Rubén Blades to Receive Billboard Icon Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Rubén Blades is preparing for an iconic moment…

The 78-year-old Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist and politician will be recognized with the Billboard Icon Award at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard and Telemundo have announced.

Ruben BladesBlades will receive the honor during the October 22 ceremony, which will be broadcast live from Miami.

The Billboard Icon Award recognizes an artist whose career has not only remained relevant over time but has also established them as one of the most distinguished figures in their genre, celebrated worldwide for achieving both musical and commercial success.

Over more than five decades, Blades has been one of the most influential voices in Latin music, contributing to the redefinition of salsa through a unique combination of musical innovation and powerful storytelling.

As a central figure in New York’s salsa revolution of the 1970s, the Panamanian singer, songwriter and musician expanded the horizons of classic Afro-Cuban salsa by incorporating influences from rock, jazz, pan-Latin music and sounds from various parts of the world.

His songs have stood out not only for their unforgettable melodies but also for their socially conscious lyrics and memorable characters that turned everyday life stories into timeless music. Who could forget classics from his repertoire like “Pedro Navaja,” “Decisiones” or “El Padre Antonio y Su Monaguillo Andrés”?

“I am grateful to everyone who has contributed over the course of more than fifty years to making it possible for my work to be recognized today,” Blades said in a statement. “No one succeeds without help. It is important to acknowledge the contributions of all the musicians, arrangers, composers and engineers I have worked with, as well as the group that has been by my side on this journey for the past 16 years, Roberto Delgado y Orquesta de Panamá.”

Blades will also sit down for the exclusive Icon Q&A at Billboard Latin Music Week with Billboard‘s co-chief content officer Leila Cobo for what promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the week.

Blades continues to record and tour internationally, most recently releasing País Portátil with Roberto Delgado y Orquesta. The album brings together eight interconnected songs that explore themes including migration, corruption, incarceration, social responsibility and hope, continuing Blades’ longstanding tradition of using music to examine the social realities of Latin America while encouraging reflection and change.

Broadcast live from the James L. Knight Center in Miami, the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards ceremony will air on Telemundo on Thursday, October 22, at 8:00 pm ET.

Fans will also be able to watch the show live via the Telemundo app, Peacock and Telemundo Internacional across Latin America and the Caribbean. Tickets to attend the event are now available through Ticketmaster.

This year, Peso Pluma leads the list of finalists with 17 mentions, followed by Tito Double P with 15 and Fuerza Regida with 12. Karol G is a nine-time finalist, Prince Royce has eight nods and Bad Bunny seven.

Produced by Telemundo and MBS Special Events, the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards coincide with Billboard Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami Beach on Oct. 19-22 with a stellar program featuring Fuerza Regida, Greeicy, Jay Wheeler, Kany García, Maluma, Pitbull, Rawayana, Ryan Castro, Trueno, Zhamira and many more.

Lionel Messi Scores Historic 100th Goal for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has reached a new milestone in Major League Soccer play.

The 39-year-old Argentine soccer superstar scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in all competitions after heading home the opener against visiting Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium.

Lionel MessiThe goal put Miami up 1-0 in the annual match between the champion of MLS and Liga MX.

Messi, a FIFA World Cup winner in 2022, reached the milestone in only 114 games for Inter Miami, marking the quickest Messi has recorded 100 goals for any team he has represented.

He previously reached the mark with Barcelona in 188 games and 174 games with Argentina.

Since joining Miami in 2023, Messi has 76 goals in MLS, 14 in Leagues Cup action, eight in the Concacaf Champions Cup and one at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi made an instant impact in south Florida since signing with Miami, leading the Herons to the 2023 Leagues Cuptitle just weeks after marking his debut against Cruz Azul — the team against which he scored his first Miami goal.

The Inter Miami captain also guided the team to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield — setting the record for most points (74) in an MLS season — and starred in the playoffs during a run to the 2025 MLS Cup title.

Messi has now scored 929 goals for club and country during his career and leads MLS with 19 goals in 22 games so far this season.

Edgar Barrera Leads Pack of Latin Grammys Nominees with 10 Nods

Edgar Barrera is this year’s Latin Grammy hotshot.

The 36-year-old Mexican American songwriter, producer and musician tops the list of nominees for the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards, announced Wednesday, September 16.

Edgar BarreraBarrera, an acclaimed Mexican songwriter and producer received 10 nominations, in the general categories of record of the year, album of the year and song of the year — mostly for his work on projects by Karol G and Carín León.

Three of his nominations are in the best regional song category. He’s also competing for the awards of songwriter and producer of the year, which he has won in the past.

His 10 new nominations add to the 72 he has received throughout his career, of which he has won 29 so far.

CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Jorge Drexler, Karol G and Rosalía follow with seven nominations each, while Silvana Estrada and Mon Laferte received six.

All of them are vying for album of the year, alongside Anitta, Carín León, Milo J and Rawayana. Most also compete for song and record of the year.

At just 19 years old, Argentine singer and rapper Milo J surprises with five nominations, including in the three main categories, with a folk album.

In addition, the album received a sixth nod, for best recording package. Meanwhile, legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo earns a new nomination at 95 years old, in the category of best traditional tropical album.

“I love seeing this flexibility and incredible mobility of our artists,” Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, tells Billboard Español, also highlighting the nominations of an urban singer like Karol G in a Mexican music category, a flamenco star like Niña Pastori in a tropical music category, and a young Argentine urban artist like Nathy Peluso in a salsa category.

Rosalía’s uber-eclectic LUX appears in fields including pop, alternative and Portuguese language, besides album of the year.

“The album of the year category, if you analyze it, is a wonderful list,” he adds “There’s such a great diversity — not just in genre. Interestingly, it’s half men, half women. But look at how amazing it is: We have Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay — seven countries represented. And that diversity also permeates the song and record categories.”

Other contenders with multiple nominations include Arath Herce, with four; and BRUSES, Feid, Héctor Mazzarri, Jennifer Mosello and Eden Muñoz with three each. Artists such as Rauw Alejandro, Anitta, Bad Gyal, Beéle, Bizarrap, Ryan Castro, Daddy Yankee, Kany García, Joaquina, Juanes and Carín León, among others, received two nods.

The coveted Latin Grammy for best new artist will be between Delilah, Fabian, Loulu Gilberto, Arath Herce, Macario Martínez, Maye, Sofia Monroy, Kendall Peña, Dora Sanches, Aria Vega and Zeca Veloso.

