Adrian Martinez to Appear in Rami Malek’s New Thriller “Amateur”

Adrian Martinez is an amateur

The 51-year-old Latino actor has landed a recurring role opposite Rami Malek in Amateur, a new thriller James Hawes is directing for 20th Century Studios.

Adrian MartinezThe film, for which Gary Spinelli penned the most recent draft, tells the story of Charles Heller (Malek), a CIA cryptographer who, after his wife is tragically killed in a London terrorist attack, demands his bosses go after them. When it becomes clear they won’t act due to conflicting internal priorities, he blackmails the agency into training him and letting him go after them himself.

Martinez is set for the role of Carlos, a CIA tech and Heller’s closest friend.

Hutch Parker and Dan Wilson are producing the film, with Malek exec producing.

Martinez can currently be seen playing Chris, the traffic cop buddy of Awkwafina’s Rebecca, in Chris McKay’s horror comedy Renfield for Universal, which hit theaters on April 14th.

The always-busy character actor is best known for roles in such films as Focus opposite Will Smith and Margot RobbieThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty opposite Ben StillerCasa de mi Padre opposite Will Ferrell; I Feel Pretty opposite Amy Schumer; and Disney+’s live-action reimagining of Lady and the Tramp.

Martinez was a series regular on ABC’s Stumptown and boasts additional television credits including Paramount+’s No Activity and NBC’s The Blacklist: Redemption.

Also on the actor’s slate of upcoming projects is the Netflix comedy Unfrosted marking the feature directorial debut of Jerry Seinfeld.

Adrian Martinez to Star in Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix Comedy “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story”

Adrian Martinez has landed a new role…

The Latino actor will appear in Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix comedy Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story.

Adrian MartinezMartinez joins a roster of cast members that includes Melissa McCarthyJim GaffiganAmy SchumerHugh GrantJames Marsden, Jack McBrayer, Tom Lennon, Bobby Moynihan, Max Greenfield, Christian Slater and Sarah Cooper.

In addition to co-writing and directing the film, in his feature debut, Seinfeld is set to star.

Billed as a tale of ambition, betrayal, sugar and menacing milkmen, Unfrosted is set in 1963 Michigan. It will watch as sworn cereal rivals Kellogg’s and Post race to create a pastry that will change the face of breakfast forever. Information on the roles to be played by Seinfeld and the newly introduced members of his ensemble has not been disclosed.

Netflix won rights to the film in a competitive situation last year. Seinfeld’s relationship with co-CEO and CCO Ted Sarandos proved helpful in swinging the deal in the direction of the streamer.

The comedian and actor inked a deal worth an estimated $100M with Netflix in 2017, which brought it his popular interview series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, as well as the comedy specials Jerry Before Seinfeld and 23 Hours to Kill. Netflix also last year purchased global rights to stream episodes of Seinfeld’s classic sitcom of the same name for a five-year period.

Seinfeld and Spike Feresten wrote Unfrosted with Andy Robin & Barry Marder. Seinfeld, Feresten and Beau Bauman will produce the film, with Cherylanne Martin, Andy Robin and Barry Marder serving as executive producers.

Martinez is a veteran actor who recently made his feature directorial debut with the drama iGilbert, in which he also stars. He’ll next be seen in the Dracula comedy Renfield from Universal.

Melissa Villaseñor to Host This Year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards Ceremony

Melissa Villaseñor has the spirit

The 33-year-old Mexican actress, stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live cast member is set to host this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony.

Melissa Villaseñor

The show will not be live from the Santa Monica Beach this year due to COVID-19.

Villaseñor, the first Latina cast member of NBC’s long-running SNL, cut her teeth on the stand-up circuit in Los Angeles, and was further propelled to stardom by being a semifinalist on the 2011 edition of America’s Got Talent before landing on the SNL cast.

She is famous for her impersonations of celebrities like Owen Wilson, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and more.

This year’s show will be airing on Thursday, April 22, on IFC and AMC+ at 10:00 pm ET, breaking tradition as the Spirits typically take place on the Saturday afternoon before Sunday’s Oscars.

Said Blake Callaway, Executive Director, IFC and SundanceTV, “Melissa and the unique circumstances of now will make this year’s ceremony like no other. It will certainly be a departure from the past, but with Melissa, the chances of Dolly, Ariana Grande, Bjork, Gwen Stefani, Julie Andrews and Lady Gaga showing up have skyrocketed.”

“As someone who considers herself a pretty dependent person, I’m truly honored to host the Film Independent Spirit Awards,” said Villaseñor.

