Last night in Beverly Hills, the red carpet was on fire with Latino talent as the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) threw its annual Impact Awards Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Picture a room full of changemakers, culture-shifters, and some of the best-dressed folks in Hollywood—all there to celebrate powerful storytelling and positive Latino representation in entertainment.

The evening was hosted by the hilarious Al Madrigal and the always-fabulous Jessica Marie Garcia, who kept the crowd laughing between powerful tributes and emotional speeches.

And the awards went to...

🎬 Acapulco (Apple TV+) won the Authentic Storytelling Impact Award, with cast members Camila Perez and Enrique Arrizon accepting. Their heartfelt thanks? All about telling real, joyful stories from the Latino community.
🥋 Cobra Kai took home the Ensemble Impact Award. Xolo Maridueña accepted on behalf of the cast and gave love to the intergenerational fans who’ve connected through the show.
🎭 Daniella Pineda snagged the Outstanding Performance Impact Award for playing two “unconventional” Latina characters—one in a Dora the Explorer movie, no less.
💥 Wrestling legend Rey Mysterio was honored with the Legend Impact Award and reminded us how proudly he’s carried the Mexican flag, in and out of the ring.
🎥 Phil Lord (of Spider-Verse fame) received the Visionary Impact Award and dropped this gem: “A person doesn’t make a movie—a community does.”
🔥 Rising star Isabela Merced picked up the Next Generation Impact Award, presented by her The Last of Us co-stars. Her speech? A love letter to a community that lifts each other up.
💼 Executive Cris Abrego accepted the Leadership Impact Award with a rousing call for legacy and transformation, inspired by the Chicano movement.

The vibes? Immaculate.

The ballroom buzzed with stars like Melissa Fumero, Curly Velasquez, Harvey Guillén, Belissa Escobedo, Linda Yvette Chávez, and so many others who showed up to represent and celebrate.

NHMC President & CEO Brenda Victoria Castillo reminded everyone why this work matters: “Latinos are not defined by one story or box. Our diversity is our strength—and it’s what makes us unstoppable.”

Why it matters

The Impact Awards aren’t just about trophies and glam. They’re part of NHMC’s larger mission: to push for more Latino writers in writers' rooms, more inclusive casts and crews on set, and deeper understanding of our rich, diverse cultures within the media industry.

The message was loud and clear: We’re here. We’re talented. And we’re telling our stories our way.

Follow @NHMC and keep supporting creators who are changing the game.