Tatiana Huezo Named to Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch List for 2022

All eyes are on Tatiana Huezo

The 49-year-old Mexican Salvadoran filmmaker has been named to Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch list for 2022.

Tatiana HuezoHuezo is a standout from the recent festival circuit. A documentary veteran, her powerful Prayers for the Stolen, about girls growing up in the shadow of an opium cartel, is representing Mexico in the Oscar international feature competition.

Aitch Alberto — the first trans director ever to make the list — is also guaranteed to surprise, with her sensitive and surreal adaptation of the beloved queer YA romance Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. She is directing the film, with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eugenio Derbez producing.

Overall, it’s a decidedly forward-looking — and female-driven — group of visionaries for the upcoming year, spanning genres, languages and a wide variety of backgrounds.

The 10 Directors to Watch are:

Aitch Alberto (“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”)
Mariama Diallo (“Master”)
Audrey Diwan (“Happening”)
Maggie Gyllenhaal (“The Lost Daughter”)
Tatiana Huezo (“Prayers for the Stolen”)
Nikyatu Jusu (“Nanny”)
Megan Park (“The Fallout”)
Cooper Raiff (“Cha Cha Real Smooth”)
Goran Stolevski (“You Won’t Be Alone”)
Krystin Ver Linden (“Alice”)

The selection process relies on Variety editors screening dozens of new and upcoming features, and curating a mix of the most promising emerging talents from among those first and second films.

The directors selected for this year’s list will be honored in person at a brunch event on January 7 at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which resumes in-person screenings, panels and parties in early January, following a COVID-19-impacted virtual edition in 2020.

“We’re very excited to continue our partnership with Variety to co-host the ’10 Directors to Watch’ brunch at the Festival,” said PSIFF artistic director Lili Rodriguez. “This year’s directors are an exceptionally gifted group of emerging talents, and we congratulate all of them for being selected on this distinguished list.”

The Class of 2022 will be profiled in full with Variety’s first print edition of the new year.

Previous directors to make the “watch” list include Cary Joji Fukunaga, Wes Anderson, Sean Baker, David Lowery, Julia Ducournau and Mia Hansen-Løve.

Kali Uchis to Receive Crossover Award at Variety’s ‘Hitmakers’ Celebration

Kali Uchis is officially a hitmaker

The 27-year-old Colombian American singer, who won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording for her feature on Kaytranada‘s single “10%,” is among the honorees for Variety’s fifth annual Hitmakers celebration.

Kali Uchis

The December 2 issue recognizes the writers, producers, publishers, managers and executives who helped make — and break — the 25 most consumed songs of the year.

Uchis will receive the Crossover Award for her dreamy pop hit “Telepatía,” which has helped expand the reach of Latin music globally. Already a Grammy winner, 2021 has proven to be Uchis’ year as she positions herself among the biggest players in pop.

Hitmakers culminates in an invitation-only brunch held on Saturday, December 4.

Amazon Music will host the red carpet pre-show and awards presentation with Variety, and present the Rising Star of the Year Award which recognizes Polo G.

The 2021 Hitmakers program includes the following awards selected by Variety’s editorial team:

BTS’ “Butter” – Record of the Year: The song “Butter” blasted out to the world in May, becoming a record smashing single for BTS. The writers and producers, including multi-hyphenate creatives/executives Jenna Andrews and Ron Perry, the K-Pop group’s own RM, Stephen Kirk, Alex Bilowitz and Rob Grimaldi, crafted the perfect hit that just won’t quit. BTS prepared a special video for the Variety Record of the Year honor.

City Girls – The Future Is Female Award: The duo who prompted the world to “Act Up,” Miami’s City Girls have quickly risen to be one of the most promising acts in hip-hop, a genre typically dominated by male performers. Closing out 2021 with a bang — JT is featured on Summer Walker’s “Ex for a Reason” and Yung Miami just released a solo single, “Rap Freaks” — City Girls are helping ensure that the Future Is Female as they pave the way for more female artists, writers and producers.

Columbia Records – Label of the Year: With a string of multi-format and -platform hits including “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” by Lil Nas X, “Mood” by 24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior and “Stay” by the Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber — and a new album by Adele — Columbia Records artists have owned the charts for much of 2021.