Outside of SNL, Villaseñor has provided voiceovers in films like Toy Story 4 and Ralph Breaks the InternetShe also was a guest on Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee; and in projects like Hubie Halloween, Barry and Crashing, among others.

She’s currently working on her first book, a creative self-help journal forthcoming from Chronicle Books.

She joins a roster of past Spirit Awards hosts that includes Aubrey Plaza, Nick Kroll, Kristen Bell, Joel McHale, Patton Oswalt, Queen Latifah, John Waters, Samuel L. Jackson and Kumail Nanjiani.

Melissa Villaseñor to Guest Star on Jerry Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”

Melissa Villaseñor is ready to ride shotgun…

The 31-year-old actress, stand-up comedian, impressionist and Saturday Night Live cast member is set to guest star on the new season of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

Melissa Villaseñor

The series, created and executive produced by Seinfeld, features vintage cars, funny conversations and a lot of caffeine as Jerry picks up each guest in a special car.

In addition to Villaseñor, SNL’s first Latina cast member, other guest stars for the new season include Martin ShortRicky GervaisMatthew BroderickEddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Sebastian ManiscalcoMario JoynerBridget Everettand Barry Marder.

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Season 11 premieres July 19 on Netflix

Vlad Caamaño to Appear at This Year’s Just For Laughs Festival

Vlad Caamaño is hitting the Great White North this summer…

The Dominican American comedian is set to appear at this year’s Just For Laughs Festival, which runs July 12-31 in Montreal, Canada featuring a plethora of stand-up performances by Judd ApatowTrevor Noah, Ali Wong, John Mulaney, Chris D’Elia, and Tom Segura.

Vlad Caamaño

The signature marquee highlight this year to celebrate the fest’s milestone: Jerry Seinfeld will share the stage with France’s biggest comedic star Gad Elmaleh for a one night performance on July 26.

Caamaño will appear as part of The Ethnic Show, hosted by Iranian-American stand-up Maz Jobrani. Joining Maz and Caamaño, are Jessica KirsonSteve Byrne, The Doo Wops (John Catucci and David Mesiano) and Mike Rita.

Louis C.K. to Perform at This Year’s Stand Up for Heroes

Louis C.K. is taking a stand…

The 49-year-old Mexican American comedian, actor, writer, producer, director and editor will take part in this year’s Stand Up for Heroes on November 1 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Louis C.K.

Presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival, it will mark the 10th anniversary of the annual event that’s raised more than $33 million for wounded, ill and injured veterans, service members and their families.

Louis C.K. joins an all-star roster that includes Jim GaffiganJerry SeinfeldBruce Springsteen and Jon Stewart.

“We look forward to Stand Up for Heroes each year not only because it’s grown into New York’s biggest night of comedy and music, but because a decade of laughter has translated into a lifetime of immeasurable support for our nation’s injured heroes,” said Bob Woodruff, co-founder and ABC News correspondent. “As we commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and the wars that have followed, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that a small percentage of our population stood up for us — it’s now our turn to stand up for them.”

Woodruff and wife Lee established the Bob Woodruff Foundation after the then-recently installed co-anchor of ABC News was critically injured in 2006 by a roadside bomb in Iraq. The Woodruffs partnered with the New York Comedy Festival founders Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox to stage the first Stand Up for Heroes event in 2007.

“We could not be more proud to partner with the Bob Woodruff Foundation to celebrate such an incredible milestone as the 10-year anniversary of Stand Up for Heroes,” says Caroline Hirsch, Bob Woodruff Foundation board member and founder of the New York Comedy Festival and Carolines on Broadway. “The organization’s remarkable perseverance, passion and contribution to wounded soldiers and their families is outstanding. Nothing would be possible without the time and dedication from all of the performers and supporters of the organization over the years.”\

After its start at New York’s Town Hall and, later, the Beacon Theatre, the event moved to MSG in 2013.

Anthony Earns Webby Awards Nomination for His Online Video Series “Stay Melo”

Carmelo Anthony is a web master…

Nominations for the 20th annual Webby Awards have been announced, with the 31-year-old half-Puerto Rican New York Knicks star making the list of nominees.

Carmelo Anthony in Stay Melo

Anthony earned a nod in the Best Web Personality/Host (Online Film & Video) for his online video series, “Stay Melo” (also known as #StayMe7o).

Anthony’s competing in that category against YouTube star Tyler Oakley, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” host Jerry Seinfeld, “Kid PresidentRobby Novak and “The Slow Mo Guys,” who create science-themed videos in slow motion.

