Fox has renewed its long-running competition series MasterChef, featuring the 47-year-old Mexican-American award-winning celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, cookbook author and philanthropist, for Season 14.
The announcement comes ahead of the show’s 250th episode.
Gordon Ramsay will return as host alongside co-hosts and judges Sánchez and restaurateur Joe Bastianich on the show, which is based on the BBC format.
The series’ 13th season is known as MasterChef: United Tastes of Americaand sees the trip judge a cook off from home cooks from four parts of the U.S.
Judges have included Daphne Oz, Graham Elliot, Susan Feniger, Tiffany Derry, Andre Rush and Kelsey Murphy.
MasterChef is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam.
The 49-year-old Mexican actress and telenovela star has signed with Buchwald.
del Castillo stars in Telemundo’s hit drama La Reina del Sur.
One of the highest rated Spanish-language series in the world, La Reina del Sur adapts the bestseller by Spanish novelist Arturo Perez-Reverte. In the crime drama, which recently wrapped filming for Season 3, del Castillo plays Teresa Mendonza, a woman from Mexico who becomes the most powerful drug trafficker in southern Spain.
Castillo recently completed a two-series deal with Telemundo. Her production company, Cholawood, has a first-look development deal with Boomdog, the Mexico City-based division of Endemol Shine North America.
The actress starred opposite Will Smith as the villain in Sony’s Bad Boys for Life, also recently featuring on NBC’s sitcomMr. Mayor, from creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, and the Netflix animated series Maya and the Three, created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez.
She rose to acclaim in America with her performance in Fox Searchlight’s Under the Same Moon, which is one of the highest-grossing Spanish-language theatrical releases in U.S. history, and has also featured in such films as Bordertown, No Good Deedand All About Nina.
del Castillo has also appeared in series including PBS’ Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated drama American Family, The CW’sJane the Virgin and Showtime’s Weeds, among others. Her one-woman Off-Broadway show, The Way She Spoke, made her the first Latina actress to earn Drama Desk, Drama League and Lucille Lortel Award nominations.
A philanthropist and outspoken global activist, del Castillo was appointed Ambassador for the Mexican Commission on Human Rights to combat human trafficking in 2009.
The story of the 45-year-old Mexican celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, cookbook author and philanthropist is headed for the small screen after Endemol Shine North America optioned his memoir.
The Banijay-backed production company is developing potential scripted projects with Sánchez, one of the judges of Fox’s MasterChefand MasterChef Junior, whose memoir Where I Come From: Life Lessons From a Latino Chefwas released in 2019.
Endemol Shine North America Chief Content Officer, Sharon Levy is leading development efforts alongside Flavio Morales and Lisa Fahrenholt.
In his memoir, Sánchez shares his personal journey, as well as the story of his mother, Zarela Martinez, who took him and his twin brother from El Paso, Texas to New York City at a young age, while she chased her dream of owning a restaurant in the Big Apple.
After overcoming many obstacles, Martinez rose to success in the NYC restaurant scene and is now credited with bringing sophisticated Mexican cuisine to America. After losing his father at a young age, he was sent to work with renowned chef Paul Prudhomme in New Orleans at the age of 16. He is now the chef and owner of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans.
He joined MasterChef, which is produced by Endemol Shine North America, in season 8, and also joined MasterChef Jr. as a judge in season 7.
He is also creative director of Latin lifestyle online platform Cocina and has starred in series such as Choppedand Taco Tripand written two cookbooks and launched the Cooking in Mexican from A to Z podcast with his mother and is also a partner in tattoo shop and museum Daredevil Tattoo in NYC.
“It’s more important than ever to tell genuine stories of what it’s like growing up bicultural in America. We want to share the nuances that are unique to Mexican-American culture and honor those roots, while also hoping audiences from different backgrounds connect to the similarities we share – the struggles, the celebrations, the food, the comedy, the survival instincts… the relentless pursuit of happiness,” said Sánchez. “I came up at a time when food was making its way into pop-culture and cooking in restaurants was our primary form of creative expression, so having this opportunity to develop in the scripted space is something I’m really looking forward to. And I couldn’t be more excited to do it with my Endemol Shine family.”
“America knows and loves Aarón from ‘MasterChef’ and his myriad culinary accomplishments, but most people don’t know the amazing journey and the obstacles that he and his mother overcame to become pioneers of Mexican-American cuisine in this country,” added Levy. “He has truly lived the American dream and we are excited to now be developing his unique story into a dramatic TV series and exploring additional opportunities with Aarón.”
The Latino television executive, who was recently named Banijay’s Chairman of the Americas and president and CEO of Endemol ShineHoldings, has been elected chair of the Television Academy Foundation.
Abrego becomes the first Latino to hold the office; his two-year term will begin January 1 and run through December 31, 2022.