Mike Dean – Producer of the Year: From Kanye West to Lana Del Rey to Don Toliver, six-time Grammy-winning producer Mike Dean has had a fruitful 2021 on top of his long-term collaborations with Travis Scott, Kid Cudi and Madonna.

Lana Del Rey – Decade Award: In October 2011, Lana Del Rey released her first single, “Video Games,” and a star was born. A decade later, she is regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century thanks to Grammy nominations and critical acclaim for her albums “Norman Fucking Rockwell,” “Born to Die,” and in the last year, “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” and “Blue Bannisters.”

Billie Eilish & Finneas – Film Song of the Year: In co-writing the Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed “No Time to Die,” Billie Eilish and Finneas have entered the iconic James Bond canon, helping the MGM film, released this year, become a box office smash that’s grossed over $700 million worldwide.

Glass Animals – Group of the Year: After a lot of “rock is back” stories that didn’t pan out in recent years, Glass Animals proved that it really is still possible to break an actual band in a big way, and now the U.K. band’s sleeper hit “Heat Waves” has become a top 10 pop hit after a year of the group being the new face of rock.

Wendy Goldstein – A&R Award: Republic Records president of West Coast creative Wendy Goldstein receives Variety’s inaugural A&R Award for her work crafting hits for the Weeknd and Ariana Grande in 2021, and a career that spans three decades.

Jack Harlow – Hitmaker of Tomorrow: From his Grammy-nominated hit “Whats Poppin” to his smash collaboration with Lil Nas X, “Industry Baby,” Jack Harlow has become one of music’s most talked-about artists. Looking ahead, the Louisville, KY rapper is poised for an even bigger 2022, making him Variety’s Hitmaker of Tomorrow.

Walker Hayes – Sync of the Year: The country singer’s “Fancy Like” was an inescapable, TikTok-driven crossover hit that got major play on Top 40 and AC stations, even before the release of a remix version with Kesha. Its mention of a “fancy” night out at Applebee’s was just a lyrical detail, not intended as a sync — but of course the restaurant chain had to have it for a TV ad campaign once they heard it.

Lil Nas X – Innovator of the Year: With the release of his debut album, “Montero,” Lil Nas X has proven to be a musical trailblazer and visual innovator whose arrival has changed the course of culture. That thanks in part to his provocative videos — on full display in 2021’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” — in which the artist demonstrates a singular point-of-view and an ever-evolving fashion-forward style.

Max Lousada – Executive of the Year: As CEO for Warner Recorded Music — home to iconic labels Atlantic, Warner and Elektra, among others — Max has steered a roster that includes music giants Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, David Guetta, and Coldplay, and many of 2021’s biggest songs, among them Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open,” Cardi B’s “Up” and Masked Wolf’s “Astronaut in the Ocean.”

Normani – Collaborator of the Year: Features on hit songs by Sam Smith (“Dancing With a Stranger”) and Khalid (“Love Lies”) led Normani to cameo alongside Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion in the video to “WAP.” Cardi returned the favor in 2021 on “Wild Side,” a No. 1 radio hit for Normani and the latest feather in her collaboration cap.

Polo G – Rising Star Award: Polo G’s “Rapstar” was all over playlists and radio in 2021, the result of a year-long journey for the Chicago rapper, who took the song from a short YouTube video to a TikTok phenomenon to a No. 1 single. The future looks bright for the 22-year-old newcomer, who receives Variety’s Rising Star award.

Olivia Rodrigo – Songwriter of the Year: With her debut album “Sour” released months after turning 18, Olivia Rodrigo has solidified her place as one of the most important voices of her generation. Variety celebrates her string of 2021 hits, including “Drivers License,” “Good 4 uU” “Deja Vu” and “Traitor.” 

Austin Rosen – Manager of the Year: With a client roster that includes Post Malone, 24kGoldn and Iann Dior, as well as hitmakers Louis Bell, Carter Lang and Blake Slatkin, Austin Rosen’s Electric Feel Entertainment has become a powerhouse in music management that helped shape the sound of 2021.

Kali Uchis – Crossover Award: The dreamy pop hit “Telepatía” has helped Crossover Award honoree Kali Uchis expand the reach of Latin music. Already a Grammy winner, 2021 has proven to be Kali’s year as she positions herself among the biggest players in pop.

