When Mexican and Indigenous actress Yalitza Aparicio made her acting debut in Alfonso Cuarón’s critically acclaimed, 2018 black-and-white drama Roma, she never knew it would lead her to earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She also never knew her incredible role as a live-in housekeeper would give her more opportunities across the entertainment industry.
On Wednesday (Nov. 11), the Latin Recording Academy announced it chose Aparicio to co-host the Latin Grammys after original host Roselyn Sánchez (Rush Hour 2) had to drop out because she fractured her foot. She will share hosting duties with Mexican-American actress Ana Brenda Contreras (Dynasty) and Mexican singer Carlos Rivera (La Academia).
“It’s my first time being a host and I’m really excited to be part of such an important award show,” Aparicio told Entertainment Weekly when she found out about her invitation to co-host. “We’re living in unique times which requires a lot of extra care. The experience will certainly be different than previous years, but none of this will affect the incredible surprises we have planned for viewers. It’s going to be so much fun!”
Since her Oscar-nomination, Aparicio has been very conscious about her new role as a Mexican and Indigenous actress in Hollywood and how she can use that platform to uplift other Women of Color in the industry. Her work has helped organizations like Cine Too and on Capitol Hill where she is advocating for a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Last year, Time magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
“Every step I take, I carry with me a community that doesn’t see themselves reflected in media,” she told ET. “I work hard to ensure we are represented the right way.”
The Latin Grammys air Nov. 19 on Univision at 8 p.m. ET.