Culture 3 min read By Mason Emerson
Critics Choice Celebración Names Inde Navarrette, John Leguizamo Among 2026 Honorees
The Critics Choice Association has announced the full slate of honorees for the 6th annual Celebración of Cinema & Television, recognizing Latino and Hispanic artistry across film and TV.
The Critics Choice Association has revealed the complete lineup of honorees for its 6th annual Celebración of Cinema & Television, an event dedicated to spotlighting Latino and Hispanic artistry in the entertainment industry. The ceremony, scheduled for October, will celebrate a range of talents from breakout film stars to veteran performers and behind-the-scenes craftspeople.
Among the honorees are Inde Navarrette, star of the hit film Obsession, and John Leguizamo, who appears in The Odyssey. Also recognized is James Ortiz, the actor and puppeteer behind the beloved character Rocky in the blockbuster Project Hail Mary. The event, formerly known as the Celebration of Latino Cinema and Television, has been retitled to reflect its broader scope while maintaining its core mission of honoring Latino and Hispanic contributions to the industry.
The full slate of honorees spans multiple categories, recognizing achievements in both film and television. The Critics Choice Association, which organizes the annual Critics Choice Awards, has positioned the Celebración as a key moment in the awards season calendar, drawing attention to performances and productions that might otherwise be overlooked in mainstream awards conversations.
Navarrette has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the year following the success of Obsession, which has generated significant buzz since its release. Leguizamo, a veteran of stage and screen with a career spanning decades, continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for both his acting work and his advocacy for Latino representation in the industry. Ortiz, whose work on Project Hail Mary has been widely praised, brings a unique blend of physical performance and puppetry to the big screen.
The Celebración event has grown steadily since its inception, becoming a significant platform for recognizing the depth and diversity of Latino and Hispanic talent in entertainment. Past ceremonies have honored a wide range of artists, from established stars to emerging voices, and have featured performances and tributes that highlight the cultural impact of Latino storytelling.
Additional honorees for this year's event will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the Critics Choice Association. The ceremony is expected to draw a wide range of industry figures, with presentations and acceptance speeches highlighting the importance of representation in film and television. The event also serves as a precursor to the main Critics Choice Awards, which take place later in the awards season.
The announcement comes at a time when discussions about diversity and inclusion in Hollywood remain at the forefront of industry conversations. The Celebración's continued growth reflects a broader push within the entertainment community to ensure that Latino and Hispanic stories are told and celebrated on a major stage.
