The distinction was presented at the annual event where the association honors Latinos in Hollywood, the Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television. The director, present at the event, spoke on the significance of art and journalism.
“We must defend reality because there is a constant battle against it,” he stated.
The film that earned Mendonça Filho the award, ‘O Agente Secreto’, is Brazil’s contender for an Academy Award nomination. It also earned lead actor Wagner Moura the Best Actor award at the Chicago International Film Festival.
The story follows a university professor with a mysterious past who moves to Recife in 1977 during Brazil’s military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985.
“As Brazilians, we have emerged from quite difficult times in recent years,” said Mendonça Filho, observing that Brazil “is now in a good moment” and returning to a democratic path.
“What is happening now in some places, including the United States, will pass,” he continued. He mentioned that the film was made for Wagner Moura and dedicated the award to him.
The director also referenced some speeches preceding his, including that of significant labor rights activist Dolores Huerta, who received the Icon Award and reiterated her famous slogan that inspired Barack Obama, ‘Sí se puede’ (Yes, we can).
“Some speeches tonight made me reflect on the fact that ‘O Agente Secreto’ is made up of more than 100 human faces showcasing the diversity and various colors, faces, and bodies that make up Brazil,” said Mendonça Filho.
Many honorees emphasized the importance of celebrating the Latino community at this time, noting ongoing underrepresentation in Hollywood and a politically hostile environment with immigration raids.
America Ferrera, who received the Trailblazer Award for her new movie ‘The Lost Bus’, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis and directed by Paul Greengrass, was among the prominent voices calling for unity.
“When one of us wins, we all win,” remarked the actress, highlighting that opportunities for Latino actors require significant struggle.
“I strongly believe in the power of what we do,” she declared, asserting that storytelling can incite change and transform individuals. “At a time when rhetoric and conversation fail to create connections, empathy, and understanding, the stories we tell, the art we create, and journalism become more vital.”
Other notable names who graced the stage at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills included Andy Garcia, who won the Vanguard Award for his role in the series ‘Landman’, Frida Perez, awarded as showrunner for ‘The Studio’, and Anthony Perez, who received the award for Best Supporting Actor in the new film ‘A House of Dynamite’.
