(chimes twinkle) - Welcome to the 36th annual Imagen Awards.

(speaking in Spanish) (singing in Spanish) (music) (singing in Spanish) (music) - Welcome to the 36th annual Imagen Awards.

The Imagen Awards are a celebration of Latinos and Latinas in entertainment.

A community that is united, talented and diverse.

Television pioneer Norman Lear, a creative genius, was responsible for launching these awards.

This is a gift that he gave our community oh so many years ago.

Norman is entering his centennial year, so happy birthday, Norman.

His vision and creativity broke new ground in who was on TV and how characters were portrayed.

Norman's influence is still seen in television and movies today.

I would like to thank the Imagen board of directors for their commitment and dedication, along with our staff and production team in making these awards a reality and the Imagen Awards sponsors for their continued financial support.

And finally, thanks to PBS SoCal, KCET, for streaming the Imagen Awards, making it possible for you to watch and celebrate these achievements along with us.

Enjoy the show.

(salsa music) - Welcome to Plaza de Cultura y Artes right here in downtown Los Angeles where we will be celebrating the nominees and winners of the 36th annual Imagen Awards awards.

I'm Chuey Martinez, East L.A's.

is very own.

You may have heard of me on iHeartRadio's 102.7, Kiss FM, or see me on "Dish Nation".

I was born and raised in L.A. and LA Plaza is a fitting location to present these awards.

The Plaza honors artists of the past and inspires future generations.

Walking the grounds of La Plaza, you can feel the enduring cultural influence of Latinas and Latinos in the arts.

Transformative programming, exhibitions, and educational experiences.

The programs, films, and other media we are honoring tonight show the wide breadth, reach and influence of Latinos in the entertainment industry.

From writing, producing and directing films to compelling dramas and hilarious comedies on television to children's shows that celebrate our culture and programs that show our struggles are not always unique.

Sit back, relax, and help us celebrate the talented artists that we we'll be featuring and honoring today on the Imagen Awards.

Our first category is best informational video.

These nominees tell the real life stories and impact we Latinos have on the communities we live in.

Here are the nominees.

(lively salsa music) - [Announcer] ABC News "Nightline", ABC, ABC News.

"Art in the 21st Century", PBS, Art21.

"El Paso Strong", ESPN Deportes, ESPN productions.

National Geographic Presents "Impact With Gal Gadot", National Geographic, Entertainment One Reality Productions, Pilot Wave Motion Pictures, Big Year Productions and RPC in association with Apex Exchange for National Geographic.

"Radar 2021: The Case of the Latin X" Telemundo Network.

"Radar 2021: Why the Macho Man Has Got to Go", Telemundo Network.

"Street Food: Latin America", Netflix, Boardwalk Pictures for Netflix.

- And the winner is "Street Food: Latin America", (speaking Spanish) - [Announcer] "Street Food: Latin America".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(lively salsa music) - Short films or original productions that are 40 minutes or less.

The stories we tell are more compact, but just as captivating.

The nominees for best short film are.

(bouncy salsa music) - [Announcer] "If Cities Could Dance: Puerto Rico's Bomba, A Dance of the African Diaspora", KQED.

"Joyride", PBS, Cundina Studios LLC, Latino Public Broadcasting.

"Manos de Oro", Marced Elizondo.

"Princess Cut", HBO Max, Del Valle Productions INC. "UnladyLike2020: Jovita Idar", PBS American Masters.

Unladylike Productions LLC in association with the WNET Groups American Masters.

- And the winner is "UnladyLike2020", congratulations.

- [Announcer] "Unladylike2020: Jovita Idar".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - I'm a product of field workers, immigrants, and a proud single parent household.

My mother would always tell me, Mijo, if you want something, you've gotta work hard for it, but most important, be good to people and have love in your heart.

United, talented, diverse, those three words embody the soul of our community and eternal spirit that keeps us alive and kicking.

Keep working hard, keep pushing forward, be good and keep love in your heart.

(speaking in Spanish) Yes we can.

It's been an honor to be your host tonight.

Our next presenters are two of the stars of Netflix series, "Selena".

Here's Seidy Lopez and Noemi Gonzales.

(calm music) - Hi, I'm Seidy Lopez and I play Selina's mom in Netflix "Selena: The Series".

- I'm Noemi Gonzales and I play Selena's sister, Suzette Quintanilla.

- Salinas based on the true life story of Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a Tejano music icon on the verge of mega stardom before her life was cut tragically short by an embezzling member of her inner circle.

- As the title of our show suggests, the series not only focuses on Selena the icon, but it also gives a voice and a focus on the Quintanilla family, their relationships and the struggles launching a Tejano band featuring a female singer in South Texas.

- The family dealt with racism and sexism as they travel the Southwest, performing their ear catching Tejano music.

Selena's mark in the music industry is still seen today and her music, a lasting legacy.

- Seidy has been in two different productions on Selena's story.

- That's right, in the Netflix show, most of you know me as Selena's mom.

But in the movie that came out a few years ago-- - Just a few?

- Yes, a few, I played Debra, Selena's cousin, who goes to the mall and tries on the dresses for the Grammy's.

- And speaking of awards, look at us now at the Imagen Awards.

We better get to those.

You first, Seidy.

(clears throat) Age before beauty, you know?

(Seidy speaks Spanish) - The nominees for best commercial advertisement or social awareness campaign are.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] "Latinos are Essential", Latino Public Broadcasting, PBS.

"MDX Working Mom", ORCI.

"Nuestras Voces Cuentan", Telemundo's 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month campaign, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, Telemundo Networks, Green Power Media.

"USA Tu Voz Y Vota", Telemundo's 2020 GOTV campaign, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.

"Walmart Quinceanera", Rebel Road Studios, Meredith Corporation.

- And the winner is "Latinos Are Essential", Latino Public Broadcasting, PBS.

Congratulations.

- [Announcer] "Latino's are Essential".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - The next award is best variety or reality show.

The nominations include a program exploring gender expressions and non-binary young adults, discovering Mexican and Latin cuisines, a supersize talent show, a benefit concert and music legend, Linda Ronstadt.

- And the nominees are.

(calm music) - [Announcer] "A tribute to Linda Ronstadt at the Soraya", PBS, KCET and the Soraya.

"Cuidate y Cuentate", LATV network, KWHY-TV Channel 22, UNO Productions.

"Go-Big sow", TBS, TBS in association with Propagate and Matador content.

"Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted", National Geographic, Studio Ramsay and Objective Media Group, an All3 Media Group Company for National Geographic.

"Pati's Mexican Table", American Public Television, Mexican Table, WETA Washington, DC and Frank "Shine True", Fuse, Vice studios, OUTTV Canada, Fuse Media.