But Anthony isn’t the only Latino athlete to earn a nomination…

Neymar Jr. is nominated in the Virtual Reality: Gaming, Interactive or Real-Time (Online Film & Video) category.

The 24-year-old Brazilian soccer star, who plays for FC Barcelona, is nominated for The Neymar Jr. Effect. It’s a mobile game that allows you to move your phone around to take the pitch as Brazil’s #10.

The International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences (IADAS) is celebrating the 20th annual Webby Awards this year, recognizing noteworthy trends and advancements on the web.

IADAS members will select the winners, which will be announced April 26 and presented at May 16 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

The public has a chance to cast their votes for their pick of the best of the Internet. Voting for the Webby People’s Voice Awards is open from now until Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 11:59 PM (PT).

Here are the categories featuring Latino/Latino-themed content:

Best Web Personality/Host (Online Film & Video)

  • Tyler Oakley
  • Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
  • The Slow Mo Guys
  • Kid President
  • Carmelo Anthony

Events (Social)

  • Coders vs. Cancer
  • #RugbyBattle
  • Instaconcert
  • The 69th Annual Tony Awards: An Integrated Digital Experience
  • The 16th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards – Social Media Celebration

Virtual Reality: Gaming, Interactive or Real-Time (Online Film & Video)

  • Cardboard Crash VR for Google Cardboard
  • Insidious Chapter 3: Into the Further
  • House on Hallow Hill
  • William Hill: Get in the Race
  • The Neymar Jr. Effect

Louis C.K. Added to the Lineup for SiriusXM Comedy Greats

Louis C.K. will be hitting the radiowaves…

The 47-year-old Mexican American comedian and actor has been added to the lineup for SiriusXM Comedy Greats, a new channel from the satellite radio company that will broadcast comedy 24/7 for the first time, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Louis C.K.

In addition to Louis C.K., who recently earned six Emmy nominations, Jerry Seinfeld, Lewis Black, Amy Schumer, George Carlin, Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Hart, Bill Maher, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Joan Rivers are also noted as some of more than a hundred notable comics of past and present that will be showcased on air.

The new channel will also feature regular countdown takeovers, hosted by guests like Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan and Ed Helms, who will discuss their personal favorites and professional influences.

Additionally, Dan Akyroyd, Adam Carolla, Cedric the Entertainer, Bill Hader, George Lopez, Howie Mandel, Marc Maron and Russell Brand will share vignette-like stories about comedians who have changed their lives.

SiriusXM Comedy Greats will launch Aug. 13, with a special hosted by Jim Norton, in which he counts down the top 50 comedy greats of all time (selected by listeners and the SiriusXM comedy team). It’s available on channel 94, as well as online, on demand and through the SiriusXM app.

Dawson & Chris Rock’s “Top Five” to Open in Wide Release on December 12

Rosario Dawson’s latest film is set to open in full force in mid-December…

Paramount Pictures has shifted the release of the 35-year-old Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban American actress and Chris Rock’s acclaimed film Top Five to a wide release on December 12, instead of a previously scheduled limited bow a week earlier.

Rosario Dawson Chris Rock Top Five

Written and directed by Rock, the film tells the story of New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen (Rock), whose unexpected encounter with a journalist forces him to confront both the career that made him famous and the life he left behind.

Dawson stars as Chelsea Brown, the journalist assigned to interview Allen.

Along with Rock and Dawson, the film also stars J.B. Smoove, Gabrielle Union, Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd and Romany Malco.

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and earned critical acclaim. Days later, Paramount confirmed it had acquired the film’s worldwide distribution rights for $12.5 million.

Diaz Helps Adam Levine Parody “The Voice” on SNL…

It appears Christina Aguilera and Shakira aren’t the only capable Latina The Voice coaches…

During Adam Levine’s monologue while hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend, the Maroon 5 frontman and The Voice coach parodied the NBC reality singing competition with help from Cameron Diaz, Andy Samberg and Jerry Seinfeld.

Cameron Diaz in SNL The Voice Spoof

Levine found himself on the other side of the red leather chair when the 40-year-old half-Cuban American actress and the other guests played coaches from The Voice, with each wanting to mentor the first-time host in the art of comedy.

Diaz — dressed a la Aguilera, complete with a funky hat —  pitched why she should be Levine’s mentor, touting her success in comedy blockbusters like There’s Something About Mary.

“If you want to succeed in comedy, you have to check your pride at the door.” she said. “You have to be able to take a handful of Ben Stiller’s spooge and stick it right in your hair.” Samberg agreed and said he’d also done this.