It’s the ultimate prize in Hollywood: the Oscar. Granted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the coveted Academy Award statuettes have been doled out annually since 1929 as an award “of merit for distinctive achievement" in the industry. But it wasn’t until nearly 20 years later that the first Latino earned an Academy Award nomination.
Since then though, more than 100 Latinos in the film industry have had a date with Oscar, with many of them – like José Ferrer, Rita Moreno and Javier Bardem – even getting to take the statuette home. As this year’s nominees are announced, including a first-time nod for costume designer Paco Delgado, here’s a comprehensive look at the history of Latinos and the Academy Awards!
It’s no wonder José Ferrer’s life and accomplishments have been commemorated on a First-Class Forever stamp by the U.S. Postal Service as part of its Distinguished Americans stamp series. The Puerto Rican actor was the first Latino to win an Academy Award. Ferrer, a three-time nominee, lost in his first at-bat (Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the weak-willed Dauphin opposite Ingrid Bergman in Joan of Arc in 1948) before taking home the Best Actor prize for his performance in the title role of Cyrano de Bergerac, which earned him a Tony Award after first playing the role on Broadway in 1946. To honor his roots, he donated his Oscar to the University of Puerto Rico.
Best Supporting Actor, Joan of Arc, 21st Academy Awards, Nominated
Best Actor, Cyrano de Bergerac, 23rd Academy Awards, Won
Best Actor, Moulin Rouge, 25th Academy Awards, Nominated
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