SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Grammy Awards press release) - Critically acclaimed comedian and actor
George Lopez will host the 5th Annual Latin Grammy Awards telecast, it was announced today by the Latin Recording Academy.
The show will be broadcast on Sept. 1, 2004, on the CBS Television Network at 8-10 p.m. (ET/PT) from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
"George's ability to host last year's Latin show with the perfect blend of his own style, attitude and hilarity helped make the show one of the highest rated in its history," said Gabriel Abaroa, President of the Latin Recording Academy. "I am truly honored that
George has agreed to return for this great musical event -- we can't wait to see what he has in store for our diverse audience."
Lopez is one of the premier comedic talents in the entertainment industry today. He is the co-creator, writer, producer and star of the hit ABC sitcom "George Lopez." A multifaceted talent, Lopez has earned kudos for his performances in the films "Real Women Have Curves" and "Bread And Roses." Lopez begins filming a Christmas movie for ABC in late June. He embarked on a 30-city tour of his Grammy-nominated CD Team Leader in May of this year. Lopez's just-released Simon and Schuster autobiography "Why You Crying?" has already debuted on the New York Times best-seller list and the "Why You Crying" comedy special for Showtime garnered spectacular ratings. Lopez hosted the 4th Annual Latin Grammy Awards from Miami in 2003.
Lopez devotes much of his time to the community, including acting as a spokesperson for high-profile charities and foundations like the LAPD's Stop the Violence program.
In March 2004, Lopez received the Harvard Foundation's Artist of the Year and Humanitarian award. He has received the National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award, the Manny Mota Foundation Community Spirit Award, and was named Honorary Mayor of Los Angeles for his extensive fundraising efforts benefiting earthquake victims in El Salvador and Guatemala. Lopez's own charity, the George & Ann Lopez-Richie Alarcon Care Foundation, provides significant community and arts resources for education.
The 5th Annual Latin Grammy Awards are produced by Cossette Productions. Pierre and John Cossette are executive producers; Ken Ehrlich is producer; Walter Miller is producer/director; and Tisha Fein is coordinating producer.
The telecast will be distributed internationally to more than 100 countries. Nominations for the 5th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will be announced July 14.
The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin Grammy Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, the Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community.
