The Imagen Awards are administered by the Imagen Foundation, an
organization dedicated to "encouraging and recognizing the positive
portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment industry." To be considered
for an Imagen Award, a media piece or person must go through an entry
process. Helen Hernandez is president of the Imagen Foundation.In
1983, H met with prolific television writer and producer Norman Lear.
"Lear was acutely aware of the near absence of positive portrayals of
Latinos in the entertainment industry and understood the importance of
positive images. The two met with leaders of the National Conference
for Community and Justice, a respected non-sectarian human relations
organization committed to fighting prejudice and racial tensions".In
1983, H met with prolific television writer and producer Norman Lear.
"Lear was acutely aware of the near absence of positive portrayals of
Latinos in the entertainment industry and understood the importance of
positive images. The two met with leaders of the National Conference
for Community and Justice, a respected non-sectarian human relations
organization committed to fighting prejudice and racial tensions".The
result was the Imagen Foundation Awards competition (or Imagen
Awards), established in 1985.Past honorees include such entertainment
industry professionals as Andy García, Antonio Banderas, Phil Roman,
Edward James Olmos, Bill Meléndez, Rita Moreno, Jennifer Lopez, and
Héctor Elizondo. Imagen Awards Top Movies & Young Movies