The Hollywood Reporter celebrated Latin leaders in the entertainment industry at its inaugural Latin Power event held at Soho Beach House in Miami. The event, launched in conjunction with THR’s Latin Power Issue, honored individuals in film, television, and music who have made extraordinary contributions in their respective fields. Actress America Ferrera was recognized for advocacy and representation. Cris Abrego, chairman of Banijay America Group and president and CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings, was celebrated for his executive leadership. Actor and restauranteur Danny Trejo was honored for his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy. Emilio and Gloria Estefan were awarded for their lifetime achievement in the arts.
The event included a panel discussion moderated by Noticias Telemundo anchor Johana Suárez. The honorees shared their personal experiences of navigating the entertainment industry and paid tribute to the Estefans, referring to them as “the first family of Miami.” Suárez recognized the Estefans for breaking down barriers in the music industry and changing the landscape in the 80s. Each of the honorees shared their unique journey to success and emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of the Latinx community in shaping the entertainment industry.
America Ferrera spoke candidly about being discouraged from pursuing her love of the arts as a teenager. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she continued to believe in herself and persevered. Ferrera, who was visibly emotional, commented on the need to empower the next generation of Latinos and highlighted the importance of knowing one’s worth and the impact of their dreams and sacrifices.
The panel discussion also sparked a dialogue around increasing Latin power in the entertainment industry. Emilio Estefan emphasized the importance of unity and representation, expressing the need for Latinos to stand together. He referenced a song he wrote for Elvis Presley, “One flag, one color,” as a symbol of the unity within the Latino community. Gloria Estefan echoed her husband’s sentiments, advocating for self-belief and mutual support within the community.
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The event was introduced by Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter’s senior editor of diversity and inclusion, who emphasized the significance of Miami as the future of the United States due to its prominence as a center of Latin power. Victoria Gold, THR’s executive vice president and publisher, praised the honorees for their transformative influence in the entertainment industry. The iconic city of Miami, with its rich Latin culture and business, served as an ideal backdrop for the celebration, embodying the spirit of Latin power.
Additionally, Marco Giron, Miami-Dade County’s first Latino film and entertainment commissioner, offered a sneak peek into the county’s plan to launch an incentives program aimed at attracting film productions to the region. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to becoming a global destination for the film and entertainment industry, showcasing a thriving Latin influence.
The Latin Power event was made possible through the support of sponsors such as Paramount+, United Airlines, First Horizon Bank, and the Miami-Dade County Film and Entertainment Commission. The event brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, influencers, and change-makers, reinforcing the collective commitment to fostering Latin power in the entertainment sector.
The inaugural Latin Power event was a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Latin leaders in film, television, and music. As the Latinx community continues to influence and shape the entertainment landscape, events like this serve as a testament to the impact of Latin power within the industry. It is a celebration of progress and a symbol of solidarity, unity, and empowerment for future generations of Latin creators and innovators.
