Latinos de HOY awards

This story appeared in the LA Times on October 7, 2014.

By Aitana Vargas

For the past four weeks, Hoy Los Angeles has commemorated and recognized the Latino figures who have made important contributions to the Hispanic community, as well as celebrated the history, traditions and diverse customs of Latinos from around the world through Hispanic Heritage Month.

But this four-week series has yet to feature its top and most prestigious event: Latinos de HOY Awards presented by the Los Angeles Times and Hoy newspaper. The star-studded evening honors prominent Latinos who have contributed to a stimulating community and have served as inspirational stories that significantly impact people throughout the planet.

This annual achievement awards event was created last year as the first of its kind to spotlight the region’s diverse and influential Latino luminaries. The event is a true mix celebration of Latino Spanish and English cultures. “We are proud to continue this important tradition to recognize leaders in entertainment, sports, business and the arts. Our first event was a major success and we expect no less this year, ” said HOY newspaper Publisher Roaldo Morán.

In the second edition of the memorable awards, hundreds of Los Angeles’ movers and shakers are expected to come together to pay tribute to distinguished award recipients in national and Los Angeles area categories. Some of these areas include outstanding actor or actress, master of the arts, culinary excellence, exceptional educator, business achievement and young leader.

The awards evening will kick off with celebrity red carpet arrivals followed by a VIP celebration at the iconic Los Angeles Times’ Chandler Auditorium, which will be dressed up for a night that promises celebration, inspiration and honors. In last year’s gala, the top honor went to The Prince of Song, José José, for his impressive decades-long music career. Among last year’s honorees were also Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, who was recognized for her work in the arts, and Enrique Morones, recipient of the Humanitarian Award. The young Guatemalan Harberth Godinez obtained the Youth Leader Award, and the young boxer Leo Santacruz received the Rising Athlete Award. Artist Yolanda González and the renowned Chef LaLa were honored with the “Master of Arts” and the Sabroso Culinary Arts Award, respectively. US-middle distance runner Brenda Martínez was the recipient of the Special Achievement in Sports Award.

This year the honorees include Sheila E.- who will receive the Special Achievement in Music Award in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to mainstream pop music and to Angelica Maria, who will receive the Legend Award in honor of her iconic career in film and telenovelas. In addition, awards will be given to The Robotics Team from Carl Hayden High School – whose achievements inspired the 2014 documentary, Underwater Dreams, and the upcoming 2015 feature film Spare Parts (starring George Lopez). They will receive the Education Award. Comedian Eugenio Derbez, will be recognized for his humanitarian efforts. Promoter Oscar de la Hoya will receive the Community Icon Award for his work in LA. The Grammy Award winning La Santa Cecilia, the Cultural Embassador, and Jose Hernandez, founder of the Mariachi Sol de Mexico, will receive the Master of the Arts Award.