Actress Belissa Escobedo, filmmaker Beth de Araújo and writers Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan will be honored at the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s annual Impact Awards Gala, set for later this month at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, organizers announced Wednesday.
The event, set for April 24, will recognize individuals and projects that have contributed to greater inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry, according to the coalition.
“Latinos have been an integral part of Hollywood since its earliest days, building it, shaping it, fueling its creativity, and sustaining its culture,” NHMC President and CEO Brenda Victoria Castillo said in a statement. “This year’s honorees are the latest examples of our voices having an impact and leading their work into award and cultural recognition.”
Apple TV+’s comedy series “The Studio” will also be honored with the Beyond the Lens Impact Award, with recognition going to members of its creative team, including co-creator and writer Frida Perez, actor Keyla Monterroso Mejia, music editor and composer Lorena Perez Batista and composer Antonio Sanchez, organizers said.
Escobedo will receive the Outstanding Actress Performance in a Series Award for her role in NBC’s “Happy’s Place,” while de Araújo will be presented with the Visionary Impact Award for her feature film “Josephine,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and earned top honors.
Jimenez and McMechan will receive the Storytelling Impact Award for their work on Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” recognized for its exploration of identity and culturally resonant storytelling, according to organizers.
The gala will be hosted by comedians Chris Estrada and Frankie Quiñones, with additional honorees and presenters expected to be announced.