America Ferrera to Receive SeeHer Award at This Year’s Critics Choice Awards

America Ferrera has earned a special honor…

The 39-year-old Honduran American award-winning actress will receive the annual SeeHer Award at the 29th annual Critics Choice Awards during next month’s ceremony.

The award honors a woman who advocates for gender equality, portrays characters with authenticity, defies stereotypes and pushes boundaries.

Previous recipients include Viola Davis, Gal Gadot, Claire Foy, Kristen Bell, Zendaya, Halle Berry and Janelle Monáe in 2023.

Ferrera had a huge year co-starring in the year’s biggest box office blockbuster, Warner Bros’ Barbie, as well as Dumb Money. She received the Groundbreaker Award earlier this month at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema & Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements.

She’s also was nominated for the Critics Choice supporting actress award as part of Barbies haul of a leading 18 nominations. Winners will be revealed in a ceremony set to air January 14 on the CW with Chelsea Handler hosting.

Ferrera, an Emmy winner for Ugly Betty, has acting credits that include Real Women Have Curves, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Superstore. She also directed and executive produced both Superstore as well as Netflix’s Gentefied, and she is making her feature directoral debut with the adaptation of the bestselling novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter.

As an activist, Ferrera helped launch Poderistas, a digital lifestyle community and nonprofit to empower Latinas, and Harness, a community of artists, influencers and leaders focused on art and storytelling that creates a more equitable world.

She has been a keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention and March for Our Lives among other events.

Brice Gonzalez Joins Voice Cast of Spin Master Entertainment, Nickelodeon & Paramount’s Sequel “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie”

It’s paws up for Brice Gonzalez

The young Latino actor, TikTok star and Lopez vs. Lopez scene-stealer has joined the voiceover ensemble cast of Spin Master EntertainmentNickelodeonParamount’s sequel PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie.

Brice GonzalezGonzalez, who rose to acclaim as part of the EnkyBoys with his late father, will voice one of a trio of new pups, alongside Alan Kim and North West, who joins her mom Kim Kardashian who returns as Delores from the first film, along with a cameo from brother Saint West.

Other voice cast members include Kristen Bell, Christian Convery, McKenna Grace, Lil Rel HoweryJames MarsdenFinn Lee-Epp as Ryder and tennis ace Serena Williams.

Additional cast members reprising their roles include Marsai Martin (Liberty), Ron Pardo (Mayor Humdinger) and Callum Shoniker (Rocky). New cast members also include Luxton Handspiker (PAW Patrol series), Christian Corrao (Dino Dana) and Nylan Parthipan (PAW Patrol series).

All of them join Taraji P. Henson in the feature, which is hitting theaters on October 13.

The film’s score is composed and produced by Emmy-nominated Pinar Toprak.

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the PAW Patrol franchise, and what better way to celebrate than the release of our second feature film,” said Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master’s President of Entertainment and producer of the film. “As we continue to expand the PAW Patrol universe for fans, we’ll follow the pups on mightier missions and explore their backstories, this time with a heartwarming tale centered around our heroine Skye. With this cast of dynamic voice talent, we’re bringing a whole new level of excitement to the big screen.”

Added Ramsey Naito, President of Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation, “Following the historic success of the first film, which truly reinforced the global love for this franchise, we knew that this sequel called not only for an equally great story, but for world-class talent to bring these characters to life once again.”

The first PAW Patrol: Movie was a theatrical-day-and-date title with streaming service Paramount+. The movie opened to No. 1 in more than 25 countries and ultimately amassed $150M+ worldwide. It also became one of the most-watched Paramount+ originals.

PAW Patrol: The Movie helmer Cal Brunker directs again with his writing partner Bob Barlen, who takes on the role as associate producer.

Benjamin Levy Aguilar Upped to Series Regular on NBC’s “Chicago P.D.”

There’s more Windy City moments in Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s future…

The Guatemalan actor has been promoted to series regular for Season 10 of NBC’s Chicago P.D.