Steven Victor – Hitbreaker of the Year: The posthumous success of Pop Smoke, whose “What You Know Bout Love” and “For the Night” are among the 25 most-consumed songs of 2021, is due in part to the vision and conviction of industry veteran and philanthropist Steven Victor, founder of Victor Victor Worldwide.

Variety’s Hitmakers issue tells the definitive story of the year in music while recognizing those who played a hands-on role in making and breaking the biggest hits of 2021,” said Shirley Halperin, Variety’s executive editor of music. “On the heels of the 2022 Grammy Award nominations, and in tandem with our own Music for Screens Summit (December 1-3), Variety has the industry covered top to bottom. We look forward to toasting the successes of 2021 and the people who really move the needle in this business we all love.”

Victoria Alonso to Speak at NALIP Media Summit

There’s a little moderation in Victoria Alonso’s future…

The three-day 2021 virtual edition of the NALIP Media Summit will feature a conversation with the 55-year-old  Marvel Studios’ executive producer moderated by Variety’s Marc Malkin.

Victoria Alonso

The three-day event will feature diverse creative leaders from the Latinx community that will connect with attendees through a series of sessions, workshops, exclusive screenings and mentorship opportunities.

The 22nd annual event will be held July 19-21. Additional speakers and sessions will be announced soon.

Alonso has been working in the industry for over 25 years. She began her career working in visual effects and quickly rose as an award-winning VFX producer at Digital Domain. After joining Marvel as EVP of visual effects and post-production in 2005, she worked as a co-producer on the studio’s early hits such as Iron Man, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger.

Assuming her current position in 2015, she has served as an executive on every Marvel Cinematic Universe film and television show since 2012’s The Avengers.

Alonso’s talk will stream live on July 20 followed by a signature conversation with Starz president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch. Other speakers include actors Isabela Merced and Frankie Rodriguez.

Joe Rodríguez & Javier Nuño Receive Guild of Music Supervisors Awards Nomination

Joe Rodríguez & Javier Nuño are celebrating their latest recognition…

The Guild of Music Supervisors has announced the nominees for its 11th annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, with the Latino music supervisors earning a nod.

Joe Rodríguez & Javier Nuño

Rodríguez and Nuño were nominated in the Best music supervision for film budgeted under $5 million for their work on Netflix’s Mexican Spanish- language musical drama film I’m No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí), which was written and directed by Fernando Frías de la Parra.

Last year, Rodríguez and Nuño were named to Variety’s Music Supervisors to Watch after rocketing from obscurity by providing the soundtrack to Fred Armisen, Julio Torres and Ana Fabrega’s cult HBO hit Los Espookys.

The Guild of Music Supervisors Awards nominations recognize the craft of music supervision in film, television, games, advertising and trailers.

The awards will be presented virtually on April 11.

Here’s a complete list of nominees:

FILM
Best song written and/or recorded for a film
“Turntables” from All In: The Fight for Democracy
Writer: George “George 2.0” A. Peters II, Janelle “Django Jane” Monáe, Nathaniel Irvin III
Performed By: Janelle Monáe
Music Supervisor: Andrew Gross

“Love Myself” from The High Note
Writer: Greg Kurstin, Sarah Aarons
Performed By: Tracee Ellis Ross
Music Supervisor: Linda Cohen

“Make It Work” from Jingle Jangle
Writer: John Stephens
Performed By: Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose
Music Supervisor: Julia Michels

“Carried Me With You” from Onward
Writer: Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth
Performed By: Brandi Carlile
Music Supervisor: Tom MacDougall

“Hear My Voice” from The Trial of Chicago 7
Writer: Celeste Waite, Daniel Pemberton
Performed By: Celeste
Music Supervisor: Peter Afterman, Alison Litton

Best music supervision for film budgeted over $25 million
Jonathan Leahy – Bill & Ted Face The Music
Becky Bentham – Eurovision
Julia Michels – Jingle Jangle
Tom MacDougall – Soul
Angela Leus (uncredited) – Trolls World Tour

