Top Luminaries Joined The Paley Center for Media at The Hollywood Tribute to Hispanic Achievements in Television Presented by Verizon

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Oct. 25, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Paley Center for Media brought together Hispanic luminaries, icons, and pioneers for an unforgettable evening to celebrate the numerous achievements made by Hispanics in the television industry. The Paley Center's Tribute to Hispanic Achievements in Television Presented by Verizon, took attendees through a nostalgic journey of over seven decades of television history. With the support of the famous Paley Archive, Hispanic achievements across all genres were celebrated, along with some of today's most popular television programs proudly produced by the biggest networks and studios in the world. Additionally, the Paley Center feted the expansion of the Hispanic Collection within the Paley Archive, the nation's largest publicly accessible archive of television and radio programming.

The star-studded event brimmed with Latino images and stories told by a wide array of Hispanic presenters across various television genres including drama, telenovelas, comedy, news, talk, reality, sports, and music. The night's presenters included Lucie Arnaz, Andrés Cantor, Oscar De La Hoya, Eugenio Derbez, Héctor Elizondo, Andy García, Eva Longoria, Jorge Ramos, Gina Rodriguez, Prince Royce, Jimmy Smits, and Wilmer Valderrama. The Paley Center closed the festive evening with Lucie Arnaz paying special tribute to the legacy of her father, Desi Arnaz, for his memorable on-screen performances, his breakthrough as the first Latino owner of an independent production company, as well as his innovative use of the multi-camera setup for a live television show audience.

"Tonight we demonstrate how television, more than any other medium, serves to shatter stereotypes, educate audiences, and bring people together," said Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media. "We are so proud to celebrate the Hispanic icons and innovators, shows and series that broke barriers and continue to make new strides."

Among the many special moments from the evening are the following remarks by some of the participants of The Paley Center for Media's Tribute to Hispanic Achievements in Television Presented by Verizon:

Eva Longoria related a story from the set of a recent episode of Jane the Virgin, which she was directing: "I said to Gina (Rodriguez) 'Gina there are more Latinos than white people on the set—and they are not craft services!'"
 
Hector Elizondo: "I had NO IDEA that the great Mission Impossible theme song was written by an Argentine! Who Knew? And why didn't they teach THAT in school?"
 
Prince Royce: "I'm so proud to be here tonight to talk about how television gave Latin music a platform like no other. You can't really separate Latinos from music. It's part of our essence, part of our soul. And whether you grew up with mambo, ranchera, merengue, salsa, or bachata like me—music has connected all of us across generations."
 
Lucie Arnaz on her father Desi: "Many other talented people were making strides in television when Mom and Dad started. But mixed with my mother's divinely inspired comedic know-how and the best writers around, Dad's heritage - his Latin-ness- was actually, one of the magic bullets that set this show apart."
  
Verizon served as Presenting Sponsor, further demonstrating their commitment to promote educational and creative opportunities in the Hispanic community. "I'm incredibly proud to salute the many storytellers here today who have helped to make this night happen," said Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer, Verizon, "Along the way you have allowed the rest of us to enjoy the ripple efforts on our businesses, our culture, and most of all, our future."
 
Co-Chairs included: 21st Century Fox, Fox Television Group, FX Networks, Fox Inclusion, Hearst, The Loreen Arbus Foundation, NBCUniversal and Telemundo Enterprises, and Univision Communications, Inc. Moët Hennessy USA served as Patron Tribute Sponsor.
 
Tribute Host Committee supporters included: Cris Abrego, Chris Albrecht, Loreen Arbus, José Antonio Bastón Patino, Kevin Beggs, Peter Benedek, Carl Beverly, Casey Bloys, Steve Burke, Cesar Conde, Stephen Davis, Randy Falco, Clifford W. Gilbert-Lurie, Robert Greenblatt, Paige Hayes, Doug Herzog, Stephen Hill, Mike Hopkins, Michael E. Kassan, Steve Lafferty, Isaac Lee, Dick Lippin, Janice Min, Leslie Moonves, Steve Mosko, Jennifer Mullin, James Murdoch, Janet Murguía, David Nevins, Gary Newman, Justin Osofsky, Rick Rosen, Peter Roth, Jack Rotherham, Philip W. Schuman, Diego Scotti, Ben Sherwood, and Nina Tassler.
 
Paley Center President & CEO Maureen J. Reidy and Executive Vice President of Programming Diane Lewis led the Tribute production team. The evening's program was curated with the assistance and counsel of the Paley Center's advisory organization, the National Council of La Raza and its CEO and President Janet Murgia.
 
As part of an ongoing commitment to diversity in its programming, the Hollywood Tribute supports the expansion of the Hispanic Collection in the Paley Archive, the nation's largest publicly accessible archive of television and radio programming. The Hispanic Collection, which continues to grow with over 550 unique programs and segments, will be preserved in perpetuity and used to educate scholars, students, the creative community, and the general public. Highlights of the Paley Hispanic Collection include a strong representation from the longest running variety show in television history – Univision's Sábado Gigante. The Paley Hispanic Collection will also preserve the legacy of Desi Arnaz with classic radio and television work, including rare material from the Lucille Ball collection. Sports is also showcased in the Paley Hispanic Collection via ESPN documentaries featuring great Hispanic athletes, including Roberto Clemente (baseball), Nancy Lopez (golf), and Pelé (soccer). 
 
About The Paley Center for Media:
The Paley Center for Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the Paley Archive – including special African-American, Hispanic, and LGBT collections – and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit paleycenter.org