On October 16, Netflix and Elle hosted the Celebration of Latinas in Hollywood, which brought together Latina actors, comedians, and creatives. The streamer helped to elevate and provide room to the voices of 15 Latinas in key positions in the past year alone, including those of attorneys, musicians, young girls, and others. “I want to congratulate every one of you because it has taken bravery, to be bold, to be driven, to work extra hard, and to reach where you are today.” ELLE editor-in-chief Nina Garcia said in her opening comments.
Several of Netflix’s top actresses attended, including Lee Rodriguez (Never Have I Ever), Karla Souza (Day Shift), Camila Mendes (Do Revenge), and Zoe Saldana (From Scratch). Guests nibbled on passing hors d’oeuvres and sipped beverages before being seated for a coastal Mexican meal.
Latina Women Receive a Warm Welcome Into Hollywood
Actress Victoria Justice, who just appeared in the Netflix rom-com A Perfect Pairing, said. “I think this is the first event of its sort that I’ve attended where a lot of Latina women honoring, raising, and inspiring each other to accomplish more.” “I’m hoping that will happen more often in the future. Hollywood has gotten more diverse, and I believe this is crucial, given how diverse our world is. That must appear as accurately as possible on screen. It’s incredibly exciting because Latina women are powerful, have a lot to say, and have a lot to prove.” She continued.
It was a “special day,” Elle Editor-in-Chief Garcia said that to bring together so many outstanding Latinas “in front of and behind the camera to celebrate their triumphs in our business, but also to guarantee we support the next generation of role models to come… Representation in our community is vital.”
Opening New Opportunities for Talented Artists
According to statistics, “we’re still the most underrepresented minority in Hollywood,” Mendes stated. “I believe the new series gives Latinas more possibilities to star. Still, we are unable to perceive that. The event offered the Latinas in the room a chance to finally meet, sometimes for the first time, and I want to be a part of that—creating opportunities for Latina women to showcase their skills. Among her role models, according to Rodriguez, is Zoe Saldana, who was present. Lee gushed, “She’s so legendary,” without any remorse.
Diversity is crucial now more than ever. Justice said, “I didn’t have a lot of role models or individuals I could relate to growing up. “Recently, I had a woman approach me and tell me she was so happy to meet me since I was one of the few Latina women on film. That truly moved me since it meant so much to her. People need this in their lives: a peer who they can identify with and who looks like them.