- And the winner is.

- [Announcer] It's a tie, "A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt at the Soraya" and "Shine True".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(chimes twinkle) - Hello, how you doing good people?

This is Raul Pacheco from Ozomatli.

Since the 90s, we've taken pride in our mix and melange of all styles, hip hop, salsa, Rohingya, rock.

You name it, we like it.

We love to play it all.

We wanna give a shout out to the Imagen Awards and we are happy to be a part of this evening's festivities and want you to take a listen to our version of "La Temperatura".

- One, two, three, four.

(lively salsa music) ♪ Come on ♪ (singing in Spanish) (chimes twinkle) - I'm Ricardo Chavira and I play Abraham Quintanilla in the Netflix program, "Selena: The Series".

Tonight was my second in my second Imagen nomination.

I was nominated for my role on "Desperate Housewives" as Carlos Solis, husband to Gabrielle Solis, played by Eva Longoria.

What drew me to "Selena: The Series" was the sense of family and the pride and the struggle to make their band, Los Dinos, a success in the music industry.

For the Quintanilla family to have come from meager beginnings and then have such success, well, the Selena story is a universal story.

The Quintanilla's are Mexican-American from South Texas, but their journey as a family trying to be successful is one all ethnicities can relate to.

And isn't that what our country's all about?

For me, the Selena series is a window into how Hollywood is changing.

No longer are we limited to roles as a gangster or a janitor or a drug cartel guy, but Latinos are playing characters with depth, with emotion, with conviction.

We're cast in stories that have less to do with what we look like and more to do with who we are in our American experience.

So let's keep moving forward and be the change that we want to see.

Our next Imagen Award category is best documentary and here are the nominees.

(calm music) - [Announcer] "187: The Rise of the Latino Vote", PBS, KCET.

"Amend: The Fight for America", Netflix, a Westbrook Studios, The Documentarty Group, Wilmore Films and Makemake Entertainment Production for Netflix.

"The Art of Political Murder", HBO, HBO Documentary Films Presents a smokehouse Pictures and Rise Films Production in association with Artemis rising Foundation, Quickfire Films and Independent.

"Asylum", ABC Documentaries.

"Immigration Nation", Netflix, A Reel Peak Films Production for Netflix.

"Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado", Netflix, a Netflix original documentary, a Muck Media Production in association with key Rat.

Inc, and Topic Studios.

"Own the Room", National Geographic, National Geographic documentary film presents in association with Saville Productions.

"POV: The Infultrators", PBS American Documentary.

- And the winner is, it's a tie.

"Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado" and "POV: The Infiltrators".

Congratulations to you both.

- [Announcer] "Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado" and "POV: The Infiltrators".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

- Up next is "One day at a Time" star, Isabella Gomez.

But before Isabella introduces our next category, we are going to hear from long time Imagen Award supporter, Stacy de Armas of Nielsen's, senior vice president of diverse insights and initiatives.

Take it away, Stacy.

- Gracias, Ricardo.

Entertainment has often approached the Latino community as one for as long as we can remember.

And combined, we do have tremendous power.

But if this past year has taught us anything, is that it's time for us and others to explore the cultural and ethnic plurality of our people and our history.

Latinos are so much more than one story, one skin tone or one umbrella identity.

We are a beautiful combination of black, Asian, white, indigenous.

We're middle Eastern and Mexican and Cuban.

We're gay and we're trans and we are so much more and in that intersection, we are beautiful.

The good news is these stories that more accurately represent our lived experiences are getting greenlit and representation and visibility of our diaspora is increasing and Nielsen is measuring that because intersectional representation in media matters.

The bigger issue though is there are so few pieces of content that are about and or feature Latinos and our stories that when those pieces of content do come out, there is this tremendous expectation that they must represent the entirety of our experiences from over 30 countries.

And the solution is more content, not pressure on every piece of creative content.

But that's why tonight is so special.

Let's celebrate the creators and the talent that bring us these diverse stories and demand better representation in Hollywood and that more of our Latino writers, creators, and producers and talent shine on screen.

Congratulations to all the nominees and the winners tonight.

You represent us all, adios.

(lively salsa music) - Hello, hello, I am Isabella Gomez and I am so thrilled to be one of your Imagen Awards host.

I'll soon be starring an HBO Max's "Head of The class", a reboot of the hit ABC sitcom from the 1980s.

But I was also Elena Maria Alvarez Riera Calderon Leyte-Vidal Inclan, the activist and feminists teenage daughter of Penelope in the sitcom "One Day at a Time".

The Imagen Awards are celebrating our community, united, talented and diverse, something "One Day at a Time" optimizes.

Norman Lear, who is also one of the founders of the Imagen Awards first created "One Day at a Time" in the 1970s and brought it back in 2017, but this time the family was Cuban American.

The show tackles hot topic issues like mental illness, immigration, sexism, homophobia and gender identity, and addresses head on the racism that Latinos sometimes face living in our country.

Norman Lear turned 99 this year and let me tell you, he is still going so strong.

I wanted to wish him the happiest of birthdays and thank him for what he has done for me and so many.

His lifetime of work has made the world a better and more accepting place.

And now, the next category is for best music composition for film or television and the nominees are.

(calm music) - [Announcer] Gustavo Farias, "Onyx Equinox", Crunchyroll.

Antonio Pinto, "The Mosquito Coast", Apple TV Plus, Femantle in association with Apple.

Cristobal Tapia de Veer, "The Third Day", HBO, HBO in association with Sky Studios, Plan B and Punchdrunk.

- And the winner is Cristobal Tapia de Veer, "The Third Day", congratulations Cristobal.

- [Announcer] Cristobal Tapia de Veer, "The Third Day".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

- We often talk about what we see, but what we hear is just as important.

These nominees were exceptional by using audio to set the mood for the visual.

The nominees for best music supervision for film or television are.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] Lynn Fainchtein, "Selena: The Series", Netflix, a Campanario Entertainment production for Netflix.

Joe Rodriguez and Javier Nuno, "Ya No Estoy Aquil, I'm No Longer Here", Netflix, Panorama Global for Netflix.

Brienne Rose and Michelle Johnson, "Vida", STARZ, Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with STARZ Originals.

- And the winner is Joe Rodriguez and Javier Nuno, "Ya No Estoy Aquil, I'm No Longer Here".

Congratulations Joe and Javier.

- [Announcer] Joe Rodriguez and Javier Nuno, "Ya No Estoy Aquil, I'm No Longer Here".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

- Our next presenter is acting career includes stints on Broadway, TV series and numerous films.

She's also an Emmy nominated choreographer.

She currently starts on HBO Max's "Flight Attendant".

