Darin to Receive Honorary Platino Award

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ricardo Darin will soon be shining as bright as platinum…

The 59-year-old Argentine actor will be honored at the third edition of the Platino Awards, the Latin America equivalent of the Oscars, which will be held on July 24 in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Darin, who starred in Argentina’s 2009 best foreign-language film Oscar winner The Secret in Their Eyes and the Cannes Film Festival 2014 hit Wild Tales, is one of the most popular actors in Latin America and one of the very few who has box-office appeal across the region.

His popularity also reaches the Spanish market, where he recently starred in Cesc Gay‘s Goya winner Truman, a role for which he’s also nominated for a Platino in the best actor category.

Darin was recently confirmed as the star of La cordillera, the next movie from Argentina’s ascending indie filmmaker Santiago Mitre. The film is Mitre’s follow-up to Critics’ Week winner Paulina and was selected for Cannes’ L’Atelier de la Cinefondation program. La cordillera is set during a three-day presidential summit in the Andes Mountains, and Darin will play the Argentine head of state.

The Honorary Platino will praise “the honesty, talent and charisma with which he has engrossed some of the most renowned films made in the last three decades of Ibero-American cinema,” according to a press release Thursday from the Platino Awards organization, led by EGEDA and producers federation FIPCA.

Previous recipients of the Honorary Platino were also actors: Antonio Banderas was honored in 2015 and Brazilian legend Sonia Braga (Aquarius) in 2014.

Pablos’ “Las Elegidas” Picks Up Five Ariel Awards

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

David Pablos is the chosen one…

The 32-year-old Mexican filmmaker’s Las Elegidas, a drama about a teenage girl forced into prostitution, proved to be the big winner at the 58th Ariel Awards, Mexico’s version of the Oscars.

Produced by Canana Films, Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna’s production company, Las Elegidas earned Pablos the Best Director and Best Original Screenplay awards.

The film, which had its world premiere last year in the Cannes Film Festival‘s Un Certain Regard, was also named Best Picture.

In all, writer-director Pablos’ film won five Ariels on Saturday night in Mexico City, including cinematography and breakthrough performance for actress Nancy Talamantes.

Also winning five awards was Gloria, Christian Keller‘s biopic about controversial Mexican pop icon Gloria Trevi. Gloria won best actor and actress for performances by Marco Perez (Amores Perros) and Sofia Espinosa.

Best Ibero-American picture went to Ciro Guerra‘s Amazon jungle-set Embrace of the Serpent, which made history last year when it became Colombia’s first film to ever receive an Oscar nomination.

Lifetime achievement awards were handed to veteran filmmaker Paul Leduc and Rosita Quintana, an actress known for her work during Mexico’s golden age of cinema.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Best Picture: Las Elegidas
Director: David Pablos (Las Elegidas)
Actor: Marco Perez (Gloria)
Actress: Sofia Espinosa (Gloria)
Supporting Actor: Noe Hernandez (600 Millas)
Supporting Actress: Adriana Paz (Hilda)
Breakthrough Performance (Actor): Martin Castro (El Jeremias)
Breakthrough Performance (Actress): Nancy Talamantes (Las Elegidas)
Cinematography: Las Elegidas
Original Screenplay: Las Elegidas
Adapted Screenplay: Un Monstruo de Mil Cabezas
Ibero-American Picture: El Abrazo de la Serpiente
Documentary: El Hombre Que Vio Demasiado
Animated Picture: La Increible Historia del Nino de Piedra
First Work: 600 Millas
Production Design: Mexican Gangster
Costume Design: Mexican Gangster
Makeup: Gloria
Original Score: El Hombre Que Vio Demasiado
Sound: Gloria
Editing: Gloria
Special Effects: Mexican Gangster
Visual Effects: Mexican Gangster
Short Fiction Film: Tremulo
Short Documentary: Ausencias
Short Animated Film: Zimbo

Angélica María Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

She’s a Latin American icon… And, now Angélica María is a star in Hollywood…

On Wednesday, the 71-year-old American-born Mexican actress and Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter unveiled her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Angélica María, known as “La novia de México,” arrived in a vintage white convertible to a cheerful crowd ready to celebrate a long overdue recognition to one of Latin America’s most talented and loved artists.

To kick off the ceremony, actor and singer Diego Boneta dedicated a few words to the woman he calls his mentor and inspiration.

“Angélica María, as much as I’d love to say that I am the only actor you have inspired, that’s not the case. You have inspired all of us, the new wave of Mexican and Latin actors who are here today working hard. You’ve been a great example of that. Thank you for motivating me.”

Following Boneta’s remarks, her daughter, Angélica Vale, also a well-known actress and television personality, went up to the podium with her two kids to read a tearful letter to her mother. Vale also had three messages sent from Latin superstars Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin congratulating Angélica María on her special day.

