10 Best Latino Performances of 2016 and Their Absence From The Nominations

By José Alberto Hermosillo,

It is Award Season, and many wonder why Latino actors are not nominated for the Oscars and Golden Globes.

Last year, the African-American community ignited a movement, #OscarsSoWhite. 

They rightly argued the lack of people of color nominated in the acting categories for the past two years. The hashtag went viral within minutes after the nominations were announced.

Their campaign in social media brought the attention of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to change its rules. They needed to bring in new members of minority groups and encouraged movie studios to cast more diversity in their productions.

This year, African-Americans are making sure they heard their voices by producing high-quality films competing for the awards: “Fences,” “Loving,” “Moonlight,” “Hidden Figures,” and “Kicks.” Also, the documentaries: “13th,” “I Am Not Your Negro,” and “O.J.: Made in America.”

It makes us think: is this year going to be #OscarsSoBlackAndWhite and nothing in between? What about Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans?

This extraordinary example set by brave Afro-American filmmakers must be followed by our Latino constituents to produce compelling films with universal themes worthy of Awards. 

In 2016, Latinos had modest participation in the movies, but their excellent performances have been overlooked this Award Season.

Some schools, organizations, and film festivals began incubating new talent from minority groups. But it is taking way too long. Other foundations are helping with small grants to help finish their modest projects, but those are “baby steps” to reach the level of excellence needed to compete for Awards.

You don’t cure cancer with an aspirin.

In a more optimistic and inclusive world, influential A-list Latino directors (Del Toro, Cuarón, Iñárritu) should be bolder to seek, produce, direct, and mentor stories where Latino actors can play the leads. 

Filmmaking is a collaborative effort. Mentoring is the key to success.                              

Actor Géza Röhrig and filmmaker Laszló Nemes. Photo by Jose A: Hermosillo. Copyrights, 2016

Last year, first-time filmmaker Laszló Nemes won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film for “Son of Saul.” He was mentored by the now-retired Hungarian director Béla Tarr (“The Turin Horse”). The experience of a legendary filmmaker elevated the film to a high level of accomplishment. And that is what the Academy is looking for, excellence.

Why can’t Latinos follow this formula?

Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and Charlize Theron (“Monster”) won their Oscars because they produced their own films. They boldly believed in their own projects, accepted the challenge, and went to win gold.

Copyrights Modern Salon, Oct .2001.

The same thing happened when Salma Hayek produced “Frida.” She received an Oscar nomination because she worked hard to make a magnificent film and had the energy and courage to put things together. Also, she wanted to show the world her love for Mexico and its culture.

Juan de Dios Larrain, Gael Garcia and Pablo Larrain, The Neruda Team. Photo by Jose Hermosillo. Copyrights 2017

Chilean director Pablo Larrain and his brother, producer Juan De Dios Larrain, put together two great projects this year: “Neruda” with Gael Garcia Bernal and “Jackie” with Natalie Portman. Both were biopics and, in my opinion, were worthy of many awards.

Photo AFI FEST Copyrights, 2016.

However, “Jackie” did get the attention of the Academy voters. Again, it is a Latino director making a film without a Latino cast.

We, the Latinos working in the movie industry, must compromise and make films worthy of a Golden Globe or an Oscar for Latino actors. We all have dreams, don’t we? 

Many Latino movies are making big money at the box office.

Uruguayan Director Fede Alvarez, Photo Jose Hermosillo, Copyrights 2017

However, Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez had a number-one hit at the box office two weeks in a row with his thriller “Don’t Breathe.”

No Manches Frida, L.A. Premiere. Photo Jose Hermosillo Copyrights, 2016

The Mexican comedy “No Manches Frida,” started and produced by actress Martha Higadera (“Street Kings,” “McFarland, U.S.A.”), was number 8 in the U.S.A. as one of the most successful Independent films of the year.

Hands of Stone. Copyrights W.T.C., 2016.

The biopic of the Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran, directed by Venezuelan Jonathan Jakubowicz, “Hands of Stone,” was a hit at the box office and is having a big success overseas.