The eligibility window was for recordings released June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.

The 27th annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live from Las Vegas on Thursday, November 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. via TelevisaUnivision platforms. Prior to the broadcast, the Latin Grammy Premiere, a non-televised ceremony announcing most of the winners, will take place.

Here’s the full list of nominees for the 2026 Latin Grammys below.

GENERAL FIELD

Record of the year

“Ha Ha,” CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso; Rafa Arcaute & Federico Vindver, record producers; Julio Gómez, recording engineer; Lewis Pickett, mixer; Lewis Pickett, mastering engineer

“¿Cómo Se Ama?” Jorge Drexler; Facundo Balta, Jorge Drexler, Mauro, Lucas Piedra Cueva & Tadu Vázquez, record producers; Lucas Piedra Cueva, recording engineer; Carles Campi Campón, mixer; Fred Kevorkian, mastering engineer

“Dime,” Silvana Estrada; Daniel Bitrán Arizpe, Edwin Erazo & Silvana Estrada, record producers; Pietro Amato, Daniel Bitrán Arizpe, Leonel Carmona, Nic Hard, Warren Spicer & J.C. Vertti, recording engineers; Daniel Bitrán Arizpe, mixer; Ryan K. Smith, mastering engineer

“O Amor Nos Encontrou,” Loulu Gilberto; Mario Adnet & Cézar Mendes, record producers; Lucas Ariel & Gabriel Pinheiro, recording engineers; Gabriel Pinheiro, mixer; David Darlington, mastering engineer

“Coleccionando Heridas,” KAROL G, Marco Antonio Solís; Edgar Barrera & Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, record producers; Edgar Barrera, Joel Iglesias & José “Pepe” Melena, recording engineers; Josh Gudwin & Joel Iglesias, mixers; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer

“Femme Fatale,” Mon Laferte; Manú Jalil & Mon Laferte, record producers; Isaí Araujo, Daniel Bitrán, Lu Garibay, Manú Jalil, Israel Rodriguez-Martinez, Nacho Sotelo & Jorge Valdés, recording engineers; Nacho Sotelo, mixer; Nacho Sotelo, mastering engineer

“Desde Que Te Tengo,” Carín León; Israel Aispuro Meneses & Orlando Aispuro Meneses, record producers; Orlando Aispuro Meneses, Alberto Medina, Abraham Eduardo Tapia García & Antonio Zepeda, recording engineers; Alberto Medina, mixer; Alberto Medina, mastering engineer

“Niño,” Milo J; Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz “Tatool”, record producers; Luciano Nicolas Gordillo, recording engineer; Jon Castelli, mixer; Dale Becker, mastering engineer

“La Perla,” Rosalía Featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia; Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, record producers; Daniel Cayotte, Isaac Diskin, Tristan Hoogland, Jake Miller, David Rodríguez & Harry Wilson, recording engineers; Manny Marroquin, mixer; Bob Jackson & Brian Lee, mastering engineers

“Alma,” Elena Rose; Daramola & Héctor Mazzarri, record producers; Daramola & Héctor Mazzarri, recording engineers; Leandro “Dro” Hidalgo, mixer; Leandro “Dro” Hidalgo, mastering engineer

Album of the year

EQUILIBRIVM, Anitta; Jean Rodriguez, album producer; Raphael Rui Castro, album recording engineer; Rafael Fadul, Marcelinho Ferraz, Arthur Luna, Jean Rodriguez & Luciano Scalercio, album mixers; Anitta, Carolina Marcilio, Jennifer Mosello & Cinthya Ribeiro Dos Santos, songwriters; Felipe Tichauer, album mastering engineer

FREE SPIRITS, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso; Rafa Arcaute & Federico Vindver, album producers; Rafa Arcaute, Julio Gómez & Federico Vindver, album recording engineers; Lewis Pickett, album mixer; Rafa Arcaute, Gino Borri, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Vicente Jimenez “Vibarco” & Federico Vindver, songwriters; Lewis Pickett, album mastering engineer

Taracá, Jorge Drexler; Facundo Balta, Jorge Drexler, Mauro, Lucas Piedra Cueva & Tadu Vázquez, album producers; Lucas Piedra Cueva, album recording engineer; Carles Campi Campón, album mixer; Jorge Drexler & Mauro, songwriters; Fred Kevorkian, album mastering engineer

Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, Silvana Estrada; Daniel Bitran Arizpe, Edwin Erazo & Silvana Estrada, album producers; Daniel Bitran Arizpe, Leonel Carmona, Warren Spicer & Jc Vertti, album recording engineers; Daniel Bitran Arizpe, album mixer; Silvana Estrada, songwriter; Ryan Smith, album mastering engineer

Tropicoqueta, Karol G; Edgar Barrera & Karol G, album producers; Edgar Barrera & Joel Iglesias, album recording engineers; Josh Gudwin & Joel Iglesias, album mixers; Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Ríos & Karol G, songwriters; Dave Kutch, album mastering engineer

FEMME FATALE, Mon Laferte; Manú Jalil & Mon Laferte, album producers; Sebastián Aracena, Isaí Araujo, Manú Jalil, Nacho Sotelo & Jorge Valdés, album recording engineers; Nacho Sotelo, album mixer; Mon Laferte, songwriter; Nacho Sotelo, album mastering engineer

MUDA, Carín León; Edgar Barrera & Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, album producers; Edgar Barrera, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Alberto Medina, Abraham Eduardo Tapia García & Antonio Zepeda, album recording engineers; Alberto Medina, album mixer; Edgar Barrera, Andrés Jael Correa Ríos, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Carín León, Manuel Lorente Freire & Daniel Rondón, songwriters; Alberto Medina, album mastering engineer

La Vida Era Más Corta, Milo J; Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz, album producers; Luciano Nicolas Gordillo, album recording engineer; Jon Castelli, album mixer; Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz, songwriters; Dale Becker, album mastering engineer

¿Dónde Es El After?, Rawayana; Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Héctor Mazzarri & Andrés Story, album producers; Adam Burt, Felix Byrne, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Katie Harvey, Héctor Mazzarri & Andrés Story, album recording engineers; Josh Gudwin, album mixer; Alejandro Abeijón, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Héctor Mazzarri, Alberto Montenegro, Daniel Rondón & Andrés Story, songwriters; Dale Becker, album mastering engineer

