Jennifer Lopez and artist Robert Vargas at the 2026 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival in Hollywood.
HOLLYWOOD, CA (LA ELEMENTS) 5/31/2026 – “Thank you so much. It is truly an honor to be here at the opening night of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and to receive the inaugural Adelante Award,” said two-time Golden Globe nominee, Jennifer Lopez. “The fact that it’s named Adelante, makes it especially meaningful to me because moving forward has always been at the heart of our community of everything I do.”
Actor Edward James Olmos, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Latino Film Institute, presented the Adelante Award to Lopez on May 27th at the TCL Chinese Imax Theater. The honor recognizes visionary leaders whose work has created lasting impact and expanded opportunities across the entertainment industry. He also surprised her with an original portrait by world-renowned artist, Robert Vargas. Olmos and Lopez first worked together on Selena and are co-producers of the heavily anticipated, Office Romance, which premieres June 5th on Netflix.
During the evening’s festivities, Lopez was reunited with filmmaker Gregory Nava, whose motion picture Mi Familia was her first major feature film role.
Paulina Chavez
Another memorable moment of the evening was when Paulina Chávez, decked out in a striking design by Raisa Vanessa, receiving the Next Gen Award. This award recognizes emerging talent that helps to shape the future of the industry. The actress is known for her performances in Landman and The Long Game, just to name a few. Upon accepting her award the actress promised, “I will continue uplifting Latino voices. I want to knock doors down the way those before me did and to the little girls that look like us, and we come in different shades of beauty, this is for you.”
The evening also featured a special presentation of Valentina, directed by Tatti Ribeiro and starring Keyla Monterroso Mejia with Jessica Alba serving as executive producer. The screening was followed by a Q & A with Ribeiro.
Celebrities and friends of LALIFF in Attendance included Danny Pino, Xolo Maridueña, Alyssa Diaz, Jess Garcia, Justina Machado, Marissa Reyes, Zulay Henao and others. The celebration continued with a gala at the Hollywood Roosevelt, marking LALIFF’s milestone 25th edition.
Cover photo of Jennifer Lopez and all other photography courtesy of John Salangsong
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