Los Angeles, CA – Oscar and Golden Globe nominated actress Adriana Barraza has received a 2024 Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance as Nana in the successful feature film “Blue Beetle.” The film, which stars Xolo Maridueña in the lead role and directed by Angel Manuel Soto, made history as the first stand alone Latino led superhero movie in the DC franchise. “Blue Beetle” was produced by DC Studios, the Safran Company and distributed by Warner Bros.
Credit: Enrique Tubio
The Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA), known for its commitment to celebrating Latino and diversity excellence in the entertainment industry, has recognized Barraza’s hysterically funny and moving portrayal of Nana, Jaime Reyes’ (Blue Beetle) feisty and loving Mexican grandmother. Barraza’s scene stealing performances garnered the affection of audiences worldwide. This important LEJA nomination reflects not only her tremendous talent, but also her significant impact on the cultural landscape as a Latina actress in Hollywood, continuing to open doors for the Latino community.
Adriana Barraza stands shoulder to shoulder alongside nominated actresses Emily Blunt for “Oppenheimer,” Penélope Cruz for “Ferrari,” America Ferrera for “Barbie,” Rachel McAdams for “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “The Holdovers.” This year the LEJA Award winners will be announced virtually online on Monday, February 12.
“I’m truly honored and thankful that the LEJA Awards have recognized me with this distinguished nomination. Being nominated is already a win for any actor but to receive the nomination for this character of Nana which I loved playing means even more. My most important goal was to represent this beautiful part of the Latino community in the U.S., the brave women who immigrate to our beautiful country but work tirelessly to honor their roots.” – states Barraza about her nomination
Adriana Barraza’s incomparable career continues to be marked with compelling performances, earning her recognition and admiration from both audiences and critics alike. She has received numerous awards and recognitions around the world, including nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe in 2006 for Best Supporting Actress for “Babel” directed by Oscar winner Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
Credit: Hopper Stone SMPSP/Warner Bros. Pictures
Last year was no different for Barraza, aside from her performance in “Blue Beetle,” she starred in an endearing supporting role opposite Trace Lysette and Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson in the film “Monica” which premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival and received an 11 minute standing ovation. She also moved audiences in the lead role of Maestra Georgina in the Netflix original Mexican feature film “El Ultimo Vagón” directed by Ernesto Contreras. The film was the #1 Spanish language movie on Netflix worldwide for a consecutive 6 weeks and one of the most successful Netflix films of 2023. The dedication to her craft and ability to bring unforgettable characters to life has established her as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
About the LEJA Awards:
Founded in 2018, the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) is dedicated to the upliftment and celebration of Latino voices in the entertainment industry. As an inclusive association, LEJA serves as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of artists who identify as Latino, Latina, Latinx, Hispanic, Afro-Latino, Afro-Latina, Spanish, or anyone that champions and accelerates the voices of the culture from around the world. Through its initiatives and recognition events, LEJA plays a pivotal role in fostering representation and diversity within the entertainment landscape.
