America Ferrera Among Honorees at Hollywood Reporter Latin Power Event – ​​The Hollywood Reporter

The Hollywood Reporter celebrated Latin leaders in film, television and music at its first Latin Power Event, held Wednesday afternoon at the Soho Beach House in Miami. Created in connection with the publication of THRThe Latin Power Issue honored actress America Ferrera, who received the award for her commitment and representation; Cris Abrego, Chairman of Banijay America Group and President and CEO of Endemol Shine Holdings and Co-Founder and CEO of Hypenate Media Group, who was recognized in the field of business management; actor and restaurateur Danny Trejo, who was honored for entrepreneurship and philanthropy; and Emilio and Gloria Estefan, who received the artistic lifetime achievement award.

During a panel discussion moderated by Noticias Telemundo Host Johana Suárez, the honorees shared their experiences navigating the entertainment industry, with each paying respect to the Estefans, who were both born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States, where they later met as the “first family of Miami.”

“I don’t know a strong couple that has contributed more to breaking down these barriers for everyone, especially in the music business, than you, Gloria and Emilio, Estefan,” Suárez said. “They changed the landscape of the music scene in the 80s.”

Ferrera opened up about being discouraged from pursuing her love of art as a teenager. “I grew up with almost everyone telling me that everything was stopping me from achieving my dream,” she said. “That I was too this or too that or not enough of this and not enough of that and that there was no room for me in my dream, in my love and passion for performing and storytelling and desire to be part of the culture.” and Creating meaning. Somehow I still found a way to believe in myself and keep going.”

The actress became emotional as Trejo opened up about his journey as a Mexican-American actor in Hollywood, noting, “Our shared wish for our community is that the next generation of Latinos know their worth and know that their lives matter, that theirs Dreams are important.” that their families are important, that the sacrifices that their families and they have made are important and contribute to this country.

“We are all trying to combat so many negative narratives that disempower our youth and leave us discouraged. And whether we do that through music, television, film, business, consulting or all of the great industries and professions that are represented here today, we are trying to write a new story,” Ferrera continued. “I stopped seeing myself as an actress and activist. These are labels that fall short. I am a human. I am a person in this world who cares about the world I live in and cares about people. And I care about our country and what is possible for us.”

To conclude the panel, Suárez asked the honorees about an actionable way to increase Latino power in the entertainment industry, and the answers boiled down to creating and investing in the community.

“I say that unity is very important, that we feel like a whole family,” Emilio said. “I wrote a song for Elvis Presley where I say, ‘One flag, one color,’ and that’s how Latinos should be portrayed.”

“We have to make a difference,” Gloria said, echoing her husband’s sentiments. “We have to believe in ourselves and in each other because if we don’t have the people to convince, at least we all know what we’re worth.”

The thought-provoking panel was introduced by Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter‘s senior editor for diversity and inclusion, who emphasized: “Miami is the future of the United States because it is the center of Latin American power.” Victoria Gold, THR Executive Vice President and Publisher, opened the broadcast praising the list makers and honorees by saying, “Your collective talents, contributions, hard work and influence have shaped the way we live in film, television, music and beyond “It is an honor to stand with you today. It is especially meaningful for us to celebrate with you in Miami, one of the world’s largest centers for Latin culture, business, music and, above all, food.”

Building on those comments, Marco Giron, Miami-Dade County’s first Latino film and entertainment commissioner, announced plans for an incentive program aimed at attracting companies to film their productions in the South Florida city. An announcement is expected to be made in January. “Our goal here in Miami-Dade is to make ourselves a global destination for the film and entertainment industry,” Giron said. “This is the top priority.”

The event was sponsored by Paramount+, United Airlines, First Horizon Bank and the Miami-Dade County Film and Entertainment Commission.