RELEASE: ACADEMY AWARDS TO BE TARGETED BY NATIONAL HISPANIC MEDIA COALITION ACTION NETWORK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2018
CONTACT: Clarissa Corona 213.718.0732 communications@nhmc.org
ACADEMY AWARDS TO BE TARGETED BY NATIONAL HISPANIC MEDIA COALITION ACTION NETWORK #HireUSLatinos Feb. 5 and March 3 demonstrations launch nationwide campaign protesting "institutionalized racism" against Latinos by major movie studios

PASADENA, CALIF., Jan. 23, 2018 - The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) Action Network today announced it will hold two demonstrations targeting the 2018 Academy Awards® that will launch a national campaign protesting the chronic underrepresentation of Latinos in on-screen and behind-the-camera roles in motion pictures.

The 20-member NHMC Action Network represents independent writers, producers, and actors and casting, production and entertainment marketing companies.
During a news conference held at its Pasadena, Calif. headquarters, the organization disclosed that:
  • Its first demonstration will be held on Monday, February 5, at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences' honorees luncheon, which will be held at a time and location to be announced.
  • A second demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, also at a time and location to be announced.
"Institutionalized Racism" "Hollywood continues to be challenged by gender and ethnic diversity," said Alex Nogales, NHMC president and chief executive officer. "Our upcoming demonstrations are only the first of what will become increasingly aggressive wake-up calls to Hollywood studios to end institutionalized racism against Latinos. By targeting the Academy Awards, we're serving notice to the motion picture industry that we're not asking for equity anymore. We're demanding it." "For years the success of the major film studios has been won on the backs of U.S. Latinos who represent 23 percent of all movie ticket buyers and 18 percent of the U.S. population," said Nogales. "Yet, on- and off-screen and in the narratives Hollywood's movies tell, Latinos remain the most underrepresented minority in the industry. Enough is enough. It's time to end the whitewashing and put Latinos in front of and behind the camera." According to studies conducted by the USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism, from 2007 to 2016:
Former Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, who participated in the news conference, said, "Demographics show that Latinos make up 56 million plus in the country, yet films in this country fail to represent the true composition of the U.S.," said former Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. "And then when you do have Latina roles their character tends to be overly sexualized." For interviews, please contact Clarissa Corona, at communications@nhmc.org or at 213.718.0732.
###
The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is the media watchdog for the Latino community, ensuring that we are fairly and consistently represented in news and entertainment and that our voices are heard over the airwaves and on the internet.
We exist to challenge executives and influencers throughout the entertainment and news industry to eliminate barriers for Latinos to express themselves and be heard through every type of medium. NHMC works to bring decision-makers to the table to open new opportunities for Latinos to create, contribute and consume programming that is inclusive, free from bias and hate rhetoric, affordable and culturally relevant.
 
Receive real-time updates on Facebook, Twitter @NHMC and Instagram @NHMC_org.

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a 40+ year old 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward Latino and marginalized communities.

We advance Latino visibility and influence from the halls of Washington, D.C., to the studios of Hollywood. Through our media advocacy and workforce development initiatives, NHMC creates spaces where diverse creators can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Our Series Scriptwriters Program, Latinx Stream Showcase, Creators Networking Program, Careers in Entertainment Youth Program, and Media Advocacy Fellowships serve as both incubators and pipelines, preparing the next generation of storytellers, advocates, and industry leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking opportunities, and direct access to entertainment executives, these programs help transform emerging talent into lasting industry voices while expanding authentic representation across media.

We lead the work to eliminate online hate and disinformation across media platforms. We advocate in the space of Artificial Intelligence when it intersects with civil & human rights, including making sure Latino-Interest and children’s protections are included in AI initiatives and implementations. We advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline Program, Net Neutrality protections, and closing the digital divide for Latino and other marginalized communities. NHMC works in partnership with other social justice organizations to safeguard democracy in the United States of America.

NHMC is a not-for-profit, and provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

© 2026 National Hispanic Media Coalition // communications@nhmc.org // o. (626) 792-6462
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram