BELatina’s Weekend Recap: Oscars, Taylor Hawkins, And More

Photo courtesy of BELatina
Photo courtesy of BELatina

Happy Monday, BELatina!

We start the week with historic images from the 94th Academy Awards, where Latinos shined like never before, even if a slap in the face (cough, Will Smith, cough) marked the night.

From the Oscars to the unfortunate death of Taylor Hawkins, these are the most important news of the weekend.

First Lady Jill Biden Speaks Directly to Latinos in Denver

Weekend Jill Biden Latinos BELatina Latinx
Photo courtesy of CBS.

Leaders from all levels of government, including First Lady Jill Biden, visited the Community College of Denver on Saturday to speak to Colorado’s Latino community. They wanted to let them know they have untapped potential to help Colorado move forward.

“You, the Latino community of Denver, matters to President Biden,” the First Lady told the crowd.

She said that despite the challenges Latinos face in the United States, they play an essential role not only today but in the future of the nation. She also said the U.S. government is listening to what help leaders, current and future, may need to succeed.

“To lift up the Latino community and bring you to the table,” she said.

Latinos shine at the Academy Awards

Numerous global celebrities graced the red carpet at the 94th Academy Awards, and the Latino community stood out among them. Puerto Rico, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, and more countries had their representatives at the most important awards of the film industry. Rita Moreno, Wilmer Valderrama, Stephanie Beatriz, and more were present.

But not only did they have a presence on the carpet; they also stood out in the nominations, as 14 Latinos appeared in the different categories.

Ariana DeBose becomes the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award

Ariana DeBose won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of “West Side Story.” It is her first Academy Award. The result was expected but no less historic, as the 31-year-old actress became the second Latina to win an Oscar. The first was Rita Moreno, who won in 1962 for the same role in the original film version. DeBose is also the first openly queer star to win an acting Oscar.

‘Encanto’ Wins Best Animated Movie

Disney’s “Encanto” won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 2022 Academy Awards, beating out competition from “Luca,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Flee,” and “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.” One of the film’s producers, Yvett Merino, also made history as the first Latina to win an Oscar for an animated feature.

During her acceptance speech, Merino said: “I am so proud to be a part of a film that puts beautiful, diverse characters in front and center, and that people everywhere are seeing themselves in the film.”

And “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” conquers hearts

America’s No. 1 song hits the stage at the 94th Academy Awards with a stunning performance and an unexpected twist. “Encanto’s” hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” brought Latin magic to the Oscars with a remix poised to break records.

Rhenzy Feliz, Stephanie Beatriz, Adassa, Mauro Castillo, Carolina Gaitan, and Diane Guerrero welcomed rapper Megan Thee Stallion and singers Becky G and Luis Fonsi in an incredible rendition of the song.

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dies at age 50

Taylor Hawkins BELatina Latinx
Photo courtesy of the New York Times.

Taylor Hawkins, the forceful and charismatic drummer for Foo Fighters, the enduring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band that has won 12 Grammys and released seven platinum albums, has died at age 50.

A statement posted on the band’s social networks late Friday and sent by his representative confirmed the death. According to Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office, Hawkins was staying at a hotel in northern Bogota, where the band was scheduled to play a concert Friday night. The office said preliminary tests showed that Mr. Hawkins had several substances in his system, including opioids, marijuana, and benzodiazepines; the cause of death was still under investigation.

El Salvador decrees a state of emergency

El Salvador BELatina Latinx
Photo courtesy of AP.

At the request of President Nayib Bukele, the Salvadoran Congress decreed a state of emergency on Sunday to combat a wave of gang-related murders recorded over the weekend.

On Friday, 14 homicides were recorded, according to official figures, while Saturday became the most violent day so far this year, with 62 homicides in 12 of the country’s 14 departments, a level of violence not seen in several years.

In the entire month of February 2022, 79 homicides were registered, according to official figures.

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