Here is Imagen nominee, Rosie Perez.

- Thanks so much, Isabella.

You know the portrayal of Latinos in television and the movies have come a very long way.

Over my career, I've been fortunate to be part of and a witness to, to this evolution.

Strong Latina characters are portrayed include Gloria Clemente in "White Men can't Jump" and Carla Rodrigo in "Fearless", which I humbly was nominated for a Golden Globe Academy Award.

But our work is far from done.

The forces of change can be slow, but we're not going anywhere.

From New York to L.A., Miami to Chicago, San Juan to Houston and everywhere in between, our numbers are too big to be ignored.

The Imagen Awards brings us together to honor our achievements and celebrate the progress our community has made.

But as we recognize these artists, let us not forget that we still need to call out those who typecast and stereotype our beautiful culture and its people.

Diverse, talented, united.

The nominees for best actor in a feature film are.

♪ La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪ - [Announcer] Demian Bichir, "Land", Focus Features, a Big Beach Production, Flashlight Films.

Julio Diaz, "La Llorona", Shudder, La Casa De Produccion and Les Films Du Volcan.

Juan Daniel Garcia, "Ya No Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Heere", Netflix, Panoramam Global for Netflix.

Pedro Pascal, "Wonder Woman 1984", HBO Max, Warner Brothers Pictures.

- And the winner is Demian Bichir, "Land".

Congratulations, Damian.

- [Announcer] Demian Bichir, "Land".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - And now for best actress in a feature film.

A daughter who just wants her parents to say yes every once in a while, two women coming to grips with their families past, an accomplice who's questionable business gets questioned by a gangster and a woman who navigates complicated relationships while filming in a lake house.

Here are the nominees.

- [Announcer] Maria Mercedes Coroy, "La Llorona", Shudder, la Casa de Produccion and Les Films du Volcan.

Eiza Gonzales, "I Care A Lot", Netflix, Netflix presents a Blackbear Pictures production, a Crimple Beck Production.

Margarita Kenefic, "La Llorana", shudder, la Casa de Produccion and Les Films du Volcan.

Jenna Ortega, "Yes Day", Netflix, Entertainment 360.

Aubrey Plaza, "Black Bear", Momentum Pictures, and entertainment One company, Tandem Pictures, Oakhurst entertainment and Blue Creek Pictures in association with Productivity Media and Radiant films International.

- And the winner is my girl, Aubrey Plaza, "Black Bear".

Congratulations, Aubrey, I'm so happy for you.

- [Announcer] Aubrey Plaza, "Black Bear".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Our next host stars on the Netflix series, "Gente-Fied".

She has guest starred on shows such as "Pretty Little Liars", "The Arrangement" and "The Purge".

Please welcome Karrie Martin Lachney.

(salsa music) - I'm Karrie Martin Lachney, one of tonight's hosts and one of the stars of the Netflix original series, "Gente-Fied".

I play on a Ana Morales, a bold Mexican-American artists pursuing her dreams while also trying to help her family's taqueria survive the gentrification of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Boyle Heights.

Unlike my character, I actually didn't know I wanted to be an artist until I was a junior to LSU, go tigers.

I thought it was going to be a lawyer like Elle Woods, but I really should have known then that I wanted to be an actress.

And after college I started working as a casting associate for films and I got to see a side of the process that helped me find my own voice as an actress, while also confronting the difficulties of my acting predecessors that found themselves being typecasted in Hollywood.

That's why playing a character like Ana is so special because every day, we are sharing more Latino stories that are breaking the barriers of diversity and inclusion, which brings us to the theme of tonight show, diverse, talented and united.

In celebration of that theme, we went to look back on all the ways Imagen has celebrated and elevated the achievements of Latinas and Latinos in the arts over the years.

(speaking in Spanish) - Is so profound.

It is what causes me to want to wake up in the morning and move my body.

(audience cheers) - They say to make art is to hold a mirror up to society.

And this is not possible without diversity because reality is that the world is diverse.

- It's because of diversity that we can have all of these amazing colors in the world from different cultures.

- I believe the industry has entered a new era where actors, directors, producers, and writers from all walks of life are finally being seen.

And because of that, people are being exposed to the new incredible talents out there.

- An immigrant Latino family on television that is working hard.

- And I really appreciate the Imagen Awards for making such a beautiful wave and focus on Latino talents, on Latin X contents.

- It's the ideal platform to really show how diverse the Latino community really is.

- The Imagen Awards honors and the amazing contributions, hard work and presence of the ongoing fight for inclusion.

Representation matters.

- We've come a long way, we've got a long way to go, but we're definitely we're taking steps in the right direction.

(speaking in Spanish) (salsa music) - Now let's continue to unite in celebration of our amazing experiences and accomplishments.

Our next presenter is an actor, television and radio hosts.

He's been in several television series and films, he's even been on Broadway.

A double nominee for this year's Imagen Awards, here is Mario Lopez.

- Thank you, Karrie.

Mario Lopez here, host of "Access Hollywood".

Now started my career when I was about nine, 10 years old on a show called "Kids Incorporated" where I sang, danced, played the drums and then later went on to a show called "Saved By The Bell".

But before that, my big break was with Norman Lear back in 1984, his production company produced a show called "AK Pablo", where I played the nephew of real life comic Paul Rodriguez.

Now while the show wasn't exactly a big hit out the gate, it was so one, if not the very first Mexican-American family focused comedy to be aired by a major network, ABC.

That led Norman Lear to produce many other comedies and dramas where he may not have been given a chance.

So thank you very much, Norman, on pushing the envelope for Latinos, their communities, and their portrayal on television.

And oh my gosh, happy 99th birthday.

Still out there kicking butt.

So here are the nominees for best director of a feature film.

- [Announcer] Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch, "Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado", Netflix, a Netflix original documentary, a Muck Media production in association with Key Rat, Inc, and Topic Studios.

Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster, "Own the Room", National Geographic, National Geographic documentary film presents in association with Saville Productions.

Jayro Bustamante, "La Llorona", Shudder, La Casa de Produccion and Les Films du Volcan.

Jessica Kavana Dornbusch, "Reefa", Adir 26 Films, Custom colors Productions and Vertical Entertainment.

Fernando Frias de la Parra, "Ya no Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Here", Netflix, Panorama Global for Netflix.

Angel Manuel Soto, "Charm City Kings", HBO Max, HBO Max presents in association with Sony Pictures Entertainment and Overbrook Entertainment, Warnermax Productions.

- And the winner is Fernando Frias de la Parra, "Ya no Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Here", congratulations, Fernando.

- [Announcer] Fernando Frias de la Parra, "Ya no Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Here".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - A man paying the price for his past, a documentary on Spanish television astrologer phenom who dropped out of sight, a struggling Colombian street artists in Miami, a high school student dealing with schizophrenia and a talented Columbia street dancer who flees to America to escape a Mexican drug cartel.

Here are the nominees for best picture.

- [Announcer] "La Llorona", Shudder, La Casa de Produccion and Les Films du Volcan.

"Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado", Netflix.

"Reefa", Adir 26 Films, Custom Colors Productions and Vertical Entertainment.

"Words on Bathroom Walls", LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions.

"Ya No Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Here", Netflix, Panorama Global for Netflix.

- And the winner is "Ya No Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Here".

Congratulations to the cast and crew of "Ya No Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Here".

- [Announcer] "Ya No Estoy Aqui, I'm No Longer Here".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Our next presenters are two young entertainers who have already made an impact in the entertainment industry, Isaac Arellanes and Paulina Chavez.

Now I've had the pleasure of working closely with Paulina.

She started on the show I produced and she was fantastic.

Take it away, Isaac and Paulina.

- I'm Paulina Chaves and I started the Netflix series, "The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia" and I'm joining season two of "Faith: The Winx Saga".

- And I'm Isaac Arellanes, one of the stars from the Apple TV Plus series, "Ghostwriter".

- First off, Isaac, a huge congrats on your Emmy and Imagen nomination for your roll in "Ghostwriter", what an amazing accomplishment.

- Thanks Paulina, it was a surprise and I was most definitely humbled by the nomination, but I hear that you're a musician as well as an actress.

- It's true, I'm currently on set in Ireland.

Otherwise, I would have loved to have been one of the musical performers tonight.

- Wow, Ireland.

Have you ever visited the Galway?

Find a pot of gold yet?

- That would be a no, and no, but I'll definitely keep it out for the gold.

- Now, are we waiting to present our first category?

- We sure are.

The nominees for best voiceover artists brought the characters to life.

Whether it was an animated cartoon or live action puppet, these unseen thespians add volume to an otherwise silent voice.

The nominees for best voiceover actor or actress in television are.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] Izabella Alvarez, "The Casagrandes", Nickelodeon.

Kevin Chacon, "Santiago of The Seas", Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Animation Studio.

Justina Machado, "One Day at a Time, Animated Special", Pop TV, Sony Pictures Television, Act Three, Snowpants Productions, Glonation.

Rita Moreno, "One Day at a Time, Animated Special", Pop TV, Sony Pictures Television, Act Three, Snowpants Productions, Glonation.

Sarah-Nicole Robles, "The Owl House", Disney Channel, Disney Television Animation.

Michelle Zamora, "Waffles and Mochi", Netflix, Higher Ground Productions for Netflix.

- And the winner for best voiceover is Justina Machado, "One Day at a Time, Animated Special".

Congratulations, Justina.

- [Announcer] Justina Machado, "One Day at a Time, Animated Special".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

- The Imagen Awards have a long tradition of honoring youth programming and this year's no different.

- Previous winners have included "Dora the Explorer", "Handy Mandy", and "Elena of Avalor", which is up for another Imagen tonight.

- As is the show I'm on, "Ghostwriter".

- Good luck.

- Thank you.

Without further ado, we present the nominees for the best youth programming.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] "Club Mundo Kids", Universo U.S., Televisa Mexico, Exile Content Studio.

"Elena of Avalor", Disney Junior, Disney Television Animation.

"Ghostwriter", Apple TV Plus, Apple, Sesame Workshop, Sinking Ship.

"Sesame Street", HBO, HBO in association with Sesame Workshop.

"The Casagrandes", Nickelodeon.

- And the winner is "The Casagrandes", Nickelodeon.

Congratulations "The Casagrandes".

- [Announcer] "The Casagrandes", congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) (chimes twinkle) - Hola, I'm Diana Maria Riva and I play detective Ana Perez in the Netflix series "Dead to Me".

The next Imagen Award is for the best young actor category and each of these artists has a bright future ahead of them.

This is my second time presenting this Imagen Award, the winner that year, which was 2016, was Isabella Merced for her role in "100 Things To Do Before High School".

Other Imagen winners in this category have included Selena Gomez in "Wizards of Waverly Place", Bella Thorne in "Shake It Up" and Jenna Ortega for "Stuck In The Middle".

Like the past winners, I'm confident this year's winner and nominees have a very bright future ahead of them and the nominees for best young actor in a television series are.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] Raphael Alejandro, "Bunk'd", Disney Channel, It's A Laugh Productions.

Edan Alexander, "The Undoing", HBO, HBO in association with Made Up Stories, Blossom Films, David E. Kelly Productions.

Isaac Arellanes, "Ghostwriter", Apple TV Plus, Apple, Sesame Workshop, Sining Ship.

Madison Taylor Baez, "Selena: The Series", Netflix, a Campanario Entertainment Production for Netflix.

Paulina Chaves, "Ashley Garcia: Genius In Love, Part Two", Netflix.

Scarlett Estevez, "Bunk'd" Disney Channel, It's A Laugh Productions.

Madison Reyes, "Julie and The Phantoms", Netflix.

Isla Sunar, "Two sentence Horror Stories", The CW, Stage 13.

- And the winner is Madison Reyes.

Congratulations, Madison.

- [Announcer] Madison Reyes, "Julie and The Phantoms".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - The next category is best young adult programming.

These shows educate, challenge and help young people cope with the world they live in.

While each show is different, their reach is the same.

Nominees include an animated series based on Mesoamerica mythologies, featuring deities of Aztec, Maya and Zapple tech myth, while also making reference to the Olmecs.

A 15 year old robotics engineer and rocket scientist who move in with her uncle for a chance to work at NASA, a TV series about a teenager who struggles to make music after her mother passes.

She summons ghosts for inspiration and ends up starting a band with them.

A group of high school students who explore their sexuality in a modern world, testing their belief about life, love, and the nature of the of family.

And the nominees for best youth, young adult programming are.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] Ashley Garcia, "Genius in Love, Part Two", Netflix.

"Julie and The Phantoms", Netflix.

"Onyx Equinox", Crunchyroll.

"Generation", HBO Max, HBO Max in association with We're Not Brothers Productions.

- And the winner is "Julie and The Phantoms", congratulations.

- "Julie and The Phantoms".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

- Let's keep the celebration going.

Here to introduce our next musical guest, your co-host, Isabella Gomez.

(calm salsa music) - The movement and sound of Bomba is rooted in the West African slaves brought to the Caribbeans in the 17th century and the regions indigenous Taino people.

When Spanish culture was introduced to the islands, Bombas music and movement evolved and incorporated new sounds and dance.

