Carlos Ponce Receives Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Latino Media and Digital Storytelling

October 2nd, 2025 10:50 AM
By: Newsworthy Staff

Actor and producer Carlos Ponce is being honored with the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award for his three-decade entertainment career and innovative work with Minivela, the first U.S. Hispanic micro-shorts platform that's transforming Latino storytelling.

Carlos Ponce Receives Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Latino Media and Digital Storytelling

The Georgia Latino International Film Festival will honor Carlos Ponce with the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award during its Opening Night Gala at the Fox Theatre on October 2, 2025. The award recognizes Ponce's groundbreaking contributions to film, television, and music, his philanthropic impact, and his latest entrepreneurial venture, Minivela—the first U.S. Hispanic micro-shorts platform that is redefining Latino storytelling for the digital age. Jose Marquez, CEO of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, stated that Ponce embodies the pioneering spirit that this award celebrates, noting that like Pepe Serna, he has opened doors for generations of Latino artists while remaining deeply committed to his community.

With Minivela, Ponce is extending his legacy while empowering a new generation of Latino filmmakers to tell authentic stories in innovative ways. Ponce's career spans more than three decades, establishing him as one of the most beloved Latino entertainers worldwide. He began in the early 1990s as host of the Spanish-language variety show Control and progressed to starring roles in telenovelas, Hollywood films, and hit series including Santa Diabla, Couples Retreat, 7th Heaven, and Beverly Hills, 90210. His voice acting credits include animated favorites like Rio and Ice Age: Collision Course.

As a music artist, Ponce's 1998 debut album went Double Platinum, topping the Latin Billboard charts. Over the years, he has released six albums, won Best Pop Album in 1999, and recorded multiple chart-topping singles, including Disney's "Bella Notte" for Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure. Beyond entertainment, Ponce maintains a strong commitment to philanthropy, supporting initiatives in education, children's health, and cultural development, establishing himself as both a role model and humanitarian.

Minivela, Ponce's newest venture, represents a groundbreaking platform for Latino micro-shorts. To showcase its impact, the festival will screen two of his latest Minivela productions: El Clavito—a prestige micro short making waves across the festival circuit—and Cholita Takes L.A.—a breakout cultural comedy-drama blending indigenous heritage and modern urban flair. These screenings highlight Minivela's mission to amplify Latino voices in film while building an ecosystem for emerging creators. The platform's content is available on YouTube and across social media channels.

Previous recipients of the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award include Pepe Serna himself, comedy icon Paul Rodriguez, and other cultural figures who have helped reshape Latino media and storytelling worldwide. The award ceremony will bring together filmmakers, artists, and community leaders to celebrate Ponce's artistry, philanthropy, and pioneering role with Minivela. The Georgia Latino Film Festival, hosted by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, highlights Latino-directed, produced, and acted films from Georgia and beyond while elevating independent filmmakers and offering educational programs to empower the next generation of storytellers.

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