She’s the only Hispanic artist to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony… And, now Rita Moreno will be honored with a much-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.
The 80-year-old Puerto Rican actress/singer/dancer, who was only the second Puerto Rican to win an Academy Award, is being heralded for her nearly 70-year career in entertainment, including her awe-inspiring turn as Anita in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical West Side Story.
Born Rosa Dolores Alverío in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno is one of an elite group of performers who’ve won the industry’s five most prestigious awards: an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony Award and Golden Globe. And she received the highest honor bestowed upon a U.S. civilian when former President George W. Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004.
Moreno’s professional repertoire includes starring in more than 135 feature films and TV series and countless stage productions in the United States and abroad.
Moreno is also an esteemed lecturer who shares her insight on various cultural and industry-related topics with organizations and universities throughout the country; and she’s actively involved in several charities.
But Moreno isn’t the only Hispanic entertainer being recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other recipients of the coveted award include:
Spanish born singer, songwriter and composer Luz Casal
Argentinian singer, songwriter and actor Leo Dan
Brazilian singer/songwriter Milton Nascimento
Mexican singer, actress and television host Daniela Romo
Mexican-American conguero, Latin jazz bandleader and salsa singer Poncho Sánchez
Brazilian composer, singer and guitarist Toquinho.
Meanwhile, Spanish virtuoso and flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona “Habichuela” and the Puerto Rican-born “King of the Cuatro” Yomo Toro will receive the prestigious Trustees Award.
“This year’s exceptional group of honorees not only beautifully represent our diverse music communities but exemplify the meaning of being a true pioneer of one’s craft as well as being internationally recognized within their respective musical genres,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We continue the privilege of honoring and celebrating these iconic individuals whose contributions and accomplishments continue to leave an indelible legacy in the world of Latin music and will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music fans for many years.”
Moreno and her fellow honorees will be saluted at a special invitation-only ceremony on Wednesday, November 14, as part of the weeklong Latin Grammy Awards celebration.