The National Hispanic Media Coalition announced today several honorees for its annual Impact Awards Gala, set for Friday, April 24, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Apple TV’s comedy series The Studio will receive the Beyond the Lens Impact Award. Belissa Escobedo will be honored with the Outstanding Actress Performance in a Series Award, while Beth de Araújo will receive the Visionary Impact Award for her feature film Josephine. Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters co-writers Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan will be recognized with the Storytelling Impact Award.
Hosted by comedians Chris Estrada and Frankie Quinones, the annual event celebrates individuals whose work advances a more inclusive society.
The Studio has quickly made an impact within the entertainment industry and among audiences with its sharp, insider satire of Hollywood. Its creative team has helped expand and elevate Latino voices. Beyond the Lens Impact Award honorees include Frida Perez, co-creator, writer and co-executive producer; Keyla Monterroso Mejia; Lorena Perez Batista; and Antonio Sanchez. NHMC cited their collective contributions to the series’ success.
Jimenez and McMechan are being recognized for their collaboration on KPop Demon Hunters, which blends genre storytelling with themes of identity, belonging and self-expression. Their work reflects a shared creative vision that is both innovative and culturally resonant, aligning with NHMC’s mission to combat hate, discrimination and racism toward marginalized communities.
Escobedo will be honored for her role as Isabella on NBC’s Happy’s Place, starring opposite Reba McEntire. As one of the few Latinas in leading roles on broadcast television, the award recognizes her contributions to Latino representation on screen. She is also known for her roles in Blue Beetle, The Baker and the Beauty and Hocus Pocus 2.
Araújo will receive the Visionary Impact Award for Josephine, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, where it won both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize. The film was later selected for the main competition at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival and was nominated for the Golden Bear.
“Latinos have been an integral part of Hollywood since its earliest days, building it, shaping it, fueling its creativity and sustaining its culture,” said NHMC President and CEO Brenda Victoria Castillo. “This year’s honorees are the latest examples of our voices making an impact and earning both industry and cultural recognition. We are honored to recognize this incredibly talented group.”
NHMC advocates for underrepresented communities while promoting inclusion, celebrating culture and affirming shared humanity.