Benjamin Levy AguilarHe will reprise the role of Dante Torres who, fresh off patrol, comes to Intelligence as a rookie.

He made his debut as the character in the Season 9 episode titled “New Guard,” but first appeared in the series as Franco Chavaro two seasons prior.

All-new episodes of Chicago P.D. are set to premiere on September 21 at 10:00 pm following Chicago Med (8:00 pm) and Chicago Fire (9:00 pm) as part of the network’s “One Chicago” lineup.

The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group and Wolf Entertainment.

Aguilar is best known for his breakout role on Fox’s Filthy Rich where he portrayed Antonio Rivera. He most recently recurred in Netflix’s The Woman in the House Across The Street From The Girl With The Window as Rex Bakke opposite Kristen Bell.

HBO Max Releases Official Trailer for Gossip Girl Reboot, Starring Zion Moreno

It’s exes and ohs for Zion Moreno

HBO Max has released the official trailer for the upcoming Gossip Girl reboot, which stars the 28-year-old Mexican American actress/model.

Zion Moreno

Almost a decade after the end of the original series on the CW, the omniscient “Gossip Girl” narrator (Kristen Bell), is back. Her blog is replaced with an Instagram account, but her objective is the same, to expose the secrets of privileged upper class teens in Manhattan.

In addition to Moreno, the series, which debuts July 8, also stars Jordan Alexander, Eli Brown, Thomas Doherty, Tavi Gevinson, Emily Alyn Lind, Evan Mock, Whitney Peak and Savannah Lee Smith.

Gossip Girl, developed, written and executive produced by Joshua Safran, is produced by Fake Empire and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Studios.

Benjamin Levy Aguilar to Star in Netflix’s Limited Series “The Woman in the House”

Benjamin Levy Aguilar is in the House

The Guatemalan actor been cast opposite Kristen Bell and Tom Riley in Netflix’s eight-episode limited series The Woman in the House, from Gloria Sanchez Productions.

Benjamin Levy Aguilar

Created by Rachel Ramras, Hugh Davidson and Larry Dorf, who also serve as co-showrunners, The Woman In The House centers around heartbroken Anna (Bell), for whom every day is the same. She sits with her wine, staring out the window, watching life go by without her. But when a handsome neighbor moves in across the street, Anna starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel. That is until she witnesses a gruesome murder… Or did she?

Aguilar plays Rex, who may not be the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but he’s definitely the hottest and hard for women to resist.

Aguilar’s credits include Filthy RichBefore the DawnSpiritCultural ClashCanis MajorThe Black SpotMy Life for Yours and Rukky.

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.

Demi Lovato to Take Part in “Honor Her Wish” Virtual Rally to Honor the Late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Demi Lovato is celebrating an Supreme (Court) legend…

The 28-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress will take part in a special rally to pay tribute to late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg‘s legacy.

Demi Lovato

Lovato joins an all-star roster that includes Miley Cyrus, Jessica Biel, Kristen Bell, Beanie Feldstein, Elizabeth Banks, Yvette Nicole Brown and Mae Whitman, who’ll all take part in the “Honor Her Wish” virtual event.

The program, set for Monday, October 12 at 8:00 pm ET, will demand the U.S. Senate honor RBG‘s dying wish that her seat be filled after the inauguration next January. The event will will coincide with the first day of Republican hearings to confirm Donald Trump’s nominee for a Supreme Court replacement.

The new group of celebrities join previously announced participants Hayley Williams, Phoebe Bridgers, Kesha, Michael Stipe, Margo Price, John Batiste and Kathleen Hanna.

Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Stacey Abrams, Elizabeth Warren and more leaders will also speak out at the event.

“Honor Her Wish” is open to the public.

RSVP here in advance.

Victoria Justice to Host Nickelodeon’s Rescheduled Kids’ Choice Awards

Victoria Justiceis Nickelodeon’s choice…

The network is moving forward with its Kids’ Choice Awards with a new date, and with the 27-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/singer and former Nickelodeon star as host. 