LUX (Complete Works), Rosalía; Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, album producers; Daniel Cayotte, Isaac Diskin, Tristan Hoogland, Jake Miller, David Rodríguez & Harry Wilson, album recording engineers; Manny Marroquin, album mixer; Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters; Bob Jackson & Brian Lee, album mastering engineers

Song of the year

“Coleccionando Heridas,” Edgar Barrera, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Luis Miguel Gomez Castaño & Karol G, songwriters (Karol G, Marco Antonio Solís)

“¿Cómo Se Ama?” Jorge Drexler & Mauro, songwriters (Jorge Drexler)

“Dime,” Silvana Estrada, songwriter (Silvana Estrada)

“Femme Fatale,” Mon Laferte, songwriter (Mon Laferte)

“Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día,” Rafa Arcaute, Renee Barri, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Vicente Jimenez “Vibarco”, Martin Kierszenbaum, John Ryan, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner & Federico Vindver, songwriters (CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso Featuring Sting)

“Humano,” Emmanuel Briceño, Juanes, Felipe Navia & Vivir Quintana, songwriters (Juanes, Vivir Quintana)

“La Perla,” Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía, Ryan Tedder & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Rosalía Featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia)

“Mi Gran Amor,” Edgar Barrera, Becky G, Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, Manuel Lorente, Daniel Rondón & Carlos Santana, songwriters (Santana Featuring Becky G)

“Nilo,” Massimo Giovanardi & Zanna, songwriters (Zanna)

“Solifican12,” Santiago Alvarado, Milo J & Santiago Ruiz, songwriters (Milo J)

Mejor nuevo artista
Delilah
Fabian
Loulu Gilberto
Arath Herce
Macario Martínez
Maye
Sofia Monroy
Kendall Peña
Dora Sanches
Aria Vega
Zeca Veloso

POP

Best contemporary pop album
KM0, Pablo Alborán
Instrucciones Para Ser Feliz, Monsieur Periné
(Enamorada), nic
Todo Puede Convertirse En Canción, Debi Nova
¿Y Ahora Qué +?, Alejandro Sanz

Best traditional pop album
Amorío, Esteman, Daniela Spalla
Puerta Abierta, Kany García
Yo Canto 2, Laura Pausini
TQ+, Reik
Querida Yo, Yami Safdie

Best pop song

“A La Niña Que Fui,” Rafa Arcaute, Nate Campany, Kany García, Richi López & Sara Schell, songwriters (Kany García)

“Amarillo,” Joaquina, songwriter (Joaquina)

“(favorito),” nic & Raquel Sofía, songwriters (nic)

“La Perla,” Noah Goldstein, David Rodríguez, Rosalía, Ryan Tedder & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Rosalía Featuring Yahritza y Su Esencia)

“Melancolía,” Mon Laferte, songwriter (Mon Laferte)

ELECTRONIC

Best electronic music performance
“Beto’s Horns – Fred Remix”, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Fred Again…
“Armándola De Pedo”, Kink“Circular”, Peces Raros Featuring Nick Warren
“Motopirueta”, Soucream & Mazzarr
“III. Ojalá! – Bronquio Remix”, Violeta, Bronquio

URBAN

Best urban performance
“Daddy Yankee: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 0/66,” Bizarrap & Daddy Yankee
“La Villa,” Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta
“Se Lo Juro Mor,” Feid
“Dile Luna,” Karol G Featuring Eddy Lover
“Gil,” Milo J Featuring Trueno

Best reggaeton performance
“Contrabando,” Rauw Alejandro, Wisin & Ñengo Flow
“Choque,” Bad Gyal Featuring Chencho Corleone
“Verano Rosa,” Karol G Featuring Feid
“Una Aventura,” Ozuna
“Uñas Afiladas,” Sofía Reyes & Luísa Sonza

Best urban music album
Más Cara, Bad Gyal
Omerta, J Balvin & Ryan Castro
Borondo (5020 Rcrds Sessions), Beéle
Tropicoqueta, Karol G
Do Not Disturb: Late Checkout, Young Miko

Best rap/hip hop song
“Antisistema,” J Noa & Trooko, songwriters (J Noa & Trooko)
“El Pana Deiby,” Akapellah, Farlin Rafael Alonzo Flete & Melony Nathalie Redondo, songwriters (Akapellah)
“Gohan y Goku,” Arcángel, songwriter (Arcángel)
“Mono,” Kase.O, Okeiflou & Tokischa, songwriters (Tokischa, Kase.O)
“Poder,” Feid & Lil Supa, songwriters (Lil Supa, Feid & Tru Comers)

Best urban song

“Buenos Términos,” Rauw Alejandro, René Basabe, Javier Cortes Del Peso, Eduardo Puche, Miguel Puche, Nino K. Segarra & Daniel Silva De Sousa, songwriters (Rauw Alejandro)

“Daddy Yankee: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 0/66,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap & Daddy Yankee, songwriters (Bizarrap & Daddy Yankee)

“Por Si Mañana No Estoy,” Omar Courtz, songwriter (Omar Courtz)

“Reliquia Do 2T,” DJ GU, Mc Dkziin, Mc FR da Norte, Mc Joãozinho VT, Mc Tuto & Mc Vine7, songwriters (Varios Artistas)

“Yo y Tú,” Beele, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz “Keityn”, Diego Leon Vélez, Ovy On The Drums, Quevedo & Cristian Andrés Salazar, songwriters (Ovy On The Drums, Quevedo & Beele)

ROCK

Best rock album

A La Mitad, Beta

Malicia, Mägo De Oz

Ceremonia, 1915

Shine, Fito Páez

La Frontera, Viniloversus

Best rock song

“Destruirse,” Juan Victor Belisario, Rodrigo Gonsalves, Orlando Martinez & Emerson Swinford, songwriters (Viniloversus)

“Ego,” Anton Curtis Delost, Mónica Vélez Domínguez, Niko Rubio, Alejandra Villarreal, Daniela Villarreal & Paulina Villarreal, songwriters (The Warning)

“Las Fuerzas Armadas Del Amor,” Fito Páez, songwriter (Fito Páez)

“Montserrat,” Draco Rosa, songwriter (Draco Rosa)

“Rojo Profundo,” Dillom, Franco Dolzani, Eugenio García Carlés & Fermín Ugarte, songwriters (Dillom)

Best pop/rock album

Mi Año Gótico, Emmanuel Horvilleur

JuanesTeban, Juanes

Tierra De Nadie, La Vida Bohème

Olas De Luz, Draco Rosa

Términos & Condiciones, Usted Señalemelo

Best pop/rock song

“Antes De Que El Mundo Se Acabe,” Paty Cantú, Oscar Manuel Domínguez Montañez, Miguel Angel Mendoza Arana & Fatima Carolina Valdez Lira, songwriters (Paty Cantú)