Best music supervision for film budgeted under $25 million
Season Kent – Happiest Season
Linda Cohen – The High Note
Dan Wilcox – I’m Your Woman
Kevin Edelman – I Still Believe
Dawn Sutter Madell – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Best music supervision for film budgeted under $10 million
Tracy McKnight – The Half Of It
Liz Gallacher – Military Wives
Robin Urdang – Palm Springs
Susan Jacobs – Promising Young Woman

Best music supervision for film budgeted under $5 million
Jessica Moore – Babyteeth
Greg Danylyshyn – Burden
Dondrea Erauw, Michael Perlmutter – The Cuban
Joe Rodríguez & Javier Nuño – I’m No Longer Here (Ya No Estoy Aquí)
Adèle Ho, Graham Kurzner – Yellow Rose

TELEVISION
Best song written and/or recorded for television
Title: “Build It Up”
Songwriter: Ingrid Michaelson
Artist: Ingrid Michaelson
Program: Little Fires Everywhere
Episode: #108 “Find a Way”
Music Supervisor: Mary Ramos

Title: “Memorized”
Songwriters: Taylor Goldsmith, Siddhartha Khosla
Artist: Blake Stadnik
Program: This Is Us
Episode: #401 “Strangers”
Music Supervisors: Manish Raval, Tom Wolfe

Title: “One Less Angel”
Songwriters: Thomas Mizer, Curtis Moore
Artist: Darius de Haas
Program: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Episode: #301 “Strike Up the Band”
Music Supervisor: Robin Urdang

Title: “The Way It Used to Be”
Songwriters: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
Artists: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Program: Watchmen
Episode: #106 “This Extraordinary Being”
Music Supervisor: Liza Richardson

Title: “The Whole of the Moon”
Songwriter: Michael Scott
Artist: Fiona Apple
Program: The Affair
Episode: #511
Music Supervisor: Michael Hill

Best music supervision – television drama
Ashley Neumeister – American Soul – Season 2
Thomas Golubić – Better Call Saul – Season 5
Amanda Krieg Thomas, Alexis Martin Woodall, Ryan Murphy – Hollywood – Season 1
Sarah Bromberg, Stephanie Diaz-Matos – P-Valley – Season 1
Liza Richardson – Watchmen – Season 1

Best music supervision – television comedy or musical
Andrea von Foerster – Daybreak – Season 1
Manish Raval, Alison Rosenfeld, Tom Wolfe – High Fidelity – Season 1
Kier Lehman – Insecure – Season 4
Robin Urdang – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Season 3
Matt Biffa – Sex Education – Season 2

Best music supervision – reality television
Robin Kaye, Ashley Viergever – American Idol – Season 4
Cathy Duncan – America’s Most Musical Family – Season 1
Matthew Hearon-Smith – Legendary – Season 1
Meryl Ginsberg – The Masked Singer – Season 3

Best music supervision – television movie
Mandi Collier, Frankie Pine – Patsy & Loretta
Liz Gallacher – The Sleepover
Marius de Vries – Stargirl
Warren Fischer, Laura Webb, Lindsay Wolfington – To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You

DOCUMENTARIES
Best music supervision for a documentary
Liz Gallacher – Belushi
Aminé Ramer – Crip Camp
Ian Neil – Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan
Chris Robertson – Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President
Ed Gerrard – Mr. Soul!

Best music supervision in a docuseries
Jon Ernst – Cheer (Note: Everyone on the committee is aware of current legal allegations going on against some of the cast members of the show. However, we decided to push this docuseries through, because the Doc Committees’ job was to analyze the music supervision done in this docuseries.)
Willa Yudell – Helter Skelter: An American Myth
Rudy Chung – The Last Dance
Dan Wilcox – Street Food: Latin America

TRAILERS
Best music supervision in a trailer
Mike Lynn – Judas And The Black Messiah
Brian Murphy – Jungleland
Gregory Sweeney – Land
Chase Casanova – Never Rarely Sometimes Always
Mike Lynn – Pieces of A Woman

ADVERTISING
Best music supervision in advertising (synch)
David Lapinsky – Procter & Gamble “The Choice”
Andy Hamm – Apple “A Journey Into The Valley Of Fire – Shot on iPhone”
Mike Ladman – New York Times “Life Needs Truth”
Mike Ladman – Facebook “Never Lost”
Andrew Kahn, Morgan Thoryk – Zillow “The Real Value of Home”

