On Monday night, actor Esai Morales took center stage at the Aspen Institute Latinx & Society Program Celebration, fighting back tears as he reflected on a 40-year journey in Hollywood rooted in resilience, cultural pride and authenticity.
The award-winning actor, known for his roles in films such as “La Bamba” and “Bad Boys,” and television series such as “Ozark,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Criminal Minds,” was joined by legendary musician Pepe Aguilar to receive Variety’s Changemaker Award, which recognizes Hispanic and Latino icons shaping the future of film, television, and music.
“We have a lot in common,” Morales said in a conversation moderated by Variety’s awards editor Clayton Davis. “Sometimes we focus a little too much on our differences because we’re at odds with each other every day, and I don’t like that. The best thing we can do is accept each other and love each other.”
A video montage that preceded the award showed highlights of Morales’ career, including his latest role in Paramount Pictures’ Mission: Impossible: Reckoning and his upcoming role in Patrick Hughes’ sci-fi thriller War Machine. But it was his breakout performance in the 1983 film Bad Boys that launched his Hollywood career, a pivotal moment he almost gave up on.
“I went outside and pressed the down button on the elevator,” he recalled of nearly walking out of the audition after waiting several hours. “Something inside me said, ‘Go back. Don’t quit. Your mom didn’t raise you that way. You fight.'”
While accepting the honor, Morales expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to express his Puerto Rican and Caribbean roots on screen and for being embraced by the broader Latino community, particularly Mexican Americans. He called for unity among Latinos everywhere.
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A multi-Grammy Award and Latin Grammy Award-winning musician, Aguilar was also praised for his cultural influence and innovation in Latin music. With 35 albums under his belt, he is known for blending traditional Mexican music with modern sounds in hits such as “Prometiste,” “Tu Sangre En Mi Cuerpo,” and “Por Mujeres Como Tú.”
“It’s not hard for me to make an album, but it’s hard to stay true,” Aguilar said in a live video conversation from Mexico. “The industry wants to take you to places that maybe aren’t a good fit for you. I have to stay grounded and keep doing what I love, no matter what happens. That’s one of the hardest parts.”
Aguilar, who has celebrated Mexican folklore, mariachi and bomba for decades, spoke about the evolution of his relationship with music and how his passion has deepened over time.
“Music has been my partner in all my adventures, and it continues to be that way,” he said. “I enjoy making music, especially now that I understand that music is bigger than myself. This is the music I learned as a child. I adore and admire Mexican folklore music. At this stage in my life, I enjoy it more than ever.”
The gala, held in West Hollywood during Hispanic Heritage Month, commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Aspen Institute Latino & Society Program. The organization aims to highlight how Latinos in the United States are driving economic growth and influencing national policy.
Live entertainment was provided by Andy Abbado’s band The Blue Agave.
Other honorees included Natalie Reyes, former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, and Monica Lozano, co-founder and president of The Los Angeles Local. Both women were recognized for their leadership, advocacy, and critical roles in establishing the Aspen Institute Latinx & Society Program.
The evening also saw the unveiling of the institute’s new logo and brand identity, Aspen Connexion, marking the end of Executive Director Domenica Lynch’s impeccable tenure. Lynch will begin his new role as general manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument later this month under Mayor Karen Bass.
The gala concluded the Game Changers Summit for Latinos in Sports and Business and Society. The Summit is a multi-day event that brings together more than 150 executives from across industries to explore how sport can drive innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