Victoria Justice

Initially scheduled for March 22, the awards ceremony was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The newly titled virtually-produced Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2020: Celebrate Together will air on Saturday, May 2 at 8:00 pm ET/PT.

Celebrities scheduled to appear via video include Dwayne JohnsonAriana GrandeKristen Bell, Josh GadCamila CabelloMillie Bobby BrownEllen DeGeneresBTSShawn MendesLil Nas X, Dove CameronDavid DobrikTom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakkeand SSSniperWolf

Also scheduled are appearances by cast members of The Avengers: Endgame, and a sneak peek of Nickelodeon’s new live-action series The Astronauts,from Imagine Entertainment.

Leading nominees for the awards show, which honors kids’ favorite celebs, movies, TV shows, games and more, include Avengers: Endgamewith 11, followed by Taylor Swift with five noms and Frozen 2, Henry Danger and Lil Nas Xwith four apiece.

NBA championLeBron Jameswill receive the 2020 Generation Change Award, honoring his commitment to creating real and lasting change through education.

Nickelodeon also will support the mission of No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America, and present within the show a $1 million donation in support of those affected by the COVID-19pandemic.

Justice rose to acclaim as the star of the Nickelodeon series Victorious.

Jennifer Lopez to Take Part in Quibi’s Forthcoming Series “Thanks a Million”

Jennifer Lopez is paying it forward…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is set to take part in Quibi’s forthcoming series, Thanks a Million, which will feature people literally paying it forward to those who’ve changed their lives. 

J.Lo joins a roster of participating celebrities that includes Kristen BellTracy MorganKarlie KlossAaron Rodgers and Alex Rodriguez.

Each of the celebrities will lead an individual episode of the series. More participants will be revealed at a later date.

Earlier in March at SXSW, Quibi founder Jeffrey Katzenberg announced the new series as part of their lineup. Each episode of Thanks a Million will feature grateful public figures kick-starting a chain of kindness by gifting $100,000 to an unsuspecting individual who has had a positive impact on their lives. The recipient must then pay it forward by gifting half of that sum to someone else who has done the same, and the chain continues. Across ten episodes, $1,000,000 will be put in the hands of everyday people.

Thanks a Million will be produced by Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions and Industrial Media’s B-17 Entertainment in association with Universal Alternative Television Studio. Lopez, Elaine-Goldsmith ThomasAlex BrownRhett BachnerBrien Meagher,Dena Waxmanand Benny Medinaserve as Executive Producers. 

Quibi is slated to launch April 6, 2020.

Clifton Collins Jr. Lands Recurring Role on Hulu’s “Veronica Mars” Reboot

Clifton Collins Jr. is a (hit)man with a plan…

The 48-year-old Mexican American actor has landed a recurring role in Hulu’s eight-episode Veronica Mars revival.

Clifton Collins Jr. 

The reboot, set to premiere in 2019, returns star Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni and Jason Dohringto the series that ran for three seasons on UPN and theCW from 2004-2007.

In the revival, spring breakers are getting murdered in Neptune, thereby decimating the seaside town’s lifeblood tourist industry. After Mars Investigations is hired by the parents of one of the victims to find their son’s killer, Veronica (Bell) is drawn into an epic mystery that pits the enclave’s wealthy elites, who would rather put an end to the month-long bacchanalia, against a working class that relies on the cash influx that comes with being the West Coast’s answer to Daytona Beach.

Collins will play Alonzo, a mid-level hitman for a Mexican cartel. Because of his facility with English, he’s chosen by his boss to travel to Neptune to take out whoever killed his wife’s nephew. The more time Alonzo spends in the U.S. the more doubts creep in about his chosen career field, particularly when he falls hard for a local girl.

The Emmy-nominated Collins stars as Lawrence on HBO’s Westworld. He recurred on HBO’s Ballers and most recently appeared in feature Super Troopers 2.