NHMC To Honor Outstanding Latino Talent – Wilmer Valderrama and Jose Luis Valenzuela Co-hosting Gala

The stars will be particularly bright in Beverly Hills on Friday, February 26th when the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) presents its 13th Annual Impact Awards Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.  The annual fete, hosted by the NHMC, one of the country’s foremost Latino media advocacy and civil rights organizations, celebrates outstanding theatrical, television and film performances by Latinos both in front and back of camera.  “We are extremely proud to be able to honor our Latino talent in Hollywood at this annual event.  This year’s honorees are 11-year old actor Rico Rodriguez, the talented actress Justina Machado, the beautiful Aimee Garcia and one of the great masters of improv Oscar Nuñez,” beamed Alex Nogales, NHMC President & CEO, “They will join past NHMC Impact Award recipients Edward James Olmos, America Ferrera, Eva Longoria and George Lopez, to name just a few.”

One of the funniest shows on television today is the NBC comedy series “The Office.”  The show has won the 2007 and 2008 Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Comedy Ensemble.  For his performance as ‘Oscar Martinez,’ the frustrated accountant in the hit show, Oscar Nuñez will receive the Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Television Series.  Well known for her work in “Six Feet Under,” the talented and beautiful Justina Machado will receive the Outstanding Performance in a Dramatic Series for the CBS TV show “Three Rivers.”  She also recently appeared in the film “Accidental Husband” opposite Uma Thurman.  The young and upcoming actor Rico Rodriguez will receive an Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Television Series Impact Award for his part as ‘Manny Delgado’ in ABC’s “Modern Family.”  Rico made the move from Texas to Los Angeles with his mom and sister to support his sister’s dream of becoming an actress. After one year of watching his sister having fun and success, Rico enrolled in acting classes and soon started making a name for himself.  Another Impact Award for Outstanding Performance in a Dramatic Television Series will go to Aimee Garcia from NBC “Trauma.”  Best known for her character as Andy Garcia’s daughter and George Lopez’s niece, “Veronica Palmero,” on “The George Lopez Show”, she is currently the only Latina in her generation to be on syndicated television.

The Masters of Ceremonies for the evening are Wilmer Valderrama and Jose Luis Valenzuela.  Valderrama is well known for his role as Fez on Fox’s “That 70′s Show” and the voice of ‘Manny’ on the Disney animated hit show “Handy Mandy.”  He can be seen in the drama THE DRY LAND that premiered at The Sundance Film Festival this year.  Jose Luis Valenzuela is the Artistic Director of the Latino Theater Company and THE NEW LATC and an award winning theater director and a tenured professor at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television.

Dinner Sponsors are The Walt Disney Company and Univision. For more information please call (626) 792-6462.

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