Other officers elected to serve two-year terms at the Television Academy’s charitable arm include Vice Chair Jonathan Murray, Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder; Treasurer Deborah Bradley, president of Bungalo Homes, Amherst; and Secretary Billie Greer, a public policy advisor and consultant.
Abrego succeeds Madeline Di Nonno, the CEO of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, who served two consecutive terms. She’ll remain on the Foundation’s board of directors, and with Thomas Sarnoff will continue to serve on the foundation’s Executive Committee as Chair Emeritus and Founding Chair Emeritus, respectively.
“I am thrilled and honored to serve as Foundation chair and look forward to working with the board and staff as we build a more inclusive entertainment business,” Abrego said. “During these unprecedented times, we are expanding our reach to serve an even greater number of diverse students from across the country, advancing the Foundation’s goals of helping to shape the careers of the next generation of television professionals.”
Abrego’s oversight includes Endemol Shine North America, Bunim/Murray Productions, Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original, 51 Minds Entertainment, Stephen David Entertainment and Yellow Bird U.S.
In Latin America, Abrego also oversees Endemol Shine Latino, the company’s Spanish- and Portuguese-language sales and development division.
The Television Academy Foundation has added four new members to its board of directors, including the Latino television executive at Endemol Shine.
Abrego will be joined by fellow newcomers to the board: Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder Jonathan Murray, OWN president Tina Perry and composer Rickey Minor.
Abrego is chairman of Endemol Shine Americas, and CEO of Endemol Shine North America. He oversees shows in the U.S. including Big Brother, MasterChef and Lego Masters.
The Television Academy Foundation is the charitable arm of the Television Academy. Its board of directors also includes Netflix’s Cindy Holland, Nina Tassler, Epix’s Michael Wright and Suzanne de Passe.
“Our incoming board members bring extensive business and creative acumen in key sectors of our television industry,” said Madeline Di Nonno, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “We welcome their thought leadership, strategic guidance and support as the Foundation expands its educational programs and community outreach, which are designed to promote diversity and inclusivity within the television industry and deepen support for the next generation of entertainment leaders.”
This year’s Imagen Awards were doled out over the weekend, with the 28-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress taking home one of the night’s awards.
Rodriguez was named Best Actress – Television for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista on the FX groundbreaking television drama Pose, which was named Best Primetime Program – Drama alongside CBS’ Magnum P.I.
Pose, created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Afro-Latino television writer/producer Steven Canals, features the largest cast of transgender actors to be starring as series regulars in a scripted show. In addition to Rodriguez, the series also stars 23-year-old Dominican actor Angel Bismark Curiel.
Anthony Ramos won the Best Actor – Feature Film prize for his role in Monsters and Men, which was named Best Feature Film, while Isabela Moner was namedBest Actress – Feature Film for her role inInstant Family.
Jon Seda was named Best Actor – Television for his role in Chicago P.D., while Wilmer Valderrama was named Best Supporting Actor – Television for his role on NCIS.
Rita Moreno was named Best Supporting Actress – Television for One Day at a Time, while Anthony Gonzalez was named Best Young Actor – Television for HBO’s Icebox.
Held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the Imagen Awards were established in 1985 from a suggestion by veteran television producer Norman Lear to encourage and recognize the positive portrayals of Latinos in media. The winners were judged and selected in 18 categories by an independent panel of entertainment industry executives and Latinx community leaders.
The Imagen Foundation also honored Chairman of Endemol Shine Americasand CEO of Endemol Shine North America’s Cris Abregowith the prestigious Imagen President’s Awardand Luisa Leschinwith the Norman Lear Writer’s Award.
The complete list of winners can be read below.
Best Feature Film Monsters and Men (NEON/Moviepass Films)
Best Director Reinaldo Marcus Green, Monsters and Men (NEON/Moviepass Films)
Best Actor – Feature Film Anthony Ramos, Monsters and Men (NEON/Moviepass Films)
Best Actress – Feature Film Isabela Moner, Instant Family (Paramount Pictures)
Best Primetime Program – Drama (TIE) Magnum P.I. (CBS; CBS Television Studios, Universal Television, Perfect Storm Entertainment, Davis Entertainment, 101st Street Productions) Pose (FX Networks; Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions)
Best Primetime Program – Comedy One Day at a Time (Netflix; Sony Pictures Television for Netflix)
Best Primetime Program – Specials, Movies & Limited Series Icebox (HBO; HBO Films in association with Gracie Films and Endeavor Content)
Best Actor – Television Jon Seda, Chicago P.D. (NBC; Wolf Entertainment in association with Universal Television)
Best Actress – Television Mj Rodriguez, Pose (FX Networks; Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions)
Best Supporting Actor – Television Wilmer Valderrama, NCIS (CBS; CBS Television Studios)
Best Supporting Actress – Television Rita Moreno, One Day at a Time (Netflix; Sony Pictures Television for Netflix)
Best Young Actor – Television Anthony Gonzalez, Icebox (HBO; HBO Films in association with Gracie Films and Endeavor Content)
Best Variety or Reality Show Hip-Hop Houdini (Fuse; 7Beyond)
Best Children’s Programming The Loud House (Nickelodeon)
Best Documentary – Great Performances John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway (PBS; NGL Studios & Diamante Content Production in association with THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC for WNET & Latino Public Broadcasting)
Best Informational Program Breaking Big (PBS; Ozy Media)
Best Short-Form Non-Fiction Program SC Featured – A Dreamer’s Path (ESPN Deportes)
The Imagen Foundation has announced that the Latino television producer, writer and executivewill receive this year’s Imagen President’s Awardat the 34th Annual Imagen Awards.
