In The Community
One of the few remaining stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer who has greatly inspired many Latinos. As an immigrant who landed in New York City when she was 5 years old, Moreno embodies the “American dream” because she overcame her humble beginnings and continuous racism in the industry to become a highly accomplished Latina actress in Hollywood.
Starring on Broadway and London’s West End, appearing in over 40 films and even more TV shows, and performing in many regional theaters, Moreno has cemented her place in the industry. Every step of the way, she has been fighting for Latino representation and she continues to do so to this day. At the age of 92, Moreno is still working, continuing her career of over 8 decades.
EGOT Status: a Rare Achievement
Perhaps one of the star’s biggest accomplishments is her EGOT status. Only 19 people have achieved this highly-coveted honor in the entire history of Hollywood and Moreno is the only Latina on the list. But is she recognized for it as much as she should? Is Rita Moreno considered a legend by the Hollywood elite? Well, you likely didn’t know about her EGOT status before this, and that already says a lot about how highlighted she has been by the powers that be.
But what does EGOT status even mean? It refers to the accomplishment of winning the 4 most important American entertainment awards. Namely, the Emmy, the Grammy, the Oscar, and the Tony. The term “EGOT” was coined by actor Philip Michael Thomas in the 80s and it’s one of the most prestigious accomplishments in the entertainment industry.
Rita Moreno’s EGOT Journey
Achieving EGOT status is a huge deal because it means that your talent goes beyond a single field. Rita Moreno is a great example of that. Her first win on the EGOT journey was the Oscar in 1961 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “West Side Story.” A fun act about this is that she gave one of the shortest acceptance speeches in the history of the ceremony, simply saying, “I can’t believe it! Good Lord! I leave you with that.” Why was her speech so short? Because she decided she wouldn’t thank anyone. In a New York Times interview, she said, “I remember thinking very clearly, ‘Do not thank anyone.’ They didn’t give you the part as a favor. They were forced to give it to you because you did the best screen test.”
In 1972, Moreno took home a Grammy for Best Recording for Children, as the category was named at that time. She won this award for the cast recording of the PBS TV show called “The Electric Company.” Then, 3 years later, Moreno won a Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play for playing Googie Gomez in “The Ritz,” a play that was later turned into a movie where she was featured in the same role. Lastly, in 1977, Rita Moreno completed her EGOT by receiving an Emmy for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for her work on “The Muppet Show.”
Why Isn’t Rita Moreno a Hollywood Legend?
To say that Rita Moreno is an obscure figure in the industry wouldn’t be accurate, but the fact is that her accomplishments haven’t been as lauded as those of her fellow actors. Think of names that are often highlighted from Hollywood’s Golden Age, such as Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and many others. Rita Moreno should be on that list. So why isn’t she? Well, it may have something to do with the fact that immediately after winning her Oscar in 1961, she retired from Hollywood for 7 years.
That’s extremely odd because winning an Academy Award would launch anyone’s career into the stratosphere, especially if they’re so talented. Not for Latinos, though. From the get-go, Moreno was typecast into stereotypical ethnic or sexualized parts, as is often the case for Latinos in the industry. She fought that every step of the way, but the roles offered to her were often of illiterate or immoral characters, men’s playthings, and stereotyped, racist versions of Native Americans, Egyptians, Polynesians, and more.
Despite humiliations, she continued building her career, finally landing her breakout role in “West Side Story.” However, that didn’t change things for her. After her Oscar win, she was exclusively offered the same roles as before, so Moreno decided enough was enough. That’s when she pivoted to theater, TV, one-woman shows, and activism, fighting for Latino and women’s rights.
Eventually, she went back to Hollywood in 1968 and starred in “The Night of the Following Day.” Despite Hollywood’s best efforts, Rita Moreno has built a solid career and, at the age of 92, she’s still going strong. That doesn’t take away from the fact that she was robbed of the opportunity to become a household name. One has to wonder… What would’ve happened if Rita Moreno had been given the opportunities reserved for white actors at the time?
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Ready to step up your game night with some Latino creativity? If you're tired of the same old games and looking to add a little cultura to your gathering, we've got you covered. We put together the best board games created by Latinos that are sure to bring laughter and competition to your party.
Grab your amigos, your favorite snacks, and dive into the world of Latino-inspired board games.
Get Loud: A Bilingual Guessing Game That Gets the Party Pumping
https://tragosgame.com/products/get-loud-english-spanish-word-game
If you're looking to turn up the volume and get everyone involved, Get Loud is the game for you. This competitive bilingual guessing game is a blend of Taboo and charades, pero with a Latino twist. It's available in both English and Spanish, making it perfect for sharing la cultura with friends of all backgrounds.
From national dishes to celebrities, this game covers it all. Whether you're acting out words or describing them, you'll be laughing and cheering as you race against the clock. So, gather your crew, get those vocal cords ready, and let the guessing game begin.
Millennial Lotería: Revamped Traditions for a New Generation
https://millennialloteria.com/
First up, we've got a game that's like Lotería's cool younger cousin – Millennial Lotería. This modern twist on the classic "Mexican Bingo" brings the nostalgia of Lotería but with a millennial twist. Say goodbye to boring numbers, and say hello to images and words like "la student debt" and "el brunch." It's a party game that pays homage to Latino culture while keeping it fresh for the new generation.