Mexican actor Diego Luna booked (and kept his accent) for the lead in one of the all-time highest-grossing, money-making movies, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Now, he will be Tony Montana in a new version of “Scarface.”

Recognizing the excellence of many talented Latino actors worldwide, whether from Hollywood, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, or Chile,e is essential. 

And the best Latino Performances in a film in 2016 are:

Sonia Braga
(Brazil)

Aquarius

Brazil

Premiered in Cannes
(2016)

In “Aquarius,” Sonia Braga’s marvelous portrayal of Clara is unforgettable. She is a music critic, a mother, and a cancer survivor fighting for her ocean-view apartment and keeping her family together with a great sense of dignity and respect.

Diego Luna
(Mexico)

Rogue One:

A Star Wars Story

U.S.A.

(2016)

Diego Luna’s enormous screen presence is terrific as the rebel warrior Cassian Andor. He is making sure things happen in this spectacular Galaxy drama.

Edgar Ramírez
(Venezuela)

Hands of Stone

Panamá, U.S.A.
Premiered in Cannes

(2016).

Edgar Ramirez playing Duran is remarkable. He trained for nine months before getting into character to start the physical transformation that allowed him to get closer to what this real-world champion was.

Penélope Crúz
(Spain)

Ma ma

Spain, France

(2016)

Penélope Crúz is at her best in this emotional journey of a pregnant woman with breast cancer. The love and support of her family will play a significant role in this compelling and convincing contemporary story.

Salma Hayek
(Mexico)

Septembers of Shiraz

U.S.A.

(2015)

“Septembers of Shiraz” is Salma Hayek’s best performance since “Frida.” 

Gael García Bernal
(Mexico)
Special Mention to:
Luis Gnecco
 (Chile)
Mercedes Morán
(Argentina)

Neruda
Chile
Premiered in Cannes
(2016)

“Neruda” is a cinematic work of art and poetry, full of temper and passion. This is the perfect antihero movie. Terrific cast.”

Emma Suarez
(Spain)

Adriana Ugarte
(Spain)

Julieta

Spain

(2016)

The haunting story of an obsessive woman and her daughter told thirty years apart. Adriana Ugarte is young Julieta, and Emma Suarez is mature Julieta. Both Spaniard actresses are just fantastic under the direction of Pedro Almodóvar.

Leia Costa
(Spain)

Victoria

Germany

(2015)

Spanish actress Leila Costa is terrific at playing Victoria. She will live one intense and unforgettable night in Berlin.

Lupita Nyong’o
(Mexico)

Queen of Katwe

The U.S.A.

(2016)

Kind and charismatic Mexican-born Oscar Winner actress Lupita Nyong’o is marvelous in this chess movie out of Uganda.

Gael Garcia Bernal
(Mexico)

Desierto

Mexico

Closing Night Film, LAFF
(2016)

Gael Garcia Bernal is a natural playing this desperate young man who needs to cross the desert to reunite with his son. The drama of the immigrants will take global dimensions of today’s refugee crisis.

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Neruda: The Runaway Poet

By José Alberto Hermosillo

“Neruda” is a cinematic work of art, blending poetry, temperament, and passion, featuring a fantastic cast and beautiful Chilean scenery. It is the perfect antihero movie.

 

In “Neruda,” we learn that Chilean poet and politician Pablo Neruda wrote his famous “Love Poems” in the same romantic style shown in the Italian Academy Award-winning film “Il Postino.”

 

We didn’t know that Pablo also expressed his people’s suffering in his “other poetry,” leaving an indelible mark on social justice. His poems served as a patriotic manifesto against the Chilean government, making him Public Enemy Number One.

The complex script of “Neruda” skillfully distinguishes fiction from reality, aiming to spark controversy over Chile’s identity and history.

 

The film begins suddenly and somewhat awkwardly with a lively discussion about Pablo Neruda’s bourgeois lifestyle and the accusations of treason from members of his own Communist Party in 1948.

While trying to defend himself, actor Luis Gnecco portrays Pablo Neruda’s less-than-charismatic side. He strips away the poet’s image as a saint, hero, or demigod, revealing him as a human being made of flesh and bone.