“Hasta Jesús Tuvo Un Mal Día,” Rafa Arcaute, Renee Barri, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Vicente Jimenez, Martin Kierszenbaum, John Ryan, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner & Federico Vindver, songwriters (CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso Featuring Sting)

“Hasta Que Me Quede Sin Voz,” Leiva, songwriter (Leiva)

“Me Levanté De La Cama,” Arath Herce Blanco, songwriter (Arath Herce)

“Ratera,” BRUSES & Luis Javier Contreras, songwriters (BRUSES)

ALTERNATIVE

Best alternative music album

CUERPOS, Vol. 1, Babasónicos

DESDE EL COMA, BRUSES

FREE SPIRITS, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

Demian, Teo Planell

LUX (Complete Works), Rosalía

Best alternative music song

“Ante la duda, baila,” Ben Aler, Carlos Casacuberta, Jorge Drexler, Manuel Lorente Freire “Spread Lof”, Gabriel Lugo “Gabo”, Jesús Martos Castillo “Presser”, Mauro, Alberto Montenegro “Beto”, Pj Sin Suela, Andrés Story & Mateo Sujatovich, songwriters (Jorge Drexler)

“BUGAMBILIA,” Francisca Valenzuela & Francisco Victoria, songwriters (Francisca Valenzuela)

“El Reset,” Dante Spinetta, songwriter (Dante Spinetta)

“QUERIDA AMALIA:” BRUSES, Alex Goose & Mauro Munoz, songwriters (BRUSES)

“1:30,” Aarón Cruz, Mon Laferte, Gabriel Puentes & Emilio Reyna, songwriters (Mon Laferte)

TROPICAL

Best salsa album

Invicto, Charlie Cruz

El Alma En Clave, Luis Enrique

El Relevo, Luis Figueroa

Más Que Palabras, Grupo Niche

Malportada, Nathy Peluso

Best cumbia/vallenato album

Jorgito, Jorge Celedón y Víctor Nain Jr.

Vallenato Social Club, Gusi

Corazón Ausente, Ke Personajes

El Tiempo Perfecto, Karen Lizarazo

El Último Disco Vol. 1, Carlos Vives

Best merengue/bachata album

Música Para Bailar, Fariana

Todo Llega, Manerra

No Era El Plan, Gabriel Pagán

Oye Eta Vaina, Covi Quintana

Chula, Techy

Best traditional tropical album

Algo Nuevo De Ayer, Dayhan Díaz

Orgánico, Los Tri-O

Eternamente Omara, Omara Portuondo

Íntimo (En Vivo), Gilberto Santa Rosa

Cualquiera Se Enamora, Leoni Torres

Best contemporary tropical album

De Amor, Sueños y Cantares, Jorge Luis Chacín

Indole, Alex Cuba

Antes Que El Tiempo Se Vaya, Fonseca

Candela, Greeicy

Color Fania, Niña Pastori

Best tropical song

“Crayola”, Manuel Lara, Eddy Lugo, Danny Ocean, Daniel Rondon & Eudis Ruiz, songwriters (Danny Ocean)

“Latino”, Yeisy Rojas, songwriter (Yeisy Rojas Featuring Manolito Simonet & Ricardo Amaray)

“Nombre y Apellido”, Luis Enrique, Ender Thomas & Leon Yamil, songwriters (Luis Enrique, De La Ghetto)

“Realidad-Es”, José Aguirre, songwriter (Grupo Niche)

“Todo Llega”, Manerra, songwriter (Manerra)

SINGER-SONGWRITER

Best singer-songwriter album

Improviso, Djavan

Taracá, Jorge Drexler

Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, Silvana Estrada

Musas en Mi, Arath Herce

FEMME FATALE, Mon Laferte

Best singer-songwriter song

“Dime,” Silvana Estrada, songwriter (Silvana Estrada)

“generación digital,” Joaquina, songwriter (Joaquina)

“Las Palabras,” Jorge Drexler, songwriter (Jorge Drexler)

“Musas en Mi,” Arath Herce, songwriter (Arath Herce)

“Temblor y Réplica,” Covi Quintana, songwriter (Covi Quintana)

REGIONAL MEXICAN

Best ranchero/mariachi album

Mi Suerte Es Ser Mexicano II, Pepe Aguilar

La Fernández, Camila Fernández

La Voz De Mi Trompeta (50 Años), Mariachi Sol De México De José Hernández

Bandera Blanca, Christian Nodal

Best banda album

Tequila y Guaro, Luis Ángel “El Flaco”

Piratita, Banda Los Recoditos

Piedras A La Luna, Eden Muñoz

Best tejano album

Mi Gran Noche – Raphael En La Voz De Kevin Aguilar, Kevin Aguilar

3, Destiny Navaira

Le Seguiremos, Jay Pérez

Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya y Una Mía (Vol.2/En Vivo), Bobby Pulido

Capítulo 8, Vilax

Best norteño album

El Mundo Es Del Que Se Anima, Calibre 50

Gravedad, Duelo

Mis Compas Vol. 2, Joss Favela

Lo Que Me Falta Por Llorar, Grupo Frontera

50/50, Sofi Saar

Best contemporary Mexican music album

De Parte Mía, Kakalo

Dinastía (Deluxe), Peso Pluma, Tito Double P

Contra Todo, Rivs

Dosis, Xavi

Metamorfosis, Yahritza y Su Esencia

Best regional song

“Ese Hombre Es Malo,” Edgar Barrera, Andres Jael Correa Rios & Karol G, songwriters (Karol G)

“Estamos Todos,” Johnny Lee Rosas, Ricardo Javier Muñoz & Pablo Preciado Rojas, songwriters (Intocable)

“No Capea,” Edgar Barrera, Iván Gámez, Fabio Iván Gutierrez Ramírez, Joshua Xavier Gutierrez, Luis Mexia & Adelaido “Payo” Solís III, songwriters (Xavi, Grupo Frontera)

“Ojitos Bellos,” Miguel Armenta, Edgar Barrera, Ivan Gamez & Alex Hernandez, songwriters (Grupo Frontera)

“Osadía,” Eden Muñoz, songwriter (Eden Muñoz, Cristian Castro)

