inclusion is particularly pivotal in light of the historical #OscarsSoWhite controversy that raised awareness of racial disparities in Academy nominations.
“The NHMC is committed to advocating for authentic Latino representation across all media,” Castillo noted. “While cultural progress often outpaces policy changes, we believe that consistently showcasing diversity in storytelling will inevitably influence policy to follow suit. We encourage the entertainment industry to continue to celebrate and spotlight diverse narratives to ensure that our stories are represented truthfully.”
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