The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) will honor Esai Morales and Mercedes Ruehl among other artists at the organization's sixth annual awards presentation and benefit celebrating Latinos in entertainment at 6:30 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 19 at The Players, 16 Gramercy Park South.
Morales ("NYPD Blue," "La Bamba") will receive the Rita Moreno HOLA Award for Excellence for a Male Actor, and Ruehl ("The Fisher King," "Woman Before A Glass") receives the Award for Excellence for a Female Actor. HOLA's José Ferrer Tespis Award goes to Raúl Esparza ("Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"). In addition, Emilio Delgado and Sonia Manzano (Luis and Maria from the PBS program "Sesame Street") will receive the HOLA Ilka Award; theatre artist Raúl Dávila, the Raúl Juliá HOLA Founders Award; playwright Allen Davis III, the HOLA Lifetime Achievement Award, and journalists Maria Hinojosa and Rafael Pineda, the HOLA Excellence In Media, English and Spanish-Language, respectively. In addition, HOLA awards recognize outstanding achievement in New York Latino theatre during the 2004-2005 season.
HOLA is an arts service organization founded in 1975 to expand the presence of Hispanic actors in both Latino and mainstream entertainment and communications. HOLA also strives for an accurate, informed and non-stereotypical portrayal of Hispanic culture, people and heritage in theatre, film, television, radio and commercials. It provides a variety of programs serving Hispanic actors, including talent and casting referrals, professional workshops, and career counseling.
For information, call HOLA at (212) 253-1015 or visit the website: www.hellohola.org.