 

Even more surprisingly, the audience will encounter a very raw, honest, and sometimes grotesque Pablo Neruda who believes he is above everyone, including himself.

 

At one point in his life, he had to learn a crucial lesson: humility.

A few minutes into the film, investigator Oscar Peluchonneau, played by seasoned Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal, starts narrating the poet’s terrible persecution.

The stunning cinematography by Sergio Armstrong (“No,” “The Club”) begins its dramatic progression with the significance of colors. The palette of “Neruda” evolves beautifully. The contrast of colors can be seen in the dark brown lobby of the Chilean Congress, in the city’s bright yellow, and in the sepia tones of the countryside. Toward the climax, the film shifts to a deep blue, almost purple, representing the port exteriors. The cinematography complements the story’s resolution, which is more lavish with the bright white light of the snow and the vibrant colors of Neruda’s exile in Paris.

Neruda’s wife is portrayed by Mercedes Morán as an upper-class Argentine woman who cleverly says, “Communists hate to work, but they love to burn down churches, and that makes them feel alive.”

 

The film’s editing could be improved. Its rough start makes it difficult to identify whether the main character, the investigator, or Pablo Neruda will be the focus.

 

As the film progresses with the poet’s writings, poems, and lyrics, it becomes stronger as the script sharpens. The talented cast develops their characters meaningfully throughout.

 

“Chile has no freedom of speech---” was a declaration of war from Pablo to the government. He even went further, calling President Gonzalez Videla a traitor.

 

The film also touches on the concentration camps in Chile, where members of the Communist Party, students, and opponents were imprisoned.

 

These were the “Desaparecidos,” the hundreds who disappeared without a trace at the hands of the government. Augusto Pinochet managed one of these camps and later became Chile’s dictator.

“Neruda” features a noir style seen in the chase between the desperate investigator and the sneaky poet.

 

This biopic of the award-winning Chilean poet takes a similar approach to Michael Mann’s crime drama “Heat.” The difference is that “Neruda” depicts a thinking fugitive who is unaware of any crime, other than fighting for his right to free speech.

Pablo Larrain, photo by José Alberto Hermosillo, Festival in LA, ©2016

Academy Award-nominated director Pablo Larrain (“No,” “Tony Manero,” “Jackie,” “The Club”) spoke at the AFI FEST presented by Audi 2016 in Los Angeles, saying: “You cannot put Neruda in a box. You cannot describe him as smart, educated, and distinguished because he was someone larger-than-life.”

 

Larrain added, “It’s complicated to put poetry in cinema. Poets describe our society as it is.”

Pablo Larrain, photo by José Alberto Hermosillo, Festival in LA, ©2016

Pablo and his brother, producer Juan de Dios Larrain, created a remarkable film.

 

With “Neruda” and “Jackie,” the Larrain brothers craft magic on screen.

The Chilean official entry for the Academy Awards for best foreign language film takes viewers on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Chile, its ports and cities, and the Andes region of “Mapuche.”

In the last confrontation between Pablo and the investigator, he compares himself to Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo.

Pablo Larrain, director, José Alberto Hermosillo, film critic, Festival in LA, ©2016

The film’s charm emerges when Pablo writes letters and verses about how deeply each character is affected by his life and by his escape from Chile.

 

In a final letter, Neruda describes real-life events that are about to happen. These words would have more meaning if those situations were part of one of his novels, including the fate of his loyal wife and the stubborn detective who followed him to the “end of the world,” literally.

 

The Nobel Prize-winning poet was the one who enamored women and broke their hearts.

 

Pablo Neruda helped break down the walls of hate and abuse of power in Chile. He continued his fight through his writings from exile in France and Italy, using words that gave hope to the people of Chile during the darkest moments of the country’s history. 

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Copyright © Festival in LA, 2016

Latino Filmmakers Flex Their Muscle at AFI FEST 2016

By José Alberto Hermosillo, 

AFI FEST. Photo by Jose Alberto Hermosillo © Festival in LA 2016

Prominent Latino filmmakers and auteurs will have an opportunity to get some exposure at the most prestigious film festival in Los Angeles, the AFI Fest 2016 presented by Audi.