INSTRUMENTAL

Best Instrumental Album

Peregrino, Yamandú Costa & Hermanos Saboya

NOVA, Hamilton De Holanda feat. Salomão Soares, Thiago Big Rabello

Obra Viva De Hermeto Pascoal – Vol 1: Flautas, Andrea Ernest Dias, Aline Gonçalves, Eduardo Neves, Carlos Malta

La Huella De Las Cuerdas, Berta Rojas

A Tribute To Benny Moré And Nat King Cole, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Joey Calveiro, Yainer Horta

TRADITIONAL

Best folk album

Concierto De Gala (Desde El Gran Teatro Nacional) (Versión Eva) [Live], Eva Ayllón

La Quinta Esencia, Yamandu Costa, Alexis Cárdenas & Ensemble Recoveco

Cambias Mi Mundo, Lila Downs

La Vida Era Más Corta, Milo J

Candombe (En Vivo, Teatro Solís), Julieta Rada

Best tango album

Neopía, Anibal Berraute

Somos, Lidia Borda & Ariel Ardit

Fueyerías, Pablo Jaurena

Revolucionario Filarmónico, Quinteto Revolucionario & Orquesta Filarmónica Juvenil de Bogotá

Le Grand Tango, Quinteto Astor Piazzolla

Best flamenco album

POPULAR, Yerai Cortés

Origen & Revolución, Mercedes Luján

In Illo Tempore, Mayte Martín

José Mercé Canta A Manuel Alejandro, José Mercé

Best roots song

“El Alma Mía,” Silvana Estrada, songwriter (Silvana Estrada)

“El tambor chico,” Facundo Balta & Jorge Drexler, songwriters (Jorge Drexler & Rueda De Candombe)

“La Puñalá,” Andre & Nuria Azzouzi Idrissi Ghoziel, songwriters (Andre)

“Spiritual Energies,” Eli Alvarado, songwriter (Eli Alvarado)

“Urano,” Nathasha Bravo & Jorge Glem, songwriters (Nathasha Bravo, Jorge Glem & Elvis Martínez)

JAZZ

Best Latin jazz/jazz album

Folklore, Caracas Trio

Paco De Lucia Music For Big Band, Alex Conde

Verve, Lívia Mattos

Gonzalo Plays Pino, Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard, Miguel Zenón Quartet

CHRISTIAN

Best christian album (Spanish language)

Tú, Hakuna Group Music

Días Contigo, Majo y Dan

Inquebrantable, Sarai Rivera

Eterno, Marcos Witt, Marco Barrientos & Marcos Vidal

Mayday, Alex Zurdo

Best Portuguese language christian album

Primeiro (Ao Vivo), Ziza Fernandes

Avenida Do Arrependimento, Thalles Roberto

Betel (Ao Vivo), Eli Soares

O Que Atravessa O Peito, Verboemcarne

Shuv, Victin

PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE

Best Portuguese language contemporary pop album

Equilibrivm, Anitta

Ludom, Ludom

Antes Que A Terra Acabe, Luedji Luna

BRava, Jenni Mosello

MARINADA vol.01, Marina Sena

Best Portuguese language rock or alternative album

Resistência! Ao Vivo no Circo Voador, Black Pantera

Let It Burn / Deixa Arder, Chico Chico

Rádio Love Nacional, Detonautas

foto em grupo, FOTO EM GRUPO

CARRANCA, Urias

Best Portuguese language urban album

Novo Testamento, AJULLIACOSTA

FREQUÊNCIA LUNAR, BUDAH

CARO Vapor II – qual a forma de pagamento? – Don L

Emicida Racional VL 2 – Mesmas Cores & Mesmos Valores – Emicida

Terra Vermelha: Do interior pro interior, Matuto S.A.

Best samba/pagode album

50 Anos De Carreira, Leci Brandão

Jessé – As canções de Zeca Pagodinho, Teresa Cristina

Nos Braços do Povo, Vol 2 (Ao Vivo), Xande De Pilares

Sentimento, Ferrugem

Quinhão, Mosquito

Best MPB (musica popular brasileira)/MAPB (música afro portuguesa brasileira) album

Criolo, Amaro e Dino, Criolo, Amaro Freitas, Dino d’Santiago

Vende-se Lembrança, Pedro Emílio

Améfrica, Bia Ferreira

Afim, Zé Ibarra

Eita, Lenine

Best sertaneja music album

Fire Arena, Ana Castela

Cantando Sua História 2 (Ao Vivo), Simone Mendes

Raiz BH (Ao Vivo / Deluxe), Lauana Prado

Registro Histórico (Ao Vivo), Luan Santana

Traia Acústico (Ao Vivo), Traia Véia

Best Portuguese language roots album

Eu Vou Morrer de Amor ou Resistir, Carminho

Dominguinho Vol. 2 (Ao Vivo), João Gomes, Mestrinho, Jota.pê

Até Cansar o Cansaço, Juliana Linhares

Molho Lambão, Psirico

Amor Perene, Zaynara

Best Portuguese language song

“Águas De Um Mar Azul,” Fábio & Hyldon, songwriters (Urias)

“Memória,” Carminho, Noah Goldstein, Armando Machado, Rosalía & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters (Rosalía, Carminho)

“No Vento De Nós,” Djodje Almeida, Criolo, Dino d’Santiago & Amaro Freitas, songwriters (Criolo, Amaro Freitas, Dino d’Santiago)

“Sua Onda,” Arnaldo Antunes, Carlinhos Brown & Marisa Monte, songwriters (Marisa Monte)

“Viver e Morrer De Amor Na América Latina,” Johnny Hooker, songwriter (Johnny Hooker e Ney Matogrosso)

CHILDREN’S

Best children’s album

Mil Secretos, Cantoalegre, Marta Gómez

¡A Jugar!, Danilo & Chapis

Mardearena, Magdalena Fleitas

Aprendo Jugando, OTA El Hipopótamo

Dinosaurios: Una Travesía Cretácica, Tu Rockcito

CLASSICAL

Best classical album

Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga, Alisa Weilerstein; Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, album producer (Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Odyssey, Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, album producer (Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela)

Opus 33 “Romantic Cello”, Gregorio Nieto; Josep Vicent, conductor; Fernando Arias, album producer (London Symphony Orchestra)

Sinfonia Em Quadrinhos, Hermeto Pascoal; Tiago Costa, conductor; Tiago Gomes, album producer (Orquestra Jovem Tom Jobim)