Featured in the Imagen Awards nominated short film, "If Cities Could Dance, Puerto Rico's Bomba, a Dance of the African Diaspora", here is Bomba Yemaya.

(waves crash) (singing in Spanish) (bouncy salsa music) - What a performance, amazing, electric and powerful.

Our next presenter has had a long career in both TV and film.

Here to present the awards for best supporting actor and actress in a television drama is James Martinez.

(romantic music) - I'm James Martinez, one of the stars of the Hulu comedy series, "Love Victor".

"Love Victor" is a coming of age story of a Latin X teenager struggling with who he is personally, wanting to be understood and struggling with his sexual identity while adapting to a new life in a new community.

It shows a reflection of what high school kids go through on their journey to adulthood, trying to figure out who they are as a person and how they see themselves in their family's heritage.

A storyline fitting for this years Imagen Awards theme.

I'm here to present the awards for best supporting actress and actor in a television drama.

The nominees for best supporting actor include a series about a fallen patriarch looking for redemption from his sons, a New York City assistant district attorney assigned to the sex crimes bureau and a former Salvadoran Junta and CIA operative who was extremely adept at surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Roll the nominees.

(lively salsa music) - [Announcer] Ruben Blades, "Fear the Waling Dead", AMC, Idiot box, Circle of Confusion, Skybound, Valhalla and AMC Studios.

Gabriel Chavarria, "Selene: The Series", Netflix, a Campanario Entertainment Production for Netflix.

Colman Domingo, "Euphoria Special: Part 1 Rue: Trouble Don't Last Always", HBO, HBO in association with Reasonable Bunch, A24, Little Lamb, Dreamcrew, ADD Content Agency, HOT, Tedy Productions.

Raul Esparza, "Law & Order: SVU", NBC, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.

Gines Garcia, "Quien Mato a Sara?

Who Killed Sara?

", Netflix, Perro Azul.

Edward James Olmos, "Mayans M.C.

", FX Networks, 20th Television and FX Productions.

Eugenio Siller, "Quien Mato a Sara?

Who Killed Sara?

", Netflix, Perro Azul.

Kevin Valdez, "Little Voice", Apple TV Plus, Apple, Bad Robot Productions, Warner Brothers Television.

- And the winner is Colman Domingo, congratulations, Colman.

- [Announcer] Colman Domingo, "Euphoria Special: Part 1 Rue: Trouble Don't Last Always".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - The nominees for best supporting actress in a TV drama include a mother and daughter's journey while a Tejano music sensation comes of age, a paramedic forced back to work so she can support her family during a pandemic and a mysterious young woman who joins a roaming group of lost souls that are extremely adept at surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Roll the nominees.

(calm music) - [Announcer] Morena Baccarin, "The Twilight Zone", Paramount Plus, CBS Studios in association with Monkeypaw Productions and Genre Films.

Sulem Calderon, "Mayans M.C.

", FX Networks, 20th Television and FX Productions.

Noem Gonzalez," Selena: The Series", Netflix, a Campanario Entertainment Production for Netflix.

Paola Lázaro, "The Walking Dead", AMC, Idiot Box, Skybound, Circle of Confusion, Valhalla, AMC Studios.

Seidy López, "Selena: The Series", Netflix, A Campanario Entertainment Production for Netflix.

Ofelia Medina, "The Mosquito Coast", Apple TV Plus, Fremantle in association with Apple.

Eva Noblezada, "Law & Order: SVU", NBC Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.

Gina Torres, "9-1-1: Lone Star", FOX, 20th Television.

- And the winner is Morena Baccarin.

Congratulations Morena.

- [Announcer] Morena Baccarin, "The Twilight Zone".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

Please welcome back your co-host, Karrie Martin Lachney.

- The Imagen Awards has never shied away from having a good time.

Through the years we've celebrated our achievements and culture through laughter and fun.

Here are some moments from the past, enjoy.

- This wasn't in the script.

- No, no, that's why they brought me here 'cause things can not always be in the script.

- I'm so glad I didn't go to the bathroom.

I'm so shocked.

- Hi yall, can you see me?

So I'll come right here.

Whoa.

(audience laughs) - Lauren, I don't know if you know this, but I'm not Latino.

I'm not.

- Oh.

- Are you?

- No, I'm super white.

(audience laughs) - Any day, I would love to get a physical by doctor Jake Riley in his private practice.

- Amazing recognition and I can't wait to see who I tied with.

- Like Rita Moreno once said, I'll leave you with that.

(audience laughs) - Well that was a fun look back.

So now to present the next award, here's 2020 Grammy award winner and Imagen Award nominee, Eva Noblezada.

(salsa music) - I'm Eva Noblezada.

Over the years, we've seen an amazing assortment of Imagen Award winners from television comedies.

"The George Lopez Show", a comedy that revolved around a fictitious version of Lopez the comedian.

He's determined to keep his family from the dysfunction he experienced growing up at the hands of his alcoholic mother, who also lives with them.

"Jane the Virgin", a telenovela parody about a devout 23-year-old Latina virgin who becomes pregnant after an accidental artificial insemination by her gynecologist.

"One Day At A Time", a remake of Norman Lear's 1970's hit sitcom featuring a Cuban-American single mom living in Los Angeles with her two kids and grandma who has PTSD.

Each of these hit shows had Imagen Award nominees and winners in the supporting actor or actress category, including Belita Moreno for "The George Lopez Show", Andrea Navedo for "Jane the Virgin" and Rita Moreno and Isabella Gomez for "One Day At A Time".

This year's nominees are no different.

For best supporting actor in a television comedy, the nominees are.

(lively salsa music) - [Announcer] Ser Anzoategui, "Vida", STARZ, Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with STARZ Originals.

Cristo Fernández, "Ted Lasso", Apple TV Plus, Apple, Doozer Productions in association with Warner Brothers Television and Universal Television.

Harvey Guillen, "What We Do In The Shadows", FX, FX Productions.

Mario Lopez, "Saved by the Bell", Peacock, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Big Wig Productions.

James Martinez, "Love, Victor", Hulu, 20th Television, Temple Hill.

Oscar Nunez, "Mr. Iglesias", Netflix, Hench in the Trench Productions and Fluffy Shop Studios for Netflix.

- And the winner is Harvey Guillen, "What We Do In The Shadows".

Congratulations, Harvey.

- [Announcer] Harvey Guillen, "What We Do In The Shadows".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Last but not least are the Latinas.

All of these nominees deserve an award and it shows in their talent, but like they say, only one can win.

The nominees for best supporting actress in a TV comedy series are.

(lively salsa music) - [Announcer] Ana Ortiz, "Love, Victor", Hulu, 20th Television, Temple Hill.

Alycia Pascual-Pena, "Saved by the Bell", Peacock, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Big Wig Productions.

