Hollywood has always been a place of spectacle, but some nights carry a resonance beyond the usual glitz. One such evening, the annual Día de Muertos Gala unfolded at the grand gates of Paramount Studios, welcoming an eclectic mix of actors, creatives, and culture-makers. The scene was an enchanting dream of Mexican heritage come to life, designed by Oscar-winning set designer Eugenio Caballero, and alive with the soulful sounds of a live bolero trio.
Months later, the magic of that night still lingers, not just in memory but in the ongoing impact of its creator, Carlos Eric Lopez. His ability to curate moments that celebrate and uplift the Latine community makes his work resonate long after the last candle has burned out. The gala was never just one night of celebration; it was a reflection of Lopez’s larger mission, one that continues to shape and redefine Latine representation in Hollywood and beyond.
At the heart of this unforgettable celebration stood Lopez—photographer, curator, and architect of a moment that transcended mere festivity. The gala, a singular Hollywood event for us, by us, was created as a space where Latines could finally step into the spotlight. Here, the past, present, and future were not only recognized but gloriously celebrated. Anchored in culture, the gala stood in bold contrast to other high-profile affairs that often revolve around social status, wealth, or celebrity. “My gala celebrates everyone, from the starlet to the taquería owner, the artist to the farmworker. We are all one,” Lopez affirms with pride.
“This is not just a party,” says Ben, a Latino Hollywood executive deeply moved by Lopez’s innate sensibility. Having attended multiple times, he has seen its evolution firsthand. “It’s about heritage, it’s about community, it’s about culture, and above all, with Carlos, everything he does is about love.”
Lopez has spent decades behind the lens, capturing some of the biggest stars and leading fashion campaigns. Raised in a military family, he was no stranger to constant relocation— adapting to new homes, schools, and friendships with each move. A camera, a gift from his parents, became his way to preserve these fleeting moments. He’d ask his friends to pose as if it were the last time they’d see each other, learning early on how to evoke raw emotion and forge bonds that transcended the frame.
“Photography became more than just a memory; it became a way to hold on to those connections,” Lopez tells Remezcla. Born into a Mexican-American family, Lopez’s sense of identity was shaped by a complex blend of cultural presence and absence. He credits his mother with instilling in him the core values of love, family, food, and music. “She taught me the importance of family and the warmth of our Latino culture,” Lopez recalls. Yet, as his career in Hollywood took off, he noticed a glaring omission: our gente.
Despite their deep influence on culture, Latines remained glaringly underrepresented in mainstream films, TV shows, and casting calls. Lopez knew that feeling all too well— growing up as a gay, Latino kid who was always the “new kid,” he often felt invisible. “If no one else is going to believe in you or open doors for you, then you have to believe in yourself,” he says. Over time, his approach to photography evolved into a mission: to tell his community’s stories and showcase the beauty, strength, and authenticity of Latines.
“Each image I create is more than a photo—it’s an opportunity to redefine what it means to be seen and to ensure that our narratives are woven into Hollywood’s story.”
Beyond the gala, Lopez’s work extends far into community empowerment. Inspired by his cherished abuela, Lola Joann Vasquez Cisneros, or “Lita,” he launched CURA LITA, a wellness brand born from a desire to address health disparities within the U.S. Latine population. “I wanted to bring something to Latinos that offered the same sense of wellness and empowerment that brands like Erewhon and Goop provide to their audiences,” he says. “But in a way that’s affordable and accessible.”
CURA LITA is now available at Northgate Markets, a concrete reflection of Lopez’s dedication to his community. While he didn’t grow up wealthy, he was immersed in a culture brimming with vitality and tradition—an inheritance he honors daily. Bottling the warmth of Lita’s love, his source of unwavering comfort, Lopez offers more than just a drink; he delivers a bridge between his rich roots and a wider world.
This unwavering commitment to Latine excellence drives his every move. In Hollywood, at his gala, and beyond, it is evident: Lopez isn’t merely shifting the conversation— he’s creating a new one, where Latine culture takes center stage. In everything he touches, there’s an undeniable power that feels like an apapacho—a warm embrace—and speaks to the profound impact of fully embracing one’s heritage.
“Don’t let doors or borders—literal or metaphorical—keep you from your dreams,” Lopez states. “Your light is unstoppable, no matter where you come from.”