Tania León: Horizons, Raíces (Origins), Stride, Pasajes [Live], Dima Slobodeniouk; Karina Canellakis, Edward Gardner & Dima Slobodeniouk, conductors; Tim Burton, Nick Parker & Andrew Walton, album producers (London Philharmonic Orchestra)

Best classical composition

“Adagio De Las Tres y Diez (for Bandoneón & String Orchestra),” Richard Scofano, composer (Richard Scofano)

“Odisea: Concerto For Venezuelan Cuatro And Orchestra,” Gonzalo Grau, composer (Gustavo Dudamel, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, Jorge Glem)

“Raíces (Origins) – Live,” Tania León, composer (London Philharmonic Orchestra, Edward Gardner)

“Tríptico Sudamericano,” Elodie Bouny, composer (Berta Rojas Featuring Pedro Franco, Federico Tarazona & Jorge Glem)

“Yanga,” Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Tambuco Percussion Ensemble)

VISUAL MEDIA

Best music for visual media

“Amor Animal,” Murci Bouscayrol (Murci Bouscayrol, artist); Murci Bouscayrol, composer

“La Casa De Los Espíritus (Banda Sonora Original De La Serie De Amazon Prime),” Varios Artistas; Matthew Atticus Berger, Manuel Garcia, Victor Jara, Fernando Milagros, Marcela Millie Soto, Tomas Videla & Juan Pablo Villanueva, composers

“Las Muertas,” Fernando Velázquez (Fernando Velázquez, artist); Fernando Velázquez, composer

“Menem (Banda Sonora De La Serie Original De Prime Video),” Sergei Grosny (Sergei Grosny, artist); Sergei Grosny, composer

“O Agente Secreto (Trilha Sonora Original),” Mateus Alves & Tomaz Alves Souza (Mateus Alves & Tomaz Alves Souza, artists)

ARRANGING

Best arrangement

“Juanito Alimaña,” Daniel Barón & Henry Villalobos, arrangers (Dani Barón y Henry Villalobos)

“Dando y Dando,” Gonzalo Grau, arranger (Luis Enrique)

“Sonho Inca,” Rafael Beck & Felipe Montanaro, arrangers (Guilherme Rondon, Rafael Beck E Felipe Montanaro)

“A Deriva (Adrift),” Felipe Salles, arranger (Felipe Salles Featuring Tatiana Parra)

“Cazadero’s March,” Teco Cardoso, arranger (Utupe Oficina Sonora, Mônica Salmaso, Teco Cardoso e Davi Fonseca)

RECORDING PACKAGE

Best recording package

Amores Perros (Banda Sonora Original Reedición 25° Aniversario), Dawn Baillie, art director (Varios Artistas)

Anela, María Blaya Miralles & Maria Elvira Garcia Perez, art directors (Belén Aguilera)

Florece En El Caos, Nicolas Fervenza, art director (No Te Va Gustar)

La Huella De Las Cuerdas, Celeste Prieto, art director (Berta Rojas)

La Vida Era Más Corta, Camilo Joaquín Villarruel, art director (Milo J)

SONGWRITER

Songwriter of the year

Edgar Barrera

Iván Gámez

Yoel Henriquez

Jenni Mosello

Sara Schell

PRODUCTION

Best engineered album

Boas Novas, Mauro Araújo & Kira Malevskaia, engineers; Duda Mello, mixer; Alexandre Rabaço, mastering engineer (Zeca Veloso)

Esgotada, Tó Brandileone, Kaique Del Giudice, Pedro Emmanuel, Lucas Fernandes & André Whoong, engineers; João Milliet & Ricardo Mosca, mixers; Felipe Tichauer, mastering engineer (Tiê)

Lux (Complete Works), Daniel Cayotte, Isaac Diskin, Tristan Hoogland, Jake Miller, David Rodríguez & Harry Wilson, engineers; Manny Marroquin, mixer; Bob Jackson & Brian Lee, mastering engineers (Rosalía)

Marco, Pedro Peixoto Rievers, mixer; Henrique Filizzola, mastering engineer (Marco Baptista)

Taracá, Carles Campi Campón, mixer; Fred Kevorkian, mastering engineer (Jorge Drexler)

Producer of the year

Edgar Barrera

Julio Raposo

Santiago Ruiz “Tatool”

Juan Pablo Vega

Federico Vindver

MUSIC VIDEO

Best short form music video

“10 anos de Castelos & Ruínas”, Bk’; Willy Hajli & Poeta Visual, video directors; Tutu Menezes, Vitor Jun Nozaki Cardoso, Rodrigo Rondino & Claudio Zanoti, video producers

“CHINGONA”, Tamara Flores; Harlock Chavez & Rupert Höller, video directors; Svetlana Pavlova & Alexa Pereda Puente, video producers

“Moleirinha”, Karetus Featuring Isabel Silvestre, CONAN OSÍRIS & Julio Pereira; Gonçalo Pereira, video director; Mafalda Leal Da Costa, video producer

“INRI”, Los Tres; Pato Escala & Nj López, video directors; Pato Escala & Nj López, video producers

“Sauvignon Blanc (Official Video)”, Rosalía; Noah Dillon, video director; Laura Elizabeth Seydel, video producer

Best long form music video

FREE SPIRITS (The Film), CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso; Ferran Echegaray & Ferina, video directors; Jean-Baptiste Fusil, Ellie Loarca & Francisco Wechsler, video producers

Hasta Que Me Quede Sin Voz, Leiva; Mario Forniés & Lucas Nolla, video directors; Mario Forniés, video producer

Guerras Invisíveis, L7nnon; Kaique Alves & Thiago Eva, video directors; Fernando Alonso & Eduardo Saraiva, video producers

Back To The Childhood, Maleh; Maurizio Iazzetta, video director; Jeffer Lozada & Marcial Suárez, video producers

FLAMENCO, Varios Artistas; Carla Simón, video director; Mónica Blas, Claudia Mayer, Oscar Romagosa & Albert Soler, video producers

Raphinha Strikes a Hat Trick in Historic First LaLiga Games

Raphinha continues his prolific start in LaLiga.

The 29-year-old Brazilian soccer star struck a hat trick, including two penalties, to help lead FC Barcelona to a 7-2 thumping of Racing Santander.

RaphinhaIn the process the team  sent records tumbling, making it seven straight wins to start the season for the first time in the club’s history.

Raphinha, flourishing in his new central striker role, now has nine goals in his first six LaLiga games, the most by any LaLiga player in that span since Lionel Messi also scored nine for Barcelona in 2017-18.