Rosie Perez, "The Flight Attendant", HBO Max, HBO Max in association with Berlanti Productions, Yes, Norman Productions, and Warner Brothers Television.

Diana Maria Riva, "Dead to Me", Netflix, CBS Television Studios for Netflix.

Haley Sanchez, "Generation", HBO Max, HBO Max in association with We're Not Brothers Productions, Good Thing Going Productions, Lake Theo Productions and I Am Jenni Konner Productions.

Haskiri Velazquez, "Saved by the Bell", Peacock, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Big Wig Productions.

- And the winner is Diana Maria Riva, "Dead to Me".

Congratulations, Diana.

- [Announcer] Diana Maria Riva, "Dead to Me".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) (chimes twinkle) - Tonight, I have the privilege to present the Norman Lear Writer's Award.

This award recognizes those who have made great efforts to increase diversity in the entertainment industry.

Past recipients have included Gloria Calderon Kellett, Fred Armisen and many other power house names within the industry.

I'm proud to announce this years award recipient, my friend, Tanya Saracho.

Tanya and I grew up together between Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and McAllen, Texas.

We even attended Boston University together.

Our friendship has continued into our work lives as well.

In fact, I play the character Baco, in her show "Vida".

Through this friendship, I have gotten to see first hand that Tanya believes in the work that this award represents.

She's putting in the effort, giving back with educational and mentoring programs, and through the untitled Latina X project, is even holding the industry to account.

And most importantly, Tanya is just getting started.

Now let's take a look at some of Tanya's achievements.

(calm music) - I grew up in Mexico and then around 13, I ended up on the boarder.

So being a boarder person is interesting, especially a boarder Mexican.

It's a high finite existence meaning, you navigate the two tongues all the time.

I would forget my (speaking Spanish), not a passport but just like a (speaking in Spanish) and I would do a really thick Texas accent, be like, American citizen and they would just believe you back then then and be like, all right, you know?

I grew up with who is present my award.

I've known him since we were 14 and we would go to Mexico.

There are these two amazing iconic theaters in Chicago, one call the Goodman Theater and one called Stepnell Theater and the Goodman Theater gave me my first theater commission and then Stepnell came and they commissioned "The House on Mango Street", I did a musical version of it.

And then other theaters around the country started noticing 'cause those are seals of, Goodman and Stepnell are like, she's a playwrite.

I got an email from an agent saying, "I got a hold of your play, "Mala Hierba".

I think you could write for television.

Would you meet me for lunch?"

When I told him some saucy story about my dads mistress or something, and then he was like, "No, just come to L.A., just tell that story about your dads mistress."

He's so smart because then later on, we sold to HBO, we developed with HBO but like the play, "Mala Hierba", my dad's mistress and all that, I'm writing the film to direct for Anonymous Content, called "Mala".

So it's all full circle.

The pedigree of "Vida" has everything to do with (speaking in Spanish) because the woman who gave me my shot, her name is Marta Fernandez, that's the executive at STARZ who called me and said, "Do yo want to do a show about gentrification?

Sisters in East L.A., about chipsters."

Yeah, I'll give it a go.

That's why we need Latina and Hispanic and BIPOC executives because like we need that, those champions that have the short hand.

We have a visibility problem in this industry.

We haven't historically been seen.

The Imagen Foundation is seeing different artists and saying, we support and we amplify and in an industry, like I said, that has not historically seen us, that is invaluable because it's like you're being supported by your own.

- Please join me in congratulating this years Noran Lear Writer's Award recipient, (speaking in Spanish) Tanya Saracho.

(triumphant music) - Norman Lear is one of the founders of modern television, that's indisputable.

He's one of the most important producers in the history of American television.

He boldly took this very presentational and conservative form of story telling and broke its bones and reset it and imbued it with raw and relevant social political viewpoints which had never before been seen on television screens at the time.

It was revolutionary.

I don't think we can accurately understand today now that we have "The Wire" and "Sopranos" and "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad", the vision and the courage it took to do that.

But his impact hasn't just affected the screen, Norman Lear has made it his mission to advocate for socially progressive causes and he's supported and created organizations to advance them.

That's where my complete admiration for him takes hold.

He's such a beacon, he's open so many doors, it's almost immeasurable.

When I got the news that the Imagen Foundation was gracing me with the amazing honor of this award, that's what stuck with me, that's it's named after such an icon and one of a kind because I don't think and in fact, I know that in many way, I'm just, in a way, starting out on my own journey of story telling with a purpose, I chose to take this award as a charge.

A challenge that I must strive as much as I can to follow in his legacy, so his footsteps, and continue to do the work that matters and changes the landscape.

So thank you to the Imagen Foundation and thank you to Helen Hernandez and the board of directors for believing that I have the promise and the potential to become (speaking in Spanish) of the story teller, Normal Lear embodies, gracias.

- [Announcer] Here's Ally Brooke celebrating "Selena: The Series" and the Quintanilla family with a rendition of "Fotos Y Recuerdos".

(Ally sings in Spanish) (calm music) (chimes twinkle) - Hola, I'm Ana Ortiz and I play Victor's mom, Isabella, on the Hulu TV show "Love, Victor".

Throughout my career in TV and film, I've seen and been part of the changes in how Latinas are cast and portrayed.

Shows like "Devious Maids", that featured five Latinas in leading roles.

Telling a compelling story with roles that focused on who we are as people, instead of what we do for a living.

It was something that I was proud to be part of and I was honored with an Imagen Award for as well.

Since their founding, the Imagen Awards have worked with the TV and movie industry to move away from stereotypes and create shows and movies that better reflect our diverse community.

Family's important to me and I'm proud that my kids can see Latinos in a wide range of roles.

And here are this year's nominees for Best Actress in a TV Drama.

(calm salsa music) - [Announcer] Alice Braga, "Queen of the South", USA Network, Touchstone Television and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Salma Hayek, "Bliss", Prime Video, Amazon Studios.

Anya Taylor Joy, "The Queen's Gambit", Netflix.

Monica Raymund, "Hightown", STARZ, Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

MJ Rodriguez, "Pose", FX, 20th Television.

Christian Serratos, "Selena: The Series", Netflix, a Campanario Entertainment Production for Netflix.

- And the winner is MJ Rodriguez, "Pose".

- [Announcer] MJ Rodriguez, "Pose".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Congratulation to all of this year's nominees.

The sheer number of nominations the awards were chosen from this year was impressive.

Thank you for sharing this moment with me.

Let's all celebrate how far we've come and let's keep sharing and telling our community stories.

Here are the nominees for best actor in a TV drama series.

(mysterious music) - [Announcer] Manolo Cardona, "Quien Mato a Sara?

