by Tracie Morales
Salma Hayek
LATINA POWERHOUSE:
Academy Award nominee Salma Hayek will head Ventanazul, a film company devoted to bringing Latino-themed works to the screen. She will partner with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., and serve as the company’s president and CEO.
The venture is targeted to bring more Latino-inspired films to the silver screen. Ventanazul plans to release between two and four films a year. The films will have a Latino twist that carry mass appeal in 5a variety of genres including dramas, comedies and thrillers.
AMÉRICA THE BEAUTIFUL:
In W magazine’s May issue, actress América Ferrera says she won’t fall prey to the weight-obsessed pressures of Hollywood. The Ugly Betty star, who won a Golden Globe in January for her performance in the ABC comedy, revealed that eating disorders and exercise obsessions are not her style. The actress of Honduran descent said, “There are times when I go to the gym and really try, and there are times when I just don’t. I gain a pound; I lose a pound. I think I’ve developed a really good sense of when I’m doing something for myself as opposed to when I’m doing something because of other people’s expectations of me.”
América Ferrera
AMERICA SAYS “VOTE”:
Here’s another Ferrera tidbit. The actress has joined the nonpartisan campaign, Declare Yourself, to urge eligible 18-year-olds to vote during the 2008 presidential election. Ferrera is the latest addition to a slew of young celebrities and multi-media outlets supporting the campaign. For information visit www.declareyourself.com.
ENRIQUE RETURNS:
Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias is back after three years of soul-searching and sleep deprivation in his latest album Insomniac. It’s scheduled for release June 12. The pop singer said the musical venture has kept him working at night, sleeping during the day and globetrotting to Sweden, Miami and Los Angeles. The album features 12 songs in English and three in Spanish. The first singles, Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song) in English and Dímelo in Spanish, will air next week.
LOOKING FOR LAUGHS?
Well, look no more. The George López Show debuts its complete first and second season on DVD April 17. It contains 28 episodes and additional footage. The ABC hit comedy is in its sixth season, airing Wednesdays at (8/7c).
MUST SEE TV:
The 2007 Billboard Latin Music Awards air live April 28 on Telemundo. Among nominees are Shakira, Maná, Aventure and RBD. For a complete list, visit www.telemundomv.com.
Hispanic Link.