Created by the talented Mike Alfaro, this game is a celebration of both tradition and modernity. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to yell "Yaaaaasssssssssss, Millennial Lotería!" when they win? So, order it online, porque, you know, millennials and their online shopping.Tragos: Cheers to Shared Traditions and Unforgettable Nights
https://tragosgame.com/
Now, let's raise our glasses to Tragos, the ultimate party game that's made for Latinos, by Latinos. This game taps into the cultural bonds that unite us and turns them into a night of laughter and camaraderie. Think of it as a drinking game that's packed with Latino references, dares, trivia, and more. The rules are simple – pick a card, follow the instructions, and let the fun flow
Whether you're challenging your amigos to a drinking duel or sharing some puro fun with a trivia round, Tragos guarantees a night to remember. Created by Carolina Acosta and John Lim, this game is all about celebrating our roots while making new memories. Order it now!
Amigas Circle: Real Talk with Your Girl Squad
https://weallgrowlatina.com/
Let's switch gears to something a bit more chill but equally amazing – Amigas Circles. Think of it as your perfect excuse to gather the squad, whether it’s for a cozy night in or a lazy afternoon hangout. These cards are packed with questions that touch on everything from your wildest dreams to those oh-so-relatable Latina experiences, all courtesy of We All Grow Latina.
So, next time you and your amigas are looking for something to do, forget the usual Netflix binge and dive into Amigas Circles instead. It’s about getting real, laughing till your stomach hurts, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. Because at the end of the day, it’s those moments of genuine connection that you’ll remember the most. Get yours here.
Latino Card Revoked: A Hilarious Tribute to Latino Culture
https://cardsforallpeople.com/collections/latino-card-revoked
Last but not least, we've got Latino Card Revoked, a trivia game that's as hilarious as it is informative. Created by comedians Glorelys Mora and Tori Pool, this game is a test of your Latino knowledge. If you can't answer the questions, you might just need your Latino card revoked!
It's a light-hearted way to learn more about our diverse culture while sharing plenty of laughs. With questions that cover everything from Latino history to pop culture, this game is a reminder that our stories and experiences are worth celebrating. Get yours here!
Preguntas Bilingual Conversation: Heartfelt Convos, Bilingual Style.
https://hijadetumadre.com/
Alright, amigas, get ready for Preguntas, the card game that’s like the heart-to-heart you didn’t know you needed, mixed with all the flavor of our bilingual lives.
Crafted with love by the brains at Hijas De Tu Madre, Preguntas offers a mix of questions that’ll have you sharing stories, debating dilemmas, and laughing over memories in both English and Spanish. It’s the perfect way to bridge generations, cultures, and amigos who might not share the same first language but definitely share the same sense of humor.
Preguntas is your go-to for a night filled with laughter and a few "I can’t believe you just said that" moments. Pick up your deck and let the questions lead the way to deeper connections.
These board games are more than just a way to pass the time – they're a celebration of our cultura, our traditions, and the joy of coming together. Let the games begin!
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ORIGIN, the highly acclaimed film, directed by Ava DuVernay, hit theaters across the nation on January 19th. The movie is based on the book “Caste” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson.
ORIGIN isn't your typical Hollywood-backed movie. After being rejected by film studios after the movie was deemed too risky of an investment, DuVernay turned to social justice funders to make the film a reality. With support from a large list of foundations, including the Ford Foundation, Emerson Collective, Pop Culture Collaborative, and other philanthropists, the film marks a turning point for independent films that break free from the dependency of major studio funders.
What studios deemed risky has now been recognized by movie critics as a bold and powerful cinematic experience.
From Pages to Screen: What's the movie about?
In “Caste”, Wilkerson draws clear links between systemic racism against the Black community in the United States and similar structures worldwide. The genesis of this book was shaped by the verdict in the tragic killing of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African-American teenager, in 2012.
The task of bringing “Caste” to life on the screen is formidable, given its complex and profound nature. Ava DuVernay, an acclaimed film director, had no doubts about taking on the challenge.
DuVernay made history as the first African American woman to snag the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival for “Middle of Nowhere.” Her noteworthy contributions extend to “Selma,” earning her a Golden Globe nomination, and the documentary “13th,” which received an Academy Award nomination. "13th" explores the complexities of the prison system and the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States.
In the film ORIGIN, DuVernay looks into the complex themes laid out by Wilkerson. Drawing parallels between the experiences of dehumanization suffered by diverse communities: from the Dalits in colonial India to African Americans in the Jim Crow South. The film also looks at the struggles of Jews, people of color, members of the queer community, those with diverse gender identities, and people with disabilities during the Nazi era.
Oscar-nominated actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor takes on the role of Isabel, portraying a protagonist embarking on a global quest for the truth behind racialized supremacy
Funding Against the Odds
Instead of relying on the support of big studios, DuVernay teamed up with philanthropists, including the Ford Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, Emerson Collective, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Pop Culture Collaborative, and other organizations.
DuVernay and her team nailed it with this strategy. They managed to secure enough funds for the film, and the best part was that her sponsors gave her full artistic freedom. DuVernay, along with her cast and crew, consisting of both professionals and community members from three different continents, wrapped up the shoot in a mere 37 days.
ORIGIN made its debut at the 80th Venice Film Festival in September 2023 and was nominated for the Golden Lion award. During the premiere, the audience showed their admiration for the film with a nine-minute standing ovation. Since then, the movie has received various awards and nominations, including the Visionary Award at the Virginia Film Festival.
A Weekend at the Movies
Thanks to an anonymous donor, all tickets in select cities for the screenings on Saturday, January 20th at 10:30 a.m. are free.You can grab your ticket by clicking here.
Join the discussion on social media using #Movt4Origin and #OriginMovie hashtags.
ORIGINS (PG-13) is showing nationwide in select cites and contains thematic material involving racism, violence, some disturbing images, profanity and smoking. The movie runs 135 minutes.