Who Killed Sara?

", Netflix, Perro Azul.

Ricardo Chavira, "Selena: The Series", Netflix, a Campanario Entertainment Production for Netflix.

Jay Hernandez, "Magnum P.I.

", CBS, CBS Television Studios, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, Perfect Storm Entertainment, Davis Entertainment, 101st Street Productions.

Enrique Murciano, "Tell Me Your Secrets", Prime Video, Endeavor Content, LLC and Amazon Studios.

JD Pardo, "Mayans M.C.

", FX Networks, 20th Television and FX Productions.

- And the winner is JD Pardo, "Mayans M.C.".

- [Announcer] JD Pardo, "Mayans M.C.".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Hi, I'm Melissa Fumero and I play Amy Santiago on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine".

I never felt more othered as a Latina until I started seeking acting jobs.

The only roles I could find were either hood girl or maid or some overly sexualized woman.

"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" was such a refreshing opportunity.

I had a chance to play a comedic role as a detective in New York.

The producers also cast Stephanie Beatriz as a detective and there were two Latinas on a network show.

Not only did Stephanie and I have staring roles, each of us had the opportunity to direct and episode.

You wouldn't think that's out of the ordinary, but it is.

The Directors Guild of America releases an annual Inclusion Report.

For the 2019, 2020 television season, they found that Latinos and Latinas directed just 7% of episodic TV shows, 7%.

In all, women directed 34% of all TV episodes.

The odds are against us and even more so if you are a woman.

More needs to be done.

Our community needs to stick together and demand that we're given a fair shot and even more opportunities to display our talent.

The nominees in the next category are opening the doors for the next generation of Latino and Latina directors.

The nominees for best director of a TV series are.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] Norberto Barba, "law and Order: SVU", NBC, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Wolf Entertainment.

Natalia Beristain, "The Mosquito Coast", Apple TV Plus, Fremantle in association with Apple.

Steven Canals, "Pose", FX, 20th Television.

Zetna Fuentes, "The Nevers", HBO, HBO in association with Mutant Enemy.

Jon Huertas, "This Is Us", NBC, 20th Television.

Tanya Saracho, "Vida", STARZ, Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with STARZ Originals.

Daniel Garcia and Rania Attieh, "Two Sentence Horror Stories", The CW, Stage 13.

- And the winner is Tanya Saracho for "Vida".

Congratulations, Tanya on your outstanding achievement.

- [Announcer] Tanya Saracho, "Vida".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Next up is host Karrie Martin Lachney with a very special segment on Imagen Foundation co-founder, Norman Lear.

Over to you Karrie.

- In 1985, Norman Lear gave a simple suggestion to find a way to honor Latinos in the arts.

That has lead to an enduring award show that was ahead of its time.

We thank you for your contributions to our industry and our community and we wanna wish you a very happy birthday.

(man speaking in Spanish) - [Announcer] Give it up for him.

Let's go, that man is a legend.

- Happy birthday, Norman Lear.

- Happy 99th birthday, Norman Lear.

- Happy 99th birthday, Norman Lear.

- Happy 99th birthday, Norman.

(speaking in Spanish) - Happy 99th birthday, Norman Lear.

(singing in Spanish) - Happy birthday, Norman Lear.

- Happy 99th birthday.

- Happy 99th.

- Happy 99th.

- Happy birthday, Norman Lear.

- Happy 99th birthday to a true living legend, Mr. Norman Lear.

- Thank you again for your lasting inspiration to Latinos and Latinas in front of and behind the camera.

Happy 99th, now here to present best actor and actress in a TV comedy is Imagen Awards nominee, Cristo Fernandez.

(lively salsa music) - Hola, I'm Cristo Fernandez and I play Danny Rojas on "Ted Lasso" on Apple TV Plus.

A few years ago when I moved to London and finished my masters in acting, I struggled to find roles in projects that were right for me.

As I kept auditioning for those few roles that were available, I realized that I could create, with the help of my friends, my own roles and my own films to build a reel that reflected who I am as an actor, where I come from as a person, and could represent all the Latinos at the same time.

Because of this, I was able to build an acting reel to share with casting directors.

Then along came "Ted Lasso" where I had the chance to audition to play a professional soccer player, or should I say football player from Guadalajara, Mexico in the U.K. Who would have thought that I had prepared for this role my whole life without even knowing as I used to be a professional footballer back in my home town?

That's a joke, right.

From day one on "Ted Lasso", one of my goals was to present the most Mexican football player I could and I'm grateful the show ran with it.

Danny Rojas was introduced to a world wide audience.

He's a refreshing reflection of the kind, joyful and beautiful culture we are.

The nominees for best actor in a TV comedy are a teen struggling with his sexuality, a high school teacher, a high school principal, and a teenager in a newly formed karate dojo.

I bet a show that has to do with high school wins.

Here are the nominees.

(calm bouncy music) - [Announcer] Michael Cimino, "Love, Victor", Hulu, 20th Television, Temple Hill.

Gabriel Iglesias, "Mr. Iglesias", Netflix, Hench in the Trench Productions and Fluffy Shop Studios for Netflix.

Mario Lopez, "Feliz NaviDAD", Lifetime, A Hartbreak Film, ViaMar Productions and Roberts Media Production for Lifetime.

Xolo Mariduena, "Cobra Kai", Netflix, Sony Pictures Television for Netflix.

- And the winner is Michael Cimino from "Love, Victor".

Congratulations Michael and (speaking in Spanish) to all the nominees.

- [Announcer] Michael Cimino, "Love, Victor".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - The nominees for best actress in TV comedy are a big box store manager moving up to a corporate job, a teen on a coming to terms cross country road trip with her buddy and two sisters who move back to their childhood home in Los Angeles.

Here are the nominees.

(fast salsa music) - [Announcer] Melissa Barrera, "Vida", STARZ, Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with STARZ Originals.

Barbie Ferreira, "Unpregnant", HBO Max, HBO Max presents a WarnerMax, PictureStart, Berlanti, Schechter Films production.

America Ferrera, "Superstore", NBC, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Spitzer Holding Company, Miller Green Broadcasting and The District.

Mishel Prada, "Vida", STARZ, Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with STARZ Originals.

- And the winner is Barbie Ferreira from "Unpregnant".

Congratulations Barbie and (speaking in Spanish) to all the nominees.

(salsa music) - [Announcer] Barbie Ferreira, "Unpregnant".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(chimes twinkle) - Up next is a Chicano band who's music fuses spoken word and folk music with traditional Son jarocho, Afro-Mexican music and zapateado dancing.

Please welcome from right here in East L.A., the one, the only, Las Cafeteras, vamos.