Abrego is the chairman of Endemol Shine Americasand CEO of Endemol Shine North America.
The Imagen Awards were established in 1985 to encourage positive portrayals of Latinos in the media.
“Cris Abrego has embraced his experiences and background which have allowed him to appreciate the value of diversity and inclusion both behind the scenes and in front of the camera,” said Helen Hernandez, president & founder of the Imagen Foundation. “He has understood the importance and the power of the U.S. Latino market and has endeavored to create and inspire content that speaks to our communities.”
Abrego oversees the North American and Latin American divisions of Endemol Shine Group.
“I am truly humbled that the Imagen Foundation has selected me for this incredible honor,” said Abrego. “Norman Lear, who founded the Imagen Awards and is a pioneer of inclusion in entertainment, is someone I have always admired and been inspired by. And the list of former recipients of the President’s Awardis filled with some of the most talented and celebrated writers, producers and actors in our industry, many of whom have helped pave the way for Latinos in Hollywood.”
The 34th Annual Imagen Awards will take place on Saturday, August 10th, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotelin Beverly Hills.
The 36-year-old Cuban American rapper, the global star whose entertainment ventures stretch from music and concerts to television production and hosting to a Las Vegas act, has inked with William Morris Endeavor (WME).
Pitbull, born Armando Christian Perez, also will take his motivational speaking platform worldwide via his new agency.
The Grammy-winning artist released his 10th album, Climate Change, in March. He has 70 million single sales and 6 million album sales in his career, and is co-headlining his next tour with Enrique Iglesias beginning in June. In July, resumes his Vegas residency at the Axis at Planet Hollywood.
The 66-year-old Mexican author’s popular novel Like Water For Chocolateis getting a television adaptation.
Endemol Shine Studios, the scripted division of Endemol Shine North America, has acquired the rights Esquivel’s best-selling novel Like Water for Chocolate (Como Agua Para Chocolate) to adapt as a global television franchise.
The classic story is being developed as an English language series with plans to adapt it in other languages, as well.
Like Water for Chocolate was first published in 1989 by Esquivel, a first-time Mexican novelist and quickly became a global sensation. The use of magical realism alongside a raucous family drama made the book an instant classic.
To date, Like Water for Chocolate has sold 3.5 million copies in the U.S. through publishers Knopf Doubleday (English) and Vintage Espanol (Spanish). The novel spent a year and a half on the New York Times Bestseller list and has been published in 45 languages.
In 1992, a film based on Esquivel’s screenplay adaptation of the novel was successfully released in Spanish, earning critical acclaim and numerous honors. The film earned 11 Ariel Awards from the Mexican Academy of Motion Pictures, including the Ariel for Best Picture and at the time became the highest-grossing foreign-language film ever released in the United States. It also was the Mexican entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 65th Academy Awards.
“It fills me with joy to know that Like Water for Chocolate will be brought to television screens throughout the world by a studio that bets on quality in producing content for each of its projects,” says Esquivel. “Of all the companies that offered to create the series, Endemol Shine Studios stood out in sharing a vision of Like Water for Chocolate closest to my own: leading from the heart.”
“The opportunity to adapt this beloved novel is a privilege, added Endemol Shine Studios President Sharon Hall. “Laura’s epic love story has all the ingredients of a breakthrough drama.”
The 46-year-old Puerto Rican radio personality, former rapper and actress has signed her first development deal.
Martinez has entered into a pact with Endemol Shine North America, where she’ll develop television projects, both scripted and unscripted, for traditional and digital platforms.
“Working with Endemol Shine is an exciting first step for me in defining the next phase of my career,” said Martinez. “I’m looking forward to using my voice and platform to develop content that authentically speaks to the culture.”
On the radio for more than 20 years, Martinez is no stranger to television. She’s a fixture on the daytime talk-show circuit and, last year, released her first memoir, which became a New York Times best-seller.
Martinez will pursue TV projects under the Endemol Shine shingle Major TV.
“Angie is undeniably one of the most influential personalities in pop culture,” said Endemol Shine North America president Cris Abrego. “We’re thrilled to be in business with her, and we’re already developing a handful of original, ground-breaking projects with Angie and the team at Major TV.”
The announcement comes ahead of the show’s 250th episode.