“I’m happy with the goals and the win, that’s the most important thing,” Raphinha told DAZN. “We have to keep improving, both individually and as a team. You can see the hunger from every player to always want more, to look for more goals and chances. It shows on the pitch just how close we are as a team.”

Lamine Yamal also found the net for Barcelona, who have scored at least five goals in five of their seven matches across all competitions this season.

Hansi Flick‘s team has scored 28 goals in their first six league games, second only in LaLiga history behind the Sevilla team of 1940-41 (32).

Only one other team in LaLiga history has recorded six straight wins to start the season with a better goal differential than Barcelona’s plus-22 — Real Madrid in 1987-88, with a goal differential of plus-24.

“It’s great to have a good start, but the most important thing is to have a great finish”, Flick said after the game. “It gives us confidence, and I like the momentum and the intensity. Everyone presses, everyone is involved. How we work as a team is crucial.”

João Cancelo began yet another Barcelona goal glut Wednesday with a spectacular 25-yard strike, and another long-range effort from the Portuguese defender deflected off Asier Villalibre and was credited as an own goal.

Gabriel Jesus scored in back-to-back appearances for his new club off the bench. Yamal had a goal disallowed for offside, missed a penalty and hit the post before finally scoring late for Barcelona.

Barça starting goalkeeper Joan García was forced off at halftime with a knee injury. Flick said he hopes García will be available for the next LaLiga match on Saturday.

Wojciech Szczesny took his place for the second half but struggled, committing a costly blunder inside his own area that allowed Racing to score their second goal after he was dispossessed in front of the net.

“Of course Tek [Szczesny} made a mistake, but we all make mistakes. It’s part of life. Next time, he will do better. Believe me,” Flick said.

John Gabriel Rodriquez to Appear in Starz’s Upcoming Black Rodeo Drama Series

John Gabriel Rodriquez is heading to the rodeo…

The Latino actor has been cast in Starz’s upcoming Black rodeo drama series.

John Gabriel Rodriquez Rodriguez is among a roster of new recurring cast members that includes SteVonté Hart, Gabrielle Byndloss, Samuel-Taylor and Aaron Smalls.

The as-yet-untitled series is infused with hip-hop swagger and country soul. The story unfolds in Southeast Texas, where rodeo isn’t just what you do – it’s who you are. At the center are three siblings bound by the legacy their mother built and the unfinished business their father left behind. Driven by their own ambitions and drawn into each other’s orbit, alliances shift, relationships tangle, and nothing stays private for long.

Rodriquez will play Francisco Morales. Seductively confident and effortlessly polished, Francisco is the CEO of Morales Timber Company, a respected family business with shady ties. Educated, strategic, and always several moves ahead, Francisco is slow to anger, but dangerous when pushed too far.

The previously announced cast includes DeWanda Wise as Anaya Clarke-Reagan, Shannon Wallace as Sebastian Clarke, Tian Richards as Rodney Clarke, Curtiss Cook as Elias Clarke, Lauren E. Banks as Wynter, Marcus Emanuel Mitchell as Julius Calhoun, Liv Symone as Jojo Calhoun and Jason Dirden as Greg Reagan.

Kirk A. Moore is showrunner and executive producer. Mark Johnson and Myki Bajaj of Gran Via Productions, and Tony Hernandez, Elise Henderson and Lilly Burns of Counterpart Studios also serve as executive producers. Giovanna Desselle, VP of Original Programming, and Christina Jokanovich, SVP of Original Programming, are the executives overseeing the series for Starz.

Rodriguez’s previous credits include Fantasy Island, The Divergent Series: Allegiant, The Vampire Diaries and The Courier.

Henry Cejudo to Make Professional Boxing Debut Against Javon “Wanna” Walton

Henry Cejudo has a new opponent for his professional boxing debut

The 39-year-old Mexican-American freestyle wrestler and former mixed martial artist, a retired UFC champion, will face actor and professional boxing prospect Javon “Wanna” Walton (3-0-1, 1 KO) in the main event of Misfits Boxing.

Henry CejudoThe event will take place inside James L. Knight Arena on September 26 in Miami.

Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion, was originally supposed to face influencer boxer Nurideen Shabazz, aka Dean the Great, but Shabazz was forced to withdraw due to injury.

“I knew all along that Dean The B—- would back out, and so I am not surprised,” Cejudo said in a statement released to ESPN. “But I have a new opponent now, who thinks he’s a fighter, but Wanna will be playing another robot by the time I’m done with him.”

Walton, 20, is best known for playing Ashtray in the HBO series Euphoria. He is a former amateur boxer; he turned professional in 2023.

“Henry Cejudo is an Olympic gold medalist and a former UFC champion, so I know exactly the level of athlete I’m stepping in there with,” Walton said. “This fight came up out of nowhere and I stepped up without hesitation. I stay ready for moments like this. This is boxing, and this is my world.”

Walton is currently signed to Jake Paul‘s Most Valuable Promotions, where he has gone 2-0 in appearances in December 2024 and September 2025. MVP, which is not promoting the event, signed off on Walton’s involvement.

“Most Valuable Promotions will never stand in the way when we are presented with a meaningful opportunity for our athletes, even when we have no involvement in the event,” MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said. “Misfits offered us a significant financial guarantee for Wanna to step in on short notice against Henry Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist and two-division UFC champion. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Wanna to show the world why you don’t play boxing and I am confident he will shine bright as the star he is and defeat a UFC great.”

Martin Sheen’s Holiday Faith Drama “The One” to be Distributed in U.S. by Hawk Hill Pictures

Martin Sheen is bringing the drama this holiday season.

The 86-year-old half-Spanish actor’s holiday faith drama The One, co-starring actress-singer Jana Kramer, has been picked up for U.S. distribution by Hawk Hill Pictures, which will release the movie in theaters nationwide on November 5.

Martin SheenThe release date coincides with National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, bringing attention to the film’s story of an 18-year-old navigating homelessness after aging out of the Chicago foster system.

Filmed in Oklahoma with incentives from The Film in Oklahoma Act, the film is directed by Lisa Arnold and produced by Erin Elizabeth Cook (who also co-stars), and Adam Ropp.

Also starring are Olivia Sanabia, Nick Zano and Indigenous musician and actor Noah Redclay. The movie also marks the feature-film debut of Ashlyn Tomlin, daughter of singer Chris Tomlin.

