From Edward James Olmos Endorsing Kamala Harris to Calls for More Latino Representation: Inside the Imagen Awards
variety.comAndrés Buenahora editor At the 39th annual Imagen Awards ceremony, Edward James Olmos urged fans to head for the polls. “Everyone must vote,” Olmos said after accepting his best supporting actor in a television drama award for “Mayans M.C.” “We deserve to be able to leave our children a stronger, more understanding society than the one we have now.” The “Stand and Deliver” star added, “I hope Kamala wins.” A recent poll conducted by Democratic polling firm BSP Research and UnidosUS, the largest Latino advocacy group, found that in Spanish-dominant households, Harris is favored by 64% of Latino voters, while Trump holds 30%.
A number of stars in attendance at the Imagen Awards called attention to the importance of representation among Latinos, who have historically been marginalized in the entertainment industry. “If anyone says that representation doesn’t matter, I’m here to tell you you are misinformed,” Diana Maria Riva, who was nominated for best supporting actress in a television comedy for her role as Julia Mejia in Netflix’s “Glamorous,” told Variety. “When your community highlights you, it’s humbling, and it brings tears to my eyes…making my community proud, I live for that.” Riva is the co-founder of Latinas Acting Up (LAU), a platform centered around making a positive impact in the entertainment industry by uplifting Latino voices.
Many nominees highlighted projects such as “Acapulco” and “A Million Miles Away” for their commitment to diversity. “Acapulco,” which received the most TV nominations at the awards ceremony with nine, is heading into its fourth season.
Series creator Austin Winsberg expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue developing a project championing Latino representation..
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