Title: NHMC Celebrates Diversity and Inclusivity in 2024 Academy Awards Nominations
In a statement released by Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), the organization expressed its heartfelt congratulations to the nominees of the 2024 Academy Awards, particularly those actors and artists of color who are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.
The NHMC is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals who have broken barriers and made history in this year's Oscar nominations. Among the notable mentions, America Ferrera, an actress of Indigenous Lenca ancestry, secured her first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in "Barbie." Additionally, Colman Domingo made history by becoming the first Afro-Latino to receive an Oscar nomination in the category of Best Actor for his role in "Rustin." Domingo's nomination is not only a milestone for diversity but also marks his distinction as the second openly gay man to earn a nomination for portraying a gay character, an achievement the NHMC applauds and celebrates.
Another groundbreaking moment in this year's nominations is Lily Gladstone's historic nomination for Best Actress for her role in "Killers of the Flower Moon." Gladstone becomes the first Native American woman to receive such an honor at the Academy Awards. "Killers of the Flower Moon" also garnered recognition for Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and his outstanding work in the category of Cinematography.
The NHMC extends its congratulations to Phil Lord and the entire team of "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" for their nomination in the Best Animated Feature Film category, as well as the team behind "Flamin' Hot" for their nomination in the Best Original Song category for "The Fire Inside."
The statement reflects on the progress made in the film industry in 2023, highlighting the increased representation of individuals from diverse backgrounds on screen, telling authentic stories to a wider audience. Notable achievements in the past year include Eva Longoria's directorial debut with "Flamin' Hot," which became the most-watched streaming premiere ever from Searchlight Pictures and emphasized the importance of Latinx representation both in front of and behind the camera. Other influential figures mentioned include Eugenio Derbez, Gael García Bernal, and astronaut José Hernández, all of whom played pivotal roles in telling unique stories that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Looking ahead, the NHMC anticipates more remarkable stories from Latinx creatives reaching screens and resonating with audiences of all backgrounds. Latinx moviegoers have demonstrated their significant presence, making up nearly 29% of viewership during the pandemic and representing a substantial portion of the streaming audience. This underscores the demand for diverse content and the Latinx community's enthusiasm for both consuming and creating exceptional cinematic experiences.
The National Hispanic Media Coalition remains committed to its mission of promoting diversity, inclusivity, and representation in the entertainment industry, and looks forward to continuing to celebrate the achievements of artists and creators from diverse backgrounds on the grandest stage of all—the Academy Awards.