With a hand from the Cuban Pitbull, the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards honor and distinguishes the best of Latino talent in America.
Presented by Eva Longoria and George Lopez, who began the night with referencial jokes about being out of work and the fact Barack Obama might very well be Latino -- think legal documentation -- the show kicked off to a rousing and hilarious start. Check out the list of Winners.
>>>EXCLUSIVE ALMA AWARDS 2011 VIDEO
"Thank you for the work, for the Latin families in America. Thank you, NCLR ALMA Awards. My nephew Javi is here. He's a future actor, likely in school. Do what you want in your life, but love this country and remember that there is an 'alma,' a soul, that opens to different religions, races...and you are Latino," Antonio Banderas told his nephew, after receiving his award and dedicating it to Javi, giving him his blessing with a "little [good luck] kick" after winning one of the most important awards in the industry.
Demi Lovato's star shined bright as she sang her "Skyscraper" in both English and Spanish, which earned her a standing ovation for her homage in Castillian Spanish -- uniting everyone in the crowd by the roots.
"Thank you, the public. Without you there is no Pitbull. Grandma, aunti, my brother, my dad, who's partying with Celia Cruz (in heaven), thank you ALMA Awards. This [statuette] looks really good. 'Que rice esta!'" joked Pitbull after receiving his award. No doubt one of the more entertaining acceptance speeches of the night.
George Lopez renamed Mary Celeste Arraras, whom he introduced as "Mary Celeste Arras," but the journalist kept the sense of humor that characterizes her and moved on without correction.
Another truly humorous moment was when the Desperate Housewives cast took the stage with Eva Longoria out front. Longoria received some Anglo translation from costar Felicity Huffman, who delivered her version of the acceptance speech in Spanish -- all while Eva thanked the crowd in English. A unique moment celebrating both cultures.
All the details on the NCLR 2011 ALMA Awards, with hundreds of backstage and exclusive pics! >> Click on the image to see the gallery!
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Alma Awards 2011
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Actor George Lopez accepts the Favorite TV Reality, Variety, or Comedy Personality or Act award onstage during the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards pre-show held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Guests attend the reception during the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Actors Madison De La Garza (L) and Demi Lovato arrives at the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Adam Rodriguez poses in the press room with Favorite TV Series Award for CSI: Miami during the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: (L-R) AJ Barrea, Christian Vera and Ramiro Ramirez arrives at the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguia (L) and Comcast executive vice president David Cohen pose backstage during the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Courtney Mazza arrives at the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Actress Justina Machado arrives at the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: (L-R) Actors Aubrey Plaza, Oscar Nunez and Maria Celeste Arraras speak onstage during the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for NCLR)
SANTA MONICA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Actor Ricardo Chavira arrives at the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards held at Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 10, 2011 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images for NCLR)
The grand finalewasinthe hands ofGloriaEstefan, who danced the crowd to a perfect finish with Wepa, as she delivered therhythm of the bestconga -- one that only she is capable of.
With a hand from the Cuban Pitbull, the 2011 NCLR ALMA Awards honor and distinguishes the best of Latino talent in America.