Best music supervision in advertising (original music)
Rebecca Grierson – JaxJox “The All-In-One Interactive Studio”
Andrew Kahn, Morgan Thoryk – Xfinity Mobile “Go Your Own Way”
Jessie Kalikow – Apple – “The Magic Of Mini feat. Tierra Whack”
Jonathan Wellbelove – Apple iPhone 12 Pro – “Make Movies Like The Movies”
Mike Ladman – Hennessy “Maurice And The Black Bear School”

VIDEO GAMES
Best music supervision in a video game
Karyn Rachtman – “BEYOND BLUE”
Eric Craig – “Cyberpunk 2077”
Cybele Pettus – “FIFA 21”
Eric Kalver – “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2”
Mary Ramos – “Wasteland 3”

J Balvin to Receive Collaborator of the Year Prize at Variety’s Hitmakers Awards Program

J Balvin is a real Hitmaker

The 35-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter, who won a Latin Grammy earlier this week, will be honored at Variety’s Hitmakers awards program on Thursday, December 3rd at 5:00 pm PT / 8:00 pm ET.

J Balvin

The program will highlight the award recipients featured in Variety’s annual Hitmakers issue on December 2nd. The program will simulcast on Variety’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube pages.

J Balvin will be honored with the Collaborator of the Year prize.

Harry Styles will be receiving Hitmaker of the Year. Benee, Jenna Andrews and Josh Fountain will receive the Isolation Salvation Song of the Year prize, Charli XCX and A. G. Cook for Innovator of the Year, Roddy Ricch for Breakthrough Artist of the YearBlackpink for Group of the Year, Lewis Capaldi for Songwriter of the YearInterscope Geffen A&M for Label of the YearMaren Morris for Crossover Artist of the Year, Mustard for Producer of the Year, Ron Perry for Executive of the Year and Wassim “Sal” Slaiby for Manager of the Year.

Presenters include 100 gecsJustin BieberSheryl CrowNiall Horan, Zane Lowe, Lil Nas XTyga, and Ty Dolla $ign.

Maluma Releases Surprise New Album “Papi Juancho”

Maluma’s earning extra papi points…

The 26-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter has surprised the world with the release of his latest album, Papi Juancho, which was released at midnight on August 21.

Maluma

Maluma, who was recently named to Variety’s Power of Your Hollywood list, recorded most of the set during the COVID-19-imposed lockdown with his longtime producer collaborators and co-writers The Rude Boyz (Kevin ADG and Chan “El Genio”).

“All I could do during lockdown in Medellin was work alone in my studio,” Maluma told Billboard in an exclusive interview. “That’s why this album has so much of my true essence; because I did so much of it alone.”

Papi Juancho, a title that plays off of Maluma’s nickname of “Juancho” (short for Juan Luis), features a handful of duets with old and new school reggaetón stars, from Ñejo y Dálmata to Myke Towers and Yandel. But the bulk of the songs are pure Maluma, ranging from romantic to raunchy street, experimenting with new, acoustic sounds and, as usual, boasting deceptively simple lyrics that evoke conversations with friends.

The 22-track album has plenty of hits, as well as a few hidden gems, like the must-hear tracks “Medallo City,” “Hawái,the first single release off the album, “Vete Vete,”featuring Ñejo y Dalmata, and “Madrid.”

https://open.spotify.com/album/0p2yf6DucEgvj8Uk8KXJJv?si=tg3n6ewQQl6oxyC5BfIEWQ

Maluma will perform at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Melissa Barrera to Star in “Scream 5”

Melissa Barrera is ready to Scream…

The 30-year-old Mexican actress, who recently ended her three-season run on Starz’s Vida, has landed akey role in Scream 5.

Melissa Barrera

Barrera is the first new cast member to be announced for the anticipated Spyglass Media and Paramount Pictures relaunch.

Friends alum and legacy cast member Courteney Cox will be reprising her role in the franchise as dogged reporter Gale Weathers alongside David Arquette, who is coming back as Dewey Riley. Neve Campbell, who portrayed Sidney Prescott in the slasher film, told press in May that she was in talks to join the movie.

Cameras are due to roll in Wilmington, North Carolina, this fall and the project is due to wrap by year’s end. Additional casting is underway on the ensemble horror.

