Must See TV, Fri, Sept 21st on NBC 8 PM
Mark your calendars for the ALMA’s spectacular show this Friday on NBC, 8PM!
This year the 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards® stepped up their game proving they are ready for a two hour primetime show! Returning to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, this year’s show ranks as one of their best shows ever. You could feel the pulsating vigor of Latino empowerment from the everyone in the audience. This year the A-list of attendees was long, the production was tight and flowing with the awardees ranging from Hollywood legends like Henry Darrow (Ricardo Montalban Lifetime Achievement ALMA Award recipient) to new Hollywood talent like Rico Rodriguez (winner for his role in Modern Family) and Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf). It was obvious to all in attendance the time for Latinos in now!
From the moment Eva Longoria walked on stage with George Lopez and greeted everyone, the night’s tone was set. “Wow! So great to see everyone so beautiful… and there is not a single empty seat… and if there was, Clint Eastwood would be talking to it.” After that the laughs, surprises and excitement just kept on coming.
This year the ALMA has a terrific mix of musical numbers, presidential (and presidential hopeful) addresses, great writing (especially the comedy banter between co-hosts Eva Longoria and George Lopez). However, it was the presentation of the five of the Latino Olympians, (Brenda Villa, Jessica Steffens, Danell Leyva, Leonel Manza, Ryan Lochte, Marlen Esparza) that received the longest standing ovation.
The 2012 ALMA Awards kicked off with a non televised (which will stream on mun2 on the September 21st air date at 7:00PM) pre-show, in which Cheech Marin received Outstanding Career Achievement Award for his writing, among them Cheech and Chong movies, Born in East L.A. and even a children’s book Cheech “The School Bus Driver”. Hollywood legend, Henry Darrow received the NCLR Ricardo Montalban Life Achievement Award for his work, most notably for his role as Manolito in High Chaparral and his portrayals of in three different Zorro projects. Also honored in the pre show where several sponsors and special recognition to Latin Heat Media’s Bel Hernandez Castillo to commemorate the 20th year anniversary of Latin Heat Entertainment trade magazine founded in 1992.
Constance Marie
Edgar Ramirez
Switched at Birth star Constance Marie finally received her first ALMA in the Favorite TV Actress–Supporting Role after several nominations. “The best part is I have finally broken the streak. I was becoming the Susan Lucci of the ALMAs!” she joked. Another emotional moment came when Edgar Ramirez (Wrath of the Titans) won in his category Favorite Move Actor– Supporting Role and thanked the late director Tony Scott, for introducing him to the American audiences.
Christina Aguilera showed off her curves in a sexy black dress, accepting an award for Special Achievement for her career and philanthropy work. “I sang my first hit song on this stage… this is stage where my career kicked off…” Aguilera was truly touched. Zoe Saldana, who won the Favorite Movie Actress–Drama/Adventure category for her work in Colombiana, was truly touched. She thanked director Luc Besson for “creating roles actors can sink their teeth into.”
Rico Rodriguez who won Favorite TV Actor–Supporting Role in a Comedy for his work on Modern Family, and Cierra Ramirez shined accepting her award for Favorite Best Supporting Actress in Drama for her role in Girl in Progress.
Rosayln Sanchez and Flo Rida
Rapper Flo Rida and actress Roselyn Sanchez rocked the house with a rap number. Who knew Sanchez could sing and boy can she sing and dance. She has one powerful set of pipes! Also performing was international superstar Luis Fonsi sang a duet with Country superstar Martina McBride.
In between sets Eric Rivera, who audience have seen on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno killed it with his standup about being a Puerto Rican/Guatemalan!
Being a political year both President Barack Obama and presidential hopeful Mitt Romney chimed in via video. While NCLR President and CEO Janet Murgia talked about both the politcal power and the consumer power of U.S. Latinos. Presenters Wilmer Valderrama and America Ferrera made sure to plug the non-profit organization VotoLatinom if which they are members, created to empowers American Latinos to claim a better future by voting and bringing their voices into the political process through celebrities, stressing to go out on November 2nd and VOTE!
America Ferrera
The special and heartfelt tribute to actress Lupe Ontiveros who lost her battle to cancer late July will be be part of the one hour televised show.
Newcomer and breakout star of Rock of Ages, Mexican actor Diego Boneta gave heartfelt thanks for now being embraced by his Latino Hollywood familia and dedicated his award to immigrants in general. “I want to thank all of the Latinos who come to this country to seek dreams, this is for you guys. You’re my inspiration,” Boneta said.
From award-winning journalist, NBC’s Natalie Morales, to Hollywood mega stars and presenters for the evening, Michael Pena and Jake Gyllenhaul , there promoting their latest film End of Watch; to young starlets like Glee alum Naya Rivera who took home the Favorite TV Actor– Supporting Role in Comedy and actors, producers, reality show stars, and even beauty queens, among them Wilmer Valderrama, Nicole Richie, Ana Ortiz, Dania Ramirez, Tyler Posey, Rodrigo Santoro, America Ferrera, Rafael Amaya, Taboo, Andy Garcia, Robert Rodriguez, Edy Ganen, Judy Reyes, Edward James Olmos, and the co-hosts of KCAL9/CBS2 new talk fest HOLA L.A.! Bel Hernandez, Naibe Reynoso, Dyana Ortelli and Kikey Castillo along with Miss USA Olivia Culpo.
The 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards® air this Friday night at 8PM on NBC. It a whole lot of entertainment, enlightenment, empowerment packed into a one hour show. Certainly, ALMA has proven she’s ready for a two hours show… maybe next year!
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