“I’m there in heart with you today on this glorious day honoring an incredible woman. Thank you for all your talent and art that we have enjoyed for so many years and for being my theater godmother when I began my career in Mexico,” read Martin’s message.

“I’m so thrilled and grateful,” said a tearful Angélica María. “This star means so much to me. I never thought I would have a star, but this is a dream come true. This star is dedicated to my mother, to my family, to Latin America, to the press who have always supported me and to my Mexico. Viva México!”

Born in New Orleans, Angélica María moved to Mexico at the young age of 4 where she began her acting career and, at 8 years old won her first Mexican Film Academy Award for the film Mi esposa y la otra. But that was just the first of many awards and achievements to come. She’s starred in many other films, musicals, telenovelas and theatrical productions.

She has recorded 63 albums and pioneered the genre balada-ranchera (ranchera ballad).

For her work on stage, screen, television and as a singer, Angélica María has been inducted into the Paseo de las Luminarias at Mexico City’s Plaza de las Estrellas.

Ortiz Earns Obie Award for His “The Woodsman” Puppet Designs

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

James Ortiz is a real puppet master…

The Latino actor, director, writer and puppet designer has received an award at the 61st annual Obie Awards, established by the Village Voice to acknowledge achievement in off-Broadway theater.

Ortiz picked up the award for his puppet designs for New World Stages’ production of The Woodsman, the one-of-a-kind show Ortiz created that tells the tale of the Tin Man, the woman he loved, and the witch that would stop at nothing to keep them apart.

It’s Strangemen and Co.’s critically acclaimed take on one of America’s original fairy tales, the Wizard of Oz.

The Village Voice now runs the Obies with the American Theatre Wing, which also co-presents the Tony Awards (with the Broadway League).

The ceremony was held Monday evening at Webster Hall and hosted by Lea DeLaria.

Ortiz serves as the co-artistic director of Strangemen & Co. His design/directorial credits include The Tempest (DC Shakespeare), SeaWife (Naked Angels), Mercury Fur (The New Group), King Lear (Delacorte Theater in Central Park), Ludic Proxy (Soho Rep), King Lear (Theatre for a New Audience), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (New Place Players), Miss Lilly Gets Boned (Studio 42), My Base and Scurvy Heart (Studio 42) and An Intimate Evening with Typhoid Mary (Glass Bandits).

Gimenez Wins Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Juanjo Gimenez has the French crowd in the Palme of his hand…

The 53-year-old Spanish director has won the Short Film Palme d’Or at the 69th Cannes Film Festival for his movie Timecode.

Gimenez dedicated the award to his team, his family, and Luis Bunuel, the only Spaniard who has a Palme d’Or, which he won back in 1961 for his film Viridiana.

“I’m thrilled,” said Gimenez, who was excited to receive a prize decided by a jury chaired by Japanese director Naomi Kawase.

Timecode tells the story of a relationship between two parking lot security guards.

Gimenez took advantage of the cameras in the parking lot to monitor the place from different points of view to deliver what happens during the boring long working hours of the couple.

The Spanish director said that short films are his favorite genre because they allow him to bring out the best in cinematic language in a way that provides more freedom than that of long motion pictures.

Carter to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honors at This Year’s Gracie Awards

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Lynda Carter has a special reason to be Gracie-ous…

The 64-year-old part-Mexican and part-Spanish American actress, best known for her portrayal of the original Wonder Woman, will be presented with a lifetime achievement award at the 41st annual Gracie Awards Gala.

The Gracie Awards recognize programming created by, for and about women in all media.

Carter starred as the titular female superhero in Wonder Woman, an adventure-drama series that aired on ABC and later CBS from 1975-1979.

In the 2000s she guest starred on television shows including Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Smallville and Two and a Half Men.

Carter also appeared in the 2005 movie reboot of Dukes of Hazzard alongside Johnny Knoxville and Jessica Simpson, and she later lent her voice to video games like The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 4.

Aside from acting, Carter devoted herself to singing, beauty pageants and charity work.

“Lynda is the definition of a trailblazer as she has paved the way for women in media, carrying a national television show as Wonder Woman, and producing and starring in five highly rated network television specials,” Kristen Welch, the senior VP of global content operations at Discovery Communications, said in a statement. “Her success on screen, on the music charts and on stage showcase her talent and drive to break down barriers.”

Carter, along with this year’s other national honorees, will be recognized in a May 24 ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire. Local, public and student Gracie Award winners will be honored at the Gracies Luncheon on June 21 at Cipriani in New York City.

Trujillo Wins Outstanding Choreography Prize at Outer Critics Circle Awards

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Sergio Trujillo is a Critics’ choice…

The Colombian choreographer earned Outstanding Choreography honors at this year’s Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Trujillo, a Tony Awards nominee this year, earned the recognition for his work on On Your Feet! The Emilio and Gloria Estefan Musical.

Meanwhile, Marco Ramirez won the John Gassner Award, which is presented for an American play, preferably by a new playwright, for penning The Royale.

The Latino playwright/author made his off-Broadway debut with the Lincoln Center Theater opening of the new drama about the early life of the boxer Jack Johnson.

The Outer Critics Circle’s prizes serve as an imperfect bellwether for the Tony Awards, since a number of significant titles in the Tony race – most notably Hamilton – weren’t eligible for the OCCs this year because they were recognized in prior incarnations and in previous years. Another Tony player, Shuffle Along, didn’t open in time to be considered by the OCCs.

OCC winners will receive awards at a May 26 ceremony at Sardi’s.

Here’s the full list of 2015-16 Outer Critics Circle Award winners:

OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY PLAY: The Humans
OUTSTANDING NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL: Bright Star
OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY PLAY: The Christians
OUTSTANDING NEW OFF-BROADWAY MUSICAL: Dear Evan Hansen
OUTSTANDING BOOK OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway): Dear Evan Hansen
OUTSTANDING NEW SCORE (Broadway or Off-Broadway): Bright Star
OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A PLAY (Broadway or Off-Broadway): Long Day’s Journey Into Night
OUTSTANDING REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL (Broadway or Off-Broadway): She Loves Me
OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A PLAY: Ivo van Hove, A View From the Bridge
OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL: Michael Arden, Spring Awakening
OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHER: Sergio Trujillo, On Your Feet!
OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN (Play or Musical): David Rockwell, She Loves Me
OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN (Play or Musical): Jeff Mahshie, She Loves Me
OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN (Play or Musical): Justin Townsend, American Psycho the Musical
OUTSTANDING PROJECTION DESIGN (Play or Musical): Finn Ross, American Psycho the Musical
OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A PLAY: Frank Langella, The Father
OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: Jessica Lange, Long Day’s Journey Into Night
OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Danny Burstein , Fiddler on the Roof
OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple the Musical
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY: Michael Shannon, Long Day’s Journey Into Night
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY (TIE VOTE): Pascale Armand, Eclipsed & Judith Light, Thérèse Raquin
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Christopher Fitzgerald, Waitress
OUTSTANDING FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: Jane Krakowski, She Loves Me
OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE: James Lecesne, The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey
JOHN GASSNER AWARD: Marco Ramirez, The Royale
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: James Houghton, Signature Theatre Company

Gomez Named Best Female Artist at the Radio Disney Music Awards

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez is The One…

The 23-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress picked up the sixth Radio Disney Music Awards trophy of her career at this year’s awards show.

Gomez was named Best Female Artist, her second win in the category. She first won the award in 2013.

But Gomez wasn’t the only Latina winner…

Camila Cabello, Ally Brooke Hernandez and Lauren Jauregui and their fellow Fifth Harmony members picked up two awards.

Fifth Harmony was named Best Music Group for the second straight year; the all-girl group also picked up the award for Fiercest Fans.

In all, Fifth Harmony has won six Radio Disney Music Awards in the last three years.

Becky G, meanwhile, picked up the fourth Radio Disney Music Awards trophy of her career.

The 19-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper picked up the award for Artist With the Best Style for the second straight year.

The awards ceremony, filmed at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, aired on the Disney Channel on Sunday, May 1.

Here’s the full list of winners below.

You Know You Love Them — Best Music Group: Fifth Harmony
He’s the One – Best Male Artist: Ed Sheeran
She’s the One – Best Female Artist: Selena Gomez
The Bestest – Song of the Year: “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift
XOXO – Best Crush Song: “Perfect”– One Direction
So Fantastic – Fiercest Fans: Harmonizers
The Buzz – Breakout Artist of the Year: Tori Kelly
The Freshest – Best New Artist: Kelsea Ballerini
So Happy – Best Song That Makes You Smile: “Better When I’m Dancing” – Meghan Trainor
#COOL – Radio Disney’s Most Talked About Artist: Taylor Swift
Stuck in Our Heads – Best Song to Lip Sync To: “What Do You Mean?” – Justin Bieber
That’s My Jam – Best Anthem: “Eyes Wide Open” – Sabrina Carpenter
Move! – Best Song to Dance To: “Focus” – Ariana Grande
Heartbreak – Best Breakup Song: “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift
You’ve Got Swag – Artist With the Best Style: Becky G
Radio Disney Country Favorite Song: “Fly” – Maddie & Tae
Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist: Maddie & Tae

Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias Win Big at the Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam and Enrique Iglesias have plenty of reason to celebrate…

The 35-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer/songwriter and 40-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter were the big winners of the 2016 Billboard Latin Music Awards, propelled by their global hit “El Perdón.”

