Jennifer Lopez and Paulina Chávez Honored at Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
Jennifer Lopez and Paulina Chavez were among the honorees at the opening night of the 2026 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, held Wednesday, May 27, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The event brought together a wide group of Latino entertainment figures, including Edward James Olmos, Gregory Nava, Tonatiuh, Danny Pino, Xolo Maridueña, Alyssa Diaz, Jesse Garcia, Marissa Reyes, Zulay Henao, Belissa Escobedo and Julio Macias.
Lopez, 56, arrived in a green gown and Tyler Ellis clutch for the festival appearance. She received the inaugural Adelante Award for Industry, which celebrates leaders whose work has made a lasting impact and helped expand opportunities across entertainment. In her acceptance remarks, Lopez said the honor carried special meaning because the idea of “moving forward” has always been central to her work and to the community she represents. Edward James Olmos, her co-star from Selena: The Movie and Office Romance, presented the award. Gregory Nava, who directed Selena, also attended the opening night celebration.
Chavez, 24, was recognized with the Next Gen Award, presented by Olmos as well. She wore a shimmering Raisa Vanessa dress for the red carpet and was honored as an emerging talent helping shape the future of the industry. During her acceptance speech, Chavez said she planned to continue uplifting Latino voices and to help open doors for others, especially young girls who see themselves reflected in her success. She dedicated the recognition to those who came before her and to future generations of Latina performers.
The opening night event underscored the festival’s focus on celebrating Latino achievement and visibility in film and television. The red carpet appearance by Lopez and Chavez drew particular attention because both women represent different generations of Latino talent: Lopez as an established global entertainer with a long career in music, film and television, and Chavez as a rising actress building momentum in the industry.
Their awards also highlighted the festival’s effort to honor both legacy and future promise. Lopez’s Adelante Award emphasized leadership and influence, while Chavez’s Next Gen Award recognized emerging talent and the importance of new voices. Together, the two honors reflected the festival’s broader mission to support Latino creators and expand representation across entertainment.
The evening served as a high-profile kickoff for the annual festival, with a strong showing from actors and filmmakers across the Latino entertainment community. Photos from the event captured the celebratory mood, with attendees gathering to recognize achievements, share support and mark the start of the festival’s latest edition.
