Spanish in Hollywood
Discover how Spanish speakers have been present throughout the history of Hollywood, and the influence of Spanish in the American film industry.
Claqueta de cineFundación Antonio de Nebrija
When you think of Hollywood, the mecca of cinema, or when you hear about the Oscars, the most coveted awards in the industry, great American productions will likely come to mind.
Cámara en producción cinematográficaFundación Antonio de Nebrija
Of course, English dominates the film industry and the United States leads film production globally.
Letras de Hollywood en Los ÁngelesFundación Antonio de Nebrija
Are you ready to be surprised?
You are probably not aware of the great influence and presence that Spanish has in the world of American cinema.
Retrato de Antonio Moreno (1920)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija
1. First appearances in Hollywood
Spanish actor Antonio Moreno was born in 1887 and moved to the United States at the age of 14. Considered the first "Latin lover," he came to Hollywood and appeared in films such as IT (1927) with Clara Bow.
Réplica de la estatuilla de los Premios ÓscarFundación Antonio de Nebrija
2. An influence at the Oscars
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards or Oscars have been held since May 1929. It seems that the famous and coveted statuette was inspired by a Spanish-speaking actor and director: the Mexican Emilio Fernández, El Indio.
Lloyd Corrigan y José Ferrer en Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija
3. The first Latino to win an Oscar
José Ferrer, from Puerto Rico, won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the film Cyrano de Bergerac in 1951, becoming the first Latino to win an Oscar in the history of these awards.
Retrado de Anthony Quinn (1955)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija
4. The first Latino to conquer Broadway
Mexican actor Anthony Quinn (1915-2001) shot to fame when director Elia Kazan gave him the starring role in the Broadway stage adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire, where he replaced Marlon Brando. He made almost 150 films and won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor.
Retrato promocional de Dolores del Río (1961)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija
5. The first Latina on the Walk of Fame
Dolores del Río (1904-1983), from Mexico, was the first Spanish speaker to triumph in Hollywood between the 1920s and 1930s. Her career set a precedent for Latina actresses: she starred in 34 films in Hollywood and was recognized with a star on the Walk of Fame.
6. The first film in Spanish to win an Oscar
Volver a empezar, by José Luis Garci from Madrid, was the first film in Spanish to win the statuette in 1983. Garci is the Spanish director with the most Oscar nominations.
Pedro Pascal at San Diego Comic Con International (2017)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija
7. From supporting roles to leading roles
The representation of Hispanic culture in Hollywood productions, as well as the roles to which Spanish-speaking actors have access, have evolved and moved away from stereotypes, allowing them to become established in the sector and favoring their promotion and fame throughout the world.
Penélope Cruz accepts the Oscar® for Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." (2009)Original Source: A.M.P.A.S.
8. The first Spanish-speaking woman to win an Oscar
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz won in 2009 in the category of Best Supporting Actress for her role in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Pedro Almodóvar at Premios Goya 2017 (2017)Fundación Antonio de Nebrija
9. The Pedro Almodóvar phenomenon
Almodóvar has won two Oscars for films produced entirely in a Spanish-speaking country (Spain), and was the first Spanish-language screenwriter to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Talk to Her in 2002.
10. The first "masterpiece" film in Spanish
Roma (2018), a Mexican production, won Best Foreign Film and Best Photography at the 2019 Oscars, and Alfonso Cuarón also won the award for Best Director. This was the first film in Spanish to be nominated for Best Picture.
Equipo de producción de cineFundación Antonio de Nebrija
These are just some of the milestones of the Spanish language in the history of cinema. The presence of Spanish-speaking actors, actresses, producers, scriptwriters, directors, make-up artists, photographers... has been on the rise in recent years.
Tras las cámaras en programa en directoFundación Antonio de Nebrija
The Spanish-speaking world is an indispensable component and a fundamental ally in international film production. The size of the Spanish-speaking community in the United States is also an important factor and already has a great influence on the world of American cinema.
This article is based on information from the official website of The Academy Awards, as well as articles published by The Hispanic Council, Forbes México y Francisco Peredo Castro.
Content curation: Aina Arbona
Graphic Editor: Carmen García
Consulting and review: Lola Pons (Universidad de Sevilla)
