ALMA Awards continue to make history (PHOTOS)
The 2011
NCLR ALMA Awards continue to honor the roots of Latino talent in the United States. After a year without them, following the show's cancellation in 2010, the long wait for their return is over. On September 16th, NBC will broadcast the special event at 9/8 p.m. (EST), and we'll once again see Hispanic pride in full regalia.
It has been 16 years of history, when in 1995 the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) decided it was time to counter the pervasive stereotypical Latino image in this country by establishing an award that honors and encourages our people's talent in film, television and music.
Since that magnificent first gala, the
NCLR ALMA Awards has become one of the most prestigious in the world, recognized in some countries as the Latino Oscars.
Here we'll make a little history of our own, as we remember the great moments of the past 15 years, in which those honored overcame and were worthy recipients of the awards -- those who changed their image, their partners, and even their profession.
We also remember those who are no longer with us, but who have been the "alma," or soul, of this spectacular celebration.
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Alma Awards: Timeline
Remember when Shakira had this look? We go through more than 10 years of the ALMA Awards to find some classic moments.
Sam Levi, WireImage.com
Alma Awards: Timeline
By Gus Heredia
Antonio Banderas and wife Melanie Griffith are all smiles and cuddles as they make their way through the red carpet at the 2000 edition of the ALMA Awards, in Pasadena, California.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Oh, how time flies! Colombian singer Shakira attends the second annual ALMA Awards, in 1999, with a dreaded bright red hairstyle, before she went blonde and had bigger success with her 'Laundry Service' crossover CD.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Jennifer Lopez waves to the crowd as she accepts her trophy for Best Actress for her breakthrough performance in 'Selena', in the first ever edition of the ALMA Awards, back in 1998.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Iconic singers Celia Cruz and Patti Labelle hug and celebrate after their fantastic musical number during the first edition of the ALMA Awards in Pasadena, California.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Gloria Estefan holds her trophy and enjoys the moment with a lovely kiss from her husband Emilio and son, during one of the most emotional moments of 1999's ALMA Awards.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Maria Conchita Alonso and Charo are two Latin ladies that have been around for a while conquering Hollywood. Here we see them having a great time backstage in 1999.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Actor and activist Cheech Marin was awarded the third annual National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Community Service Award, at the 2nd annual ALMA Awards in 1999, showcasing the way the NCLR rewards Latinos that have made a difference with their dedication and social commitment to the Latin community.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Musician Arturo Sandoval poses backstage with Cuban actor Andy Garcia, who had just won for portraying him in HBO's 'Arturo Sandoval Story', at the 2001 ALMA Awards in Pasadena.
Alma Awards: Timeline
Olimpic athlete Derek Parra and actress María Canals present the award for Outstanding Film Director to Antonio Banderas, who accepted for an absent Robert Rodriguez, at the 2002 ALMA Awards. Perhaps that look is because he was thinking of keeping it for himself?
Alma Awards: Timeline
Actress Raquel Welch has a laugh with Esaí Morales, who she had just given out an award to. The actor won for Outstanding Actor in a Television Series, at the 2002 ALMA Awards.
Alma Awards: Timeline