Scream 5 is being directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick.

Creator Kevin Williamson and Chad Villella are executive producing.

The Scream franchise, through four films dating back to 1996, has grossed more than $600M at the global box office. The late Wes Craven directed all four movies. Williamson wrote the original film as well as Scream 2 and Scream 4.

Barrera, who was named to Variety’s 10 Latinxs to Watch list earlier this year, will next appear in Warner Bros.’ film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical hit In The Heights. That film is due for release next year.

This fall she’ll star as the title character in the film Carmen, the modern-day reimagining of the classic opera. The movie will mark the feature debut of Black Swan choreographer Benjamin Millepied and will feature music from composer Nicholas Britell and Grammy winner Julieta Venegas.

Adam Valdez to Receive One of Variety’s Artisan Awards

Adam Valdez is a true artisan

The Latino Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor will be one of the honorees at Variety’s sixth annual Artisans Awards, which celebrates those essential to the filmmaking process and who’ve exhibited the most exciting and innovative work of the year in their respective fields.

Adam Valdez

Valdezis being recognized for his work on Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau. Valdez, along with Rob Legato, serves as the film’s visual effect supervisor. 

Previously, he has worked on the The Lord of the Rings trilogy. And he nabbed an Oscar for his work on Jungle Book, also directed by Favreau.

The tribute evening will take place during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Sunday, January 19 at the Lobero Theatreand will be moderated by Variety’s senior VP and awards editor, Tim Grayand Variety’s artisan editor Jazz Tangcay.

The 35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from January 15 through January 25.

Diego Boneta to Star in Collin Schiffli’s “Die in a Gunfight”

Diego Boneta is ready for a (gun)fight

The 28-year-old Mexican actor/singer has joined the cast of Collin Schiffli’s “Die in a Gunfight,” according to Variety.

Diego Boneta

Boneta would star opposite Alexandra Daddarioin the film, with the pair playing star-crossed lovers whose romance is upended by familial tensions. 

The film follows a young man (Boneta) who falls for the daughter (Daddario) of his father’s nemesis in New York City. 

Daddario and Boneta join a cast that includes Olivia Munn

Die in a Gunfightwas written by Andrew Barrerand Gabriel Ferrari, who previously collaborated on Ant-Man and the Wasp.

“This is the time for a film like Die in a Gunfight,” said Culmination’sTom Butterfieldin a statement. “It is a classic love story wrapped in an electric, modern action/thriller setting. With this terrific creative group, we are excited to make the True Romanceof this generation.”

Boneta starred in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Rock of Agesand in the biographical series Luis Miguel, which he also executive produced. He’ll next be seen in Terminator: Dark Fatealongside Arnold Schwarzeneggerand Linda Hamilton, and just wrapped production on Paul W.S. Anderson’s Monster Hunterstarring Milla Jovovichand Ron Perlman.

Dan Hernandez Lands on Variety‘s 10 Screenwriters to Watch List

It’s turning out to be a banner year for Dan Hernandez

The Latino writer/producer has been named to Varietys 2019 class of 10 Screenwriters to Watch.

Dan Hernandez

Hernandez is recognized alongside Benji Samit for co-penning the action-adventure comedy Pokémon Detective Pikachu, starring Justice Smithand Ryan Reynolds.

Hernandez and Samit join an honorees list that includes Krysty Wilson-Cairns(1917),Chinonye Chukwu(Clemency),Stephany Folsom(Toy Story 4), Shay Hatten(John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum), Amanda Idoko(Breaking News in Yuba County), Shia LaBeouf(Honey Boy), Andrew Lanham(Just Mercy), Edward Norton(Motherless Brooklyn), and Cat Vasko (Queen of the Air).

Previous honorees include Oscarwinners Jennifer Lee(Frozen),Geoffrey Fletcher(Precious),Charlie Kaufman(Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and Julian Fellowes(Gosford Park) as well as Emmywinners Lena Dunham(Girls),Evan Goldbergand Seth Rogen(This Is the End), Ken Daurioand Cinco Paul(Despicable Me), Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci(Star Trek), and Danny Strong(The Butler).

Hernandez’s other writing credits include The Tick1600 PennOne Day at a Timeand Super Fun Night.