Local movie fans are eager to see those productions made by the talented Latino filmmakers and maybe one of them could follow the steps of the “The Three Amigos,” the Mexican directors who had won the Oscar for best director the past three years in a row (Alfonso Cuarón (One for "Gravity") and Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Two, the first one for "Birdman" and the second for "The Revenant")).

Pablo Larrain, Director of "Jackie" and"Neruda." Photo by Jose Alberto Hermosillo © Festival in LA, 2016 

This year, Chilean Director Pablo Larrain may have a good shot for his astonishing production of “Jackie,” scheduled to have its Hollywood premiere in one of the festival's galas.

The films representing Latinos in the AFI Fest 2016 are excellent and those will be showcased during the festival for your consideration:

From Chile; Pablo Larraín with two amazing projects this year: “Jackie” with Nathalie Portman. A biopic that is getting the Oscar buzz for best actress. This big production will have a special red carpet treatment with a Center Gala during the festival. 

“Neruda” is the official Chilean entry for the Academy Awards 2017 for Best Foreign Film and will have two screenings during the festival. 

The story is about the poet and activist Pablo Neruda (Luis Gnecco) and his Argentinean wife Delia Del Carril (Mercedes Morán), members of the Communist Party trying to escape from the political turmoil of Chile, while the police officer Oscar Peluchonneau (Gael Garcia Bernal) hunts them down.

Pedro Almodóvar, Director of "Julieta." Photo by Jose Alberto Hermosillo © Festival in LA, 2016 

From Spain; Pedro Almodóvar and his “Julieta,” as the official Spanish entry for the Academy Awards 2017 for Best Foreign Film. 

The latest production of the Spanish prolific director deals with two women and the love that never dies. The film it has gotten great reviews since it premiered at Cannes earlier this year.

Amat Escalante, Venice International Film Festival

From Mexico; the winner of Best Director at the Venice International Film Festival, Amat Escalante, and his highly praised work “The Untamed/La Región Salvaje.” Escalante also won the best director award at Cannes for his previous film “Heli.”(The Mexican director is one of the four directors who had won both film festivals in history).

“The Untamed” is an intense drama that brakes the taboos of pure sexual gratification in a country where every desire is forbidden. This film is worth to see it with an open mind as every work done by Escalante.

Also from Mexico and Poland; "Panamerican Machinery," a murder-mystery drama where the generous boss of a factory gets killed. The workers have to change themselves to keep their jobs. This is the Opera Prima of Joaquín del Paso.

From Brazil; “Kill Me, Please/Mata-Me, Por favor.” Directed by Anita Rocha da Silveira. A terrific horror-thriller full of contrasts in the modernized and still marginalized skirts of Rio. In this exuberant and strange place, young girls obsessed with sex dream about their first love. The reality will hit them only when they get close to becoming victims of a serial killer on the loose.

From Argentina; comes the Award Winner for best picture at the Locarno International Film Festival “The Future Perfect/El Futuro Perfecto” directed by a German-Argentinian filmmaker Nele Wohlatz.

From Colombia; “Oscuro Animal” is the Opera Prima directed by Felipe Guerrero. This must-see film is a story that follows three young women caught up in the middle of the “guerrilla” time, where they deal with pain and hope for a better life. 

From the USA; An intense metaphysical thriller titled “Busters Mal Heart” where Remi Malek plays a Latino character split into two worlds, one is a fugitive semi-God on the loose and the other a hard worker, religious family man. The film gets intense when both storylines are getting close to each other. Do not miss it!

AFI Fest. Photo by Jose Alberto Hermosillo © Festival in LA, 2016

AFI FEST 2016 presented by Audi screens 118 movies from 46 countries. 

AFI Fest gives Angelinos the unique opportunity to be in contact with great directors, celebrities; and to watch many films from around the world for free; also we can see excellent documentaries, wonderful independent films, shorts, and the much expected Hollywood big premieres, many of those movies will transcend into the Award Season big time.

Link to the: AFI FEST FILM GUIDE

AFI FEST 2016 Trailer # 3 (Ida Lupino)

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2016 Festival in LA