NHMC Impact Awards to Honor Hollywood’s Rising Voices and Industry Influencers
The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) will once again bring together industry leaders, creatives, and influencers for its annual Impact Awards Gala, taking place on April 24, 2026, at the iconic The Beverly Hilton.
For years, HispanicLifestyle.com has highlighted this event as one of the most meaningful gatherings recognizing the voices shaping media, culture, and opportunity. Through our continued coverage and photo archives, the Impact Awards remain a consistent reflection of progress, influence, and storytelling that resonates far beyond Hollywood.
Recognizing Influence Through Storytelling
This year’s honorees represent a dynamic cross-section of talent whose work reflects the evolving narrative of representation across film, television, and streaming platforms.
Among those being recognized:
- The Studio (Apple TV+) will receive the Beyond the Lens Impact Award, acknowledging its sharp, insider perspective on Hollywood and its commitment to amplifying Latino voices behind the scenes and on screen. Key contributors include Frida Perez, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Lorena Perez Batista, and Antonio Sanchez.
- Belissa Escobedo will be honored with the Outstanding Actress Performance in a Series Award for her role in Happy’s Place, where she stars alongside Reba McEntire. Escobedo continues to build a strong presence in film and television, with credits including Blue Beetle, The Baker and the Beauty, and Hocus Pocus 2.
- Beth de Araújo will receive the Visionary Impact Award for her feature film Josephine, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and earned both the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize. The film has also garnered international attention with its nomination at the Berlin International Film Festival.
- Writers Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan will be recognized with the Storytelling Impact Award for their work on Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, blending genre storytelling with themes of identity, belonging, and cultural expression.
A Platform That Continues to Shape the Industry
Hosted by comedians Chris Estrada and Frankie Quinones, the evening will celebrate not only individual achievement but the broader impact of storytelling that reflects a wide range of voices and lived experiences.
“Latinos have been an integral part of Hollywood since its earliest days,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO of NHMC. “This year’s honorees are the latest examples of our voices leading the way in both cultural and industry impact.”
A Continued Commitment to Culture and Influence
The NHMC Impact Awards have long served as a platform to recognize those pushing the industry forward—creators, performers, and leaders whose work challenges perspectives and opens doors for future generations.
As HispanicLifestyle.com has documented over the years, the significance of this evening extends beyond recognition. It reflects a growing presence in media where storytelling, leadership, and cultural influence intersect.
With additional honorees and presenters still to be announced, the 2026 gala promises another memorable evening celebrating creativity, leadership, and the power of representation.
Explore Our Coverage
HispanicLifestyle.com has covered the NHMC Impact Awards for years, capturing moments from the red carpet to behind-the-scenes conversations.
📸 View our exclusive photo archives on Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/hispaniclifestyle/
