Sarah Brady
Latino talent has long faced challenges in Hollywood, from typecasting to underrepresentation, but a new ABC special aims to illuminate their journey and accomplishments. “Latinos in Hollywood: Owning Our Destiny,” airing on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. ET, showcases the resilience and creativity of Latino artists in the film and television industry.
What to Expect from the Special
Hosted by renowned journalist John Quiñones, the one-hour special features insights from prominent Latino figures. Viewers will hear from actors like John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria, and Gina Torres, who will share their experiences in an industry often slow to embrace diversity. The program emphasizes the importance of representation, both in front of and behind the camera.
- Date & Time: October 11, 2023, at 8 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: Broadcast on ABC and available through free trials from Fubo, DIRECTV Stream, and Hulu starting October 12.
The special is part of a month-long celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month and aims to provide a platform for Latino voices in Hollywood.
Voices of Change
The program features notable Latino artists, each offering unique perspectives on their careers and the industry as a whole. According to ABC News, it highlights how executives and creators are making strides to increase Latino representation.
John Leguizamo shared a significant motivation behind his work when he stated, “When I was growing up, there was very little Latin content that I could see myself reflected back in.” He expressed a deep desire to create Latino-centric stories that speak to young audiences, using humor and authenticity as tools for connection.
Eva Longoria adds to the conversation as she discusses her role on the show “9-1-1: Lone Star”, where she fought to ensure her character, Tommy Vega, is Afro-Latina. Longoria emphasized the importance of these characters in helping individuals recognize their own value: “There are still women and men who don’t understand that they’re important.”
The Importance of Representation
“Latinos in Hollywood: Owning Our Destiny” not only celebrates the achievements of Latino stars but also explores the barriers they continue to face. Representation goes beyond the screen; it plays a crucial role in how stories are told.
Several key themes emerge throughout the special:
- Visibility: The need for more visible Latino figures in crucial roles.
- Opportunity: The importance of creating spaces for Latino voices.
- Leadership: The emergence of Latino industry leaders who are changing the landscape in Hollywood.
These themes resonate with current discussions about diversity in entertainment. The special highlights how Latino leaders are taking charge by creating their own production companies and stepping into executive producer roles.
Featured Artists
The special includes a star-studded lineup featuring:
- John Leguizamo
- Eva Longoria
- Gina Torres
- Rita Moreno
- Eugenio Derbez
- Edward James Olmos
- Xochitl Gomez
- Ramón Rodríguez
- Gloria Calderón Kellett
- Steven Canals
Each of these artists plays a significant role in advocating for diversity within the industry, representing various facets of the Latino experience.
How to Watch
If you’re interested in tuning in, here are some options:
- ABC: Watch the live broadcast on October 11.
- Fubo: Sign up for a free trial.
- DIRECTV Stream: Available for free trial.
- Hulu: A free trial will be available starting October 12.
- Disney Bundle: View on the same day.
This accessibility ensures that more viewers can partake in the important discussions surrounding Latino representation.
Conclusion
“Latinos in Hollywood: Owning Our Destiny” is more than just a program; it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and creativity within the Latino community. By highlighting their stories, it seeks to inspire future generations and promote continued progress in an industry that holds immense power to influence perceptions.
For those looking to understand the past, present, and future of Latino representation in film and television, this ABC special is not to be missed. Tune in and see first-hand the powerful journey being shared by some of Hollywood’s most talented Latino artists