Nicky Jam and Iglesias collected six trophies each, including Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event, Airplay Song of the Year, Digital Song of the Year, Streaming Song of the Year and Latin Rhythm Song of the Year. Additionally, Iglesias won Latin Pop Songs Artist of the Year, Solo, while Nicky Jam won Latin Rhythm Songs Artist of the Year, Solo.

After thanking God, his genre Latina, Billboard and the people of Colombia and Puerto Rico, Nicky Jam gave a shout-out to his father, who he was separated from for much of his childhood. “I never brought home to you a medal from school,” he said. “But here is your medal, Papi.”

Right behind in the trophy haul was Mexican singer/songwriter Juan Gabriel, a comeback success story who won Tour of the Year and whose album of duets, Los Duo, won for Top Latin Album of the Year and Latin Pop Album of the Year. Gabriel also won Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male and Latin Pop Albums Artist of the Year, solo, and was honored with the special Billboard Star Award.

“This doesn’t seem real,” said a giddy Juan Gabriel, the first winner of the night. “I’m amazed. I’m surprised. I am very happy to be here for the first time.”

Other top winners of the evening included Romeo Santos, who won Artist of the Year, Mana, who won Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group, and Shakira, who won Social Artist of the Year.

Here’s a look at the night’s winners:

Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male: Juan Gabriel
Tropical Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Gente de Zona
Hot Latin Song of the Year: Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdón”
Tropical Song of the Year: Gente de Zona Feat. Marc Anthony, “La Gozadera”
Top Latin Album of the Year: Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Tropical Album of the Year: Victor Manuelle, Que Suenen Los Tambores
Regional Mexican Album of the Year: Gerardo Ortiz, Hoy Más Fuerte
Latin Rhythm Songs Artist of the Year, Solo: Nicky Jam
Latin Rhythm Song of the Year: Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdón”
Airplay Song of the Year: Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdón”
Streaming Song of the Year: Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdón”
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga
Regional Mexican Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Latin Rhythm Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Zion & Lennox
Latin Pop Album of the Year: Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Tour of the Year: Juan Gabriel
Artist of the Year: Romeo Santos
Artist of the Year, New: Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho
Social Artist of the Year: Shakira
Crossover Artist of the Year: Justin Bieber
Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event: Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdón”
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male: Romeo Santos
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female: Shakira
Digital Song of the Year: Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdón”
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female: Selena
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Maná
Latin Pop Song of the Year: Maná Feat. Shakira, “Mi Verdad”
Latin Pop Songs Artist of the Year, Solo: Enrique Iglesias
Latin Pop Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Mana
Latin Pop Albums Artist of the Year, Solo: Juan Gabriel
Latin Pop Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Maná
Tropical Songs Artist of the Year, Solo: Romeo Santos
Tropical Albums Artist of the Year, Solo: Romeo Santos
Tropical Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Buena Vista Social Club
Regional Mexican Song of the Year: Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, “Te Metiste”
Regional Mexican Songs Artist of the Year, Solo: El Komander
Regional Mexican Albums Artist of the Year, Solo: Joan Sebastian
Regional Mexican Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda
Latin Rhythm Album of the Year: Pitbull, Dale
Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Solo: Pitbull
Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Plan B
Songwriter of the Year: Anthony “Romeo” Santos
Producer of the Year: Saga WhiteBlack

Mitre’s “Paulina” Wins Top Prize at the Beijing International Film Festival

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Santiago Mitre is earning acclaim in China…

The 35-year-old Argentinian filmmaker’s latest thriller Paulina (aka La Patota) has won the Tiantan Award at the closing ceremony of the Beijing International Film Festival, which took place from April 16-23.

The film centers on Paulina, who after moving back home to teach in a suburban high school, must deal with the disapproval of the people around her when she returns to work after being brutally assaulted by a gang.

The film, directed by Mitre, also picked up the best screenplay and best actress (Dolores Fonzi) awards at a ceremony held on Saturday night.

The best director award went to Denmark’s Christina Rosendahl for her film, The Idealist. Louis Hofman was named best actor for his role in another Danish film Land of Mine (aka Under Sandet.) China’s “Go Away, Mr Tumor” was given the best visual effects award.

The competitive section was announced only days before the festival began. It came as a surprise, as many in the industry had been led to believe that the BJIFF had become a non-competitive festival. The jury was headed by Brett Ratner.

The sixth edition of the festival again included a film market, a conference series and a project pitching section. The popularity of the pitching sessions continued to boom with the number of projects submitted increasing by half to 674.

Mitre, whose credits include The Student and Carancho, picked up four prizes for Paulina at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival and two prizes at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

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