Latin Stars Shine Brightly at ALMA Awards

California - In an unusually cool May evening, many of Hollywood's brightest stars gathered in the fabled Shrine Auditorium in the City of Los Angeles to receive recognition for their portrayals and stellar contributions to the big screen and television. This year's event marked the successful return of the ALMA Awards after a two-year hiatus.

The evening began with a red carpet entry set abuzz by an eye-popping display of today's hottest fashions worn by a heavy billing of today's most sought after leading ladies such as Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, and Sofia Vergara.

Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria shined brightest as the show's host and co-producer wowing the audience in each one of the stunning designer dresses she wore between each segment. Longoria led an a-list of Latina beauties in a red-hot dance performance that opened the show featuring Rosalyn Sanchez, Carmen Electra, Constance Marie and Mexican singing sensation Paulina Rubio.

Longoria told a star-studded room of fellow Latino and non-Latino personalities in attendance such as Marc Anthony, Michael Douglas, Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Jimmy Smits that she was "proud to be hosting an event that honors actors and directors who have done much to promote positive portrayals of Hispanics in the media."

Andy Garcia was honored by receiving the Anthony Award for Excellence in Motion Pictures for his prolific and exceptional work in the field of cinema and the arts, and Marc Anthony did not hold back his emotions after being awarded the Celia Cruz Award for Excellence in Music.

During her remarks, Murgia said "We want the ALMA awards to be a springboard for Latino talent".

I say hats off to Janet for bringing back such a noteworthy awards show. In an age where so many award shows litter the television screen, I am impressed by ABC's decision to air the event as well. The award show is scheduled to be aired prime time on ABC network on June 5, 2006 in a joint announcement made by NCLR President Janet Murgia and ABC Television Network's President of Programming, Alex Wallau. If only more networks were as bold.

Daniel Garza, President of PODER-HISPANIC Group