The Hollywood Reporter Announces the 2026 NHMC Impact Awards Gala Honorees

April 1, 2026

The Hollywood Reporter Release

National Hispanic Media Coalition to Honor ‘The Studio,’ ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Writers at Annual Gala

Actress Belissa Escobedo and writer-director Beth de Araújo will also be celebrated at the April 24 event.

By: Kirsten Chuba, April 1, 2026

“The National Hispanic Media Coalition has set the honoree lineup for its upcoming Impact Awards Gala.

The annual event, taking place April 24 at the Beverly Hilton, will honor Apple TV’s The Studio with the Behind the Lens Impact Award, with a number of Latino voices involved in making the Emmy-winning hit; recipients will include Frida Perez (co-creator, writer, and co-executive producer), Keyla Monterroso Mejia (actor), Lorena Perez Batista (music editor and composer) and Antonio Sanchez (composer). 

KPop Demon Hunters co-writers Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan will also receive the Storytelling Impact Award, Belissa Escobedo will be honored with the Outstanding Actress Performance in a Series Impact Award for her role on NBC’s Happy’s Place and writer-director Beth de Araújo will be honored with the Visionary Impact Award for her film Josephine (which drew buzz at Sundance).”

To read our coverage with The Hollywood Reporter in full, visit their story here

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
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