Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio will be honored with the Icon Award at the 15th Georgia International Latino Film Festival, the Georgia Latino Film Alliance announced. The Oscar nominee will receive the tribute in Atlanta, Georgia, during the festival's opening night on September 30, 2026.
The award presentation will take place at the historic Fox Theatre as part of a commemorative festival edition running from September 30 to October 4, 2026. Mexico will serve as the Invited Country of Honor for this year's event.
According to an official event statement, the alliance grants the Icon Award to figures whose career trajectory, influence, and international projection have significantly advanced the visibility of Latino culture in film and entertainment.
Cultural impact and recognition
Yvette Moïse, president and co-founder of the alliance, said Aparicio represented the power of cinema to transcend borders, elevate Latino culture, and bring Hispanic stories to global audiences. She added that the award recognizes broader cultural impact and community pride rather than a single acting performance.
José Márquez, executive director of the festival, said Aparicio's career path reflected the core purpose of the alliance. He noted that the organization exists to celebrate Latino voices, honor cultural heritage, and build a global platform for Hispanic talent.
Aparicio gained international acclaim for her debut role in the 2018 film Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her the first Indigenous American woman to receive that honor. The black-and-white drama went on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film.
Fifteen years of film advocacy
For 15 years, the festival and the alliance have worked to expand career opportunities for Latino actors, directors, producers, students, and industry professionals. A statement from the organizers highlighted their ongoing efforts to build strong connections between the film industry in Georgia and the international Latino creative community.
The state of Georgia has established itself as one of the largest centers for film and television production in the United States. Its festival opening venue, the historic Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta, originally opened in 1929 as a movie palace and remains one of the city's primary cultural landmarks.
Since her breakout role, Aparicio has served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples and continues to advocate for cultural representation across global media platforms. The 15th annual festival will host its screenings and program events across Atlanta through October 4.