(bouncy music) ♪ Here we go ♪ ♪ Here we go, here we go, here we go ♪ (singing in Spanish) (lively salsa music) - [Man] Come on, three cords never sounded so good.

(singing in Spanish) - I'm Harvey Guillen and I play human familiar Guillermo on the FX television series "What We Do In the Shadows".

The series revolves around a group of vampires living together while they're followed by a documentary crew alongside with their human familiar, Guillermo, played by yours truly.

But being a familiar really sucks.

You're always kept in the dark, you can't cook with garlic, and it's a pain in the neck to remove blood stains.

And the vampires, well they drive everyone batty.

Thank you Imagen Awards for nominating my portrayal of Guillermo de la Cruz in a best supporting actor category.

It's truly an honor.

The nominees for best primetime special or movie include a film of a broadway show that rediscovers the joy of live music, community and connection.

Recordings of political town hall that reinforce that all votes matter.

Two teens on a coming to terms cross country road trip.

An animated special on a family relation and the 2020 election.

A music Christmas special and a stand up comics routine.

Here are the nominees for best primetime special or movie.

(bouncy music) - [Announcer] David Byrne's "American Utopia", HBO, HBO in association with RadicalMedia, 40 Acres And A Mule.

"Fuse Town Hall: Our Votes Matter", Fuse, Fuse Content Studio.

"Gina Brillon: The Floor Is Lava", Amazon Prime, Comedy Dynamics, The Nacelle Company.

"Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special", Apple TV Plus, Done PLUS Dusted in association with Apple.

"One Day at a Time Animated Special", PopTV, Sony Pictures Television, Act III, Snowpants Productions, GloNation.

"Unpregnant", HBO Max, HBO Max presents a WarnerMax, PictureStart, Berlanti, Schechter Films production.

- And the winner is, drum roll please, "One Day at a Time Animated Special", PopTV, congratulations everyone.

(speaking in Spanish) - [Announcer] "One Day at a Time Animated Special".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Now let's welcome our last, but certainly not least, co-host for this evening's show, the incredible, talented, Aida Rodriguez.

(calm salsa music) - Hi, I'm Aida Rodriguez, star of "Fighting Words", coming on HBO Max November 4th.

I'm a big believer in saving the best for last and tonight's last host is moi.

This is my 6th year presenting and hosting the Imagen Awards.

And as long as they keep having me, I'll keep coming back, jokes and all.

The theme of this year's Imagen Awards is a celebration of our community, united, talented, diverse.

Before we get to the last two categories, I wanna point out that all of today's Imagen nominees and winners exemplify those words, united, talented, diverse.

From Puerto Rico to Mexico, Cuba to Colombia, El Salvador to Ecuador, and everywhere in between.

New immigrants to families that have been in the U.S. for two and three generations and longer.

Heck, we even celebrate those that don't live in America.

Latin X people are and have been making an impact both on and off the screen.

The time we have tonight only shows a smidge of the progress we've made in the arts, music, and entertainment industry.

As we celebrate our many strides, our journey is far from over.

For every role that shows we are part of the American fabric, you can still find Latin X stereotypes that make us look like outsiders.

These stereotypes are a bad joke that I'd wish they'd stop telling.

Thanks to TV pioneer Norman Lear and entertainment insider Helen Hernandez, the Imagen Awards have given talented artists a space to celebrate each other's achievements and a place to encourage each other that we can do more.

And for that we are all grateful.

The nominees for best Prime Time TV comedy, which one day I can assure you will be nominated for, are.

- [Announcer] "Quien es la Mascara?"

Televisa, EndemolShine Boomdog.

"Love, Victor", Hulu, 20th Television, Temple Hill.

"Mr. Iglesias", Netflix, Hench in the Trench Productions and Fluffy Shop Studios for Netflix.

"Generation", HBO Max, HBO Max in association with We're Not Brothers Productions, Good Thing Going Productions, Lake Theo Productions and I Am Jenni Konner Productions.

"Superstore", NBC, Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Spitzer Holding Company, Miller Green Broadcasting and The District.

"Vida", STARZ, Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with STARZ Originals.

- And the winner is "Love, Victor".

Congratulations, "Love, Victor".

- [Announcer] "Love, Victor".

Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - Welcome back my fellow host Karrie who has a special short video highlighting the Imagen Awards over the years.

- For the past 36 years Imagen has been providing access, education and resources to enhance opportunities for Latinas and Latinos in all facets of entertainment.

As we celebrate our community, we continue to support and encourage the inclusion of our talent in film and television.

Join us as we look back on this show's celebration of Latino and Latina achievements.

- First of all, thank you so much to Helen and everyone at the amazing Imagen Foundation.

- So thank you for recognizing us and have a wonderful night, thank you so much for this.

- When I'd lay down and look at the stars and think about how much I wanted to be somebody.

- [Woman] Thank you to the Imagen Foundation.

- This fabulous people and my cast.

- Totally not expecting this, guys.

Really, truly from the bottom of my heart.

- I'd like to thank my fans because they just connected with this woman that's standing up here and I just, I'm so happy, I'm humbled, goodness.

(audience applause) Thank you so much.

- Congratulations Imagen on 36 years.

Now back to you Aida for tonight's last category.

(calm music) - The last category is best primetime drama, television.

But before we get to that, I just wanted to be the last and remember we've saved the best for last, to wish Norman Lear a happy 99th birthday.

Your lifetime of work has been a source of inspiration for me and I'm sure for many of us that were nominated and honored with an award tonight.

Remember what Betty White once said, the older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana.

The nominees for best primetime drama are.

(calm salsa music) - [Announcer] "Queen of the South", USA, 20th Television and UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.

"Quien Mato a Sara?

Who Killed Sara?

", Netflix, Perro Azul.

"Selena: The Series" Netflix, a Campanario Entertainment Production for Netflix.

"This is Us", NBC, 20th Television.

"Mayans M.C.

", FX Networks, 20th Television and FX Productions.

"Pose", FX, 20th Television.

"Veneno", HBO Max, HBO Max in association with Atresmedia Television, Buendia Estudios and Suma Latina.

And the winner is "Pose".

Congratulations, "Pose".

- [Announcer] "Pose", Congratulations on your Imagen Award win.

(salsa music) - From all of us tonight, thank you for watching.

Thank you Imagen for all the work that you do.

Thank you Helen Herandez for steering the Imagen Awards in the right direction year after year.

Thanks to the production staff, musical guests, presenters and hosts and anyone else who helped make this show a reality.

And thanks to all of our sponsors and PBS SoCal KCET.

Your support makes these awards possible.

Happy Birthday Norman.

Thank you all for watching and we will see you next year.

(lively salsa music) (singing in Spanish)