The synopsis reads: “When 18-year-old Hawk ages out of the Chicago foster system, he sets out to see the lighting of the country’s largest Christmas tree, the One. Carrying only his guitar, he faces potential homelessness, undiagnosed PTSD, and a harsh winter alone until he crosses paths with Jefferson, a mysterious traveler, and Alexis, a runaway teenager grieving the loss of her twin sister. Together, they embark on an unexpected journey of faith, hope and healing.”

“From the moment we encountered this story, we were captivated,” said Jen Katzfey, President of Hawk Hill Pictures. “It is inspiring, beautifully acted, and shines an important light on a subject that deserves to be seen and heard. We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this powerful film exclusively to theaters and give audiences the opportunity to experience it on the big screen.”

In conjunction with the movie’s release, the filmmakers have partnered with For Others, the nonprofit founded by Tomlin and his wife, that works to raise awareness of the child welfare crisis in America.

Lionel Messi Called Up to Argentina National Team for Final Game with La Albiceleste

Lionel Messi is preparing for his last hurrah in international play…

The 39-year-old Argentine professional footballer has been called up to the Argentina national team to participate in the friendly against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to mark his final game with La Albiceleste.

Lionel MessiArgentina federation president Claudio Tapia confirmed the October 6 match will be dedicated to Messi, giving the forward a proper send-off after he announced his retirement from international soccer.

“To all Argentina fans, I want to tell you that after a conversation with the national team head coach, Lionel Scaloni, we have decided to invite the best player in the world, our national team emblem, our captain, Lionel Andrés Messi, so he can have the goodbye he truly deserves on Oct. 6 here in Argentina,” Tapia said in a video statement.

“At the same time, after Lionel accepted the invitation we decided to invite all the 2022 World Cup winners that played with him in Qatar so they can, with their families, join him in this match that will be unforgettable. We invite all Argentinians and national team fans to watch ‘the last tango’ of the best player in the world.”

Messi announced his retirement from international play on August 31 in an Instagram post.

He departs his national team as the all-time leading scorer and most capped player, recording 125 goals in 207 games for Argentina.

Argentina is set to face Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3 before hosting Benin at the Monumental.

Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will also join Argentina exclusively for the match against Benin despite being included in the general roster as well.

Gina Rodriguez to Make Theatrical Directorial Debut with Boxing Film “House of Guerrero”

Gina Rodriguez is stepping into the theatrical director’s ring.

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican Golden Globe-winning actress is set to make her theatrical directorial debut with the new boxing film, House of Guerrero, written by Bernardo Cubría.

Gina RodriguezHouse of Guerrero is produced by Scott Budnick and Ameet Shukla from 1Community, Rodriguez’s I Can And I Will Productions with Molly Breeskin, and Justin Baldoni and Andrew Calof from Wayfarer Studios.

Wayfarer Studios, 1Community, HarbourView Media Group, and Clare LoCicero are co-financing the feature with tax credit financing provided by Three Point Capital.

Based on an original story by Rodriguez and Cubría, the film follows a young fighter whose promising boxing career is cut short before he gets one last shot at stepping back into the ring and fighting for the life he thought he’d lost forever. Wayfarer calls the project “a boxing film for a new generation” that “brings a fresh perspective to the genre while centering a community that has long shaped the sport.”

House of Guerrero‘s fight choreography will be led by Clayton J. Barber and Eric Brown.

“Directing this film feels like the beginning of a new chapter in a story I’ve been carrying with me my entire life,” shared Rodriguez. “I’ve been boxing since I could walk, and I’m on a mission to show the world what fighting can teach you about life, if you let it. To have the opportunity to make my directorial debut here in California, surrounded by an extraordinary cast and crew, is both incredibly emotional and deeply humbling.”

She continued, “At a moment when Latino stories, Latino families, and Latino heroes deserve to be seen and celebrated more than ever, I feel an enormous responsibility to tell this story with honesty, heart, and pride. I’ve dreamed about this film for so long, and I truly cannot wait to step into the ring and bring it to life.”

The first iteration of this project was announced in 2021 as Guerrero, with Rodriguez set to direct, produce and co-star. It was originally a collaboration between Rodriguez and professional boxer Ryan Garcia, who was also set to star.

The film will officially reunite Baldoni and Rodriguez professionally since their hit series together, the CW’s Jane the Virgin. On the series, Rodriguez starred as the titular Jane Villanueva with Baldoni in the role of Rafael Solano, the biological father of Jane’s son.

“Having spent five years working with Gina every day, I’ve had a front-row seat to her genius, both in front of and behind the camera,” said Baldoni. “She’s a rare talent with an incredible gift for telling stories that reach people on a deeply human level. Boxing is in her blood, and so is a deep passion to center Latino characters and experiences that rarely get to be at the heart of their own films.”

The actor and producer co-founded Wayfarer alongside Steve Sarowitz to tell stories “that make a difference, stories that connect us back to our hearts, to each other, and remind us of our shared humanity,” Baldoni stated.

Budnick notes, “The Latino community has dominated in boxing for decades but has never been prominently featured in the pantheon of boxing films. Our film aims to correct that. Where older generations have films like Rocky and Creed, the next generation will have this film. It brings front and center a community that has dominated the sport, while underscoring the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of mental health in sports.”

Steve Sarowitz and Jamey Heath are Executive Producing for Wayfarer, with Sherrese Clarke and Niija Kuykendallfrom HarbourView Media Group, alongside Clare LoCicero and Alice S. Kim.

Bobby Soto to Star in Black Label’s Feature Thriller “Copperhead”

Bobby Soto is slithering his way to a new role.

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican and Mexican American actor and producer has joined the cast of the Black Label feature thriller Copperhead.

Bobby SotoProduction on the film kicked off today in Oklahoma City.

Soto, who starred in Flamin’ Hot, appears among a roster of new cast additions that includes Shea Whigham, Jamie Chung, Alejandro Speitzer, Michael Raymond-James and Thad Luckinbill.

The previously announced cast includes Miles Teller, Leila George, Jason Momoa, Tenoch Huerta, Adria Arjona and Kiefer Sutherland.

From director John Swab and screenwriters Chad Feehan and J. Todd Scott, Copperhead is catapulted forward when an undercover drug deal explodes into violence; a veteran detective is forced to team with a young federal agent to unravel the conspiracy within their elite task force.

Copperhead is financed by Black Label Media, which is producing alongside Teller’s Lime Tree Productions and Swab’s Milk Boy.

Soto’s previous credits include A Million Miles Away, The Tax Collector, Dutton Ranch, Law & Order and FBI: International.