National Hispanic Media Coalition Honorees: Gina Rodríguez, Carlos Ponce To Receive Awards, Elizabeth Peña To Be Commemorated

On Wednesday, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) announced its first round of honorees for the 18th Annual NHMC Impact Awards Gala, which will be held on Friday, February 20, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The NHMC Impact Awards Gala recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions to positive portrayals of Latinos in media. The annual gala is one of the premier Latino entertainment events in the country, hosting Hollywood's most influential figures. The evening's co-emcees will be “Devious Maids” star Roselyn Sanchez, and “Being Mary Jane” star Lisa Vidal.

The NHMC will commemorate the life of actress Elizabeth Peña in a special memorial tribute presented by her dear friend, Academy Award-nominated actor, Andy García. The late actress, who died at 55 last year, was best known for her work in “La Bamba”, “Modern Family”, and “Rush Hour”. In 2000, Peña received an NHMC Impact Award for her trailblazing achievements that paved the way for Latinos in Hollywood.

Among the honorees is international star Carlos Ponce, who will receive an Outstanding Performance in a Television Series award for his work on ABC's comedy series “Cristela”. Ponce's long entertainment career as a film and television actor, show host, and double platinum award-winning singer has included leading roles in popular telenovelas such as Televisa's “Sentimientos Ajenos”, work as an “Entertainment Tonight” correspondent, and host of Univision's “Control”.

Jon Seda will receive an Outstanding Performance in a Television Series award for his role on the NBC drama Chicago P.D. His acting career spanning more than two decades includes prominent roles in the hit NBC series Homicide: Life on the Street and in films such as "Selena" and "I Like It Like That".

Jorge Gutierrez, director of 20th Century Fox's hit animated fantasy-adventure film "The Book of Life", will receive an award for Outstanding Direction in a Motion Picture. In addition, Golden Globe-winning actress Gina Rodriguez has been invited to receive an award for her leading role in CW comedy-drama “Jane the Virgin”.

"This year's honorees are proving that audiences want to see more multi-dimensional Latino stories and performances," said NHMC President and CEO Alex Nogales. "We are proud to celebrate outstanding Latino talent and innovation that is paving the way for Latino inclusion in media." Additional honorees will be announced further on.