Our Shining Moments of the Decade

Sittin’ Pretty

Ugly Betty, a groundbreaking ABC comedy executive produced by Salma Hayek, Silvio Horta, Ben Silverman, Jose Tamez and Joel Fields, is based on the immensely popular Colombian telenovela Betty le fea. Although the show has been adapted around the world, the American version, which premiered in Sept. ’06, has proven to be one of the most successful. Audiences are drawn to the themes of culture, identity and misguided beauty standards. The characters are dealing with real life issues—homosexuality, maintaining their ethnic backgrounds in a whitewashed world, cultural status and power dynamics in an office setting. The success of the show comes with its ability to entertain and teach at the same time. The show, starring America Ferrera, has won numerous awards, including two Golden Globes (for Best Leading Actress in a Comedy Series" (Ferrera) and Best Comedy Series), a SAG Award, a Peabody and several Almas.