Ferrera, Hayek Blazing Way For Hollywood Hispanic Women
The Hollywood Reporter recently published their list of the 25 most powerful Hispanic women in Hollywood, and presented America Ferrera with the honor of Hispanic Woman of the year at their first annual Hispanic Women in Entertainment breakfast. From the companion article:
The smiling face of actress America Ferrera in braces, bangs and geeky glasses might not be a revolution in fashion, but it’s nothing short of a coup for Hispanic women in entertainment. “Ugly Betty,” ABC’s Golden Globe-winning comedy, is both a career-making starring vehicle for Ferrera (she’s been honored with a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her role) and a crucial victory for executive producer Salma Hayek, who also recently signed a landmark deal to produce Latin-themed pictures for MGM. And “Ugly Betty” is only one of a flurry of projects evidencing that times are changing for the better for women of color in Hollywood.
To get an idea of just how Ugly Betty is changing Hollywood, check this out:
Writer Luisa Leschin, whose television credits include “George Lopez” and “Resurrection Blvd.,” already senses that “Ugly Betty” has whetted the network appetite for Latin-themed programming. CBS recently presented her with an idea for a 13-week South American-style soap opera, for which she has written a pilot. “They came to a female Latina writer for that in their attempt to do more ‘Ugly Betty’-type projects on an evening nonprimetime schedule,” she says. “So the fact that I was Latin and a woman absolutely got me that job for sure.”
Vic Bulluck, executive director of the NAACP’s Hollywood Bureau, says that Leschin won’t be the only one. “‘Ugly Betty’ is such a huge cultural phenomenon,” says Bulluck. “I would anticipate it would encourage greenlighting Latino projects and also just women’s projects in general, because it’s popular.”
So much more after the jump!
There is much more, fascinating stuff in the article here. There is a change in the air, and everyone can feel it.
Click here to view video of the event!
Also, Salma Hayek was listed 3rd on the most powerful list!. Here is what The Reporter said about her:
3. Salma Hayek
Actress-producer
At a glance: The entrepreneur has translated her boxoffice draw into a reputation as a heavyweight producer and tastemaker. Education: Studied at Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City Big deal: Hayek joined forces with MGM to establish her film studio, Ventanazul, which will both produce and acquire Latino-themed films aimed at mainstream audiences. The company plans to distribute two to four films a year. Hayek’s other company, Ventanarosa Prods., has an exclusive TV producing deal with ABC Studios. Year in review: In addition to serving as executive producer of the award-winning “Ugly Betty,” Hayek’s guest appearances earned her an Emmy nomination; she also voiced a role in the Disney animated film “South of the Border.” As a producer, she is working with Julia Alvarez to develop “Yo,” a drama project about four Latino sisters, for CBS. Key to success: Hayek respects and nurtures the Latino market while also understanding its mass appeal. Up next: Ventanazul is developing “Bones Family,” the first feature from Mexican writer-directors Gabriel and Rodolpho Riva Palacio Alatriste; and “Diego Ascending,” Ligiah Villalobos’ English-language adaptation of the 2003 Israeli film “Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi.” Ventanarosa is developing a comedy by Issa Lopez titled “La Banda.” Hayek is attached to star in an untitled romantic comedy for Disney, written by Ed Decter and John Strauss (2002’s “The Santa Clause 2,” 2006’s “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause”).
Congratulations to Ferrera and Hayek, and here’s to continued success!
Tags: America Ferrera, hollywood-reporter, Salma Hayek, Ugly BettyRelated Stories
POSTED IN: America Ferrera, Appearances, Awards, Magazines, Salma Hayek
1 opinion for Ferrera, Hayek Blazing Way For Hollywood Hispanic Women
ugly george
Feb 12, 2008 at 11:10 am
Ugly Betty has (disgracefully) trod on the sacred name of Ugly George, beloved NY cableTV star.Just 4 that, she & Salma Hayek will NOT be allowed to appear nude in the upcomming flick “Fahrenheit911 & Ugly George”–but Michael Moore & J.Lo WILL. Take that!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: