JENNIFER LOPEZ TO RECEIVE ADELANTE AWARD FOR INDUSTRY AT OPENING NIGHT OF LALIFF’S 25TH EDITION
Paulina Chávez to receive Next Gen Award Honors to be presented by Edward James Olmos
LOS ANGELES, CA – WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 — Global artist and entrepreneur, Jennifer Lopez, whose career transcends music, film, television, and business, will be honored with the inaugural Adelante Award for Industry at the Opening Night of the 25th edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF). The event will take place on May 27 at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX at 7 p.m. The award recognizes visionary leaders whose work has created lasting impact and expanded opportunity across the entertainment landscape.
Paulina Chávez will receive the Next Gen Award, recognizing her as an emerging talent shaping the future of the industry. She is known for her performances in The Long Game, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip, and as Ariana in the hit series Landman.
The evening will celebrate the Opening Night Gala of LALIFF’s 25th edition, featuring a special presentation of Valentina, directed by Tatti Ribeiro and starring Keyla Monterroso Mejia (Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Studio), with Jessica Alba serving as executive producer. Ribeiro, who won the Film Independent Spirit Award for Someone to Watch, brings a distinct voice to this year’s program. The screening will include a brief conversation with the filmmaker, followed by an after party at the Hollywood Roosevelt.
“Jennifer Lopez is part of a generation of artists who have helped define what was possible for Latino representation across film and television,” said Edward James Olmos, co-founder of LALIFF. “We first worked together many years ago, on Mi Familia and Selena, and coming back together now as both actors and producers on Office Romance for Netflix reflects how that creative journey has continued over time. Honoring her at this milestone edition of LALIFF carries particular meaning.”
“The 25th edition of LALIFF is a moment to recognize both legacy and what comes next,” said Axel Caballero, CEO of LFI. “Honoring Jennifer Lopez and Paulina Chávez speaks to that continuum. One has built a global platform that dismantled barriers and shattered ceilings, while the other represents a new generation of artists stepping forward with clarity, perspective, and momentum.”
About Latino Film Institute (LFI)
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering storytellers and creators and advancing innovation in the entertainment, tech, arts, and media industries. Through its signature programs, including the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), LFI Scholar & Policy, LFI Spotlight, and LFI Fellowships. LFI provides transformative opportunities and resources to foster Latino talent and voices in media.
For more information on LFI, visit www.latinofilm.org.
About Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is an international event dedicated to excellence in filmmaking. Through film, television, music, and education, LALIFF offers a vibrant stage to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino cinema through distinct directorial voices and culturally significant narratives.
For more information and updates on LALIFF visit www.laliff.org
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Instagram: @laliff_
Twitter: @laliff
Facebook: facebook.com/laliff
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Media Contact:
Loraine Valverde – Latino Film Institute
VP of Communications
loraine@latinofilm.org
Paulette Kam
The Initiative Group ( red carpet)
PK@initiativepr.com
Sarah Yorke
The Initiative Group ( red carpet)
SY@initiativepr.com