During GQ Mexico’s 2022 Hombres del Año event last week in Mexico City, a host of Latine talent were honored for their contributions to the entertainment industry this year. These included actors Ismael Cruz Córdova (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) and Tenoch Huerta (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever).
During the event, Córdova was presented with the Best International Actor award and Huerta was presented with the Best Mexican Actor award. This is due to them having an incredible impact with their artistry and for advocating for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. Later at the ceremony, Córdova got a chance to meet Huerta and his Wakanda Forever co-star Mabel Cadena.
“Met some real-life superheroes, who are fighting the fight and walking the walk,” Córdova posted on social media along with photos and video of him, Huerta and Cadena. “Much love and respect, family.” He even included a candid photo between him and Huerta that exudes pure joy and the brotherhood between the two men.
One of the videos taken at the event also shows Córdova coming off the stage after receiving his award and getting a big embrace from Huerta. As expected, those there went crazy taking photos as the men exchanged words of congratulations.
So, why did Córdova refer to Huerta as a superhero? Well, it might’ve been for the powerful speech Huerta delivered when he went on stage to accept his award. Huerta referenced the box office numbers of Wakanda Forever and said that all it takes for Hollywood to tell brown and Black stories is to prove that they sell.
“$545 million dollars to shut up the racist producers that say that brown doesn’t sell,” he said. “$545 million dollars in 10 days, to shut up Mexican television and its 83 years of racism. $545 million dollars in 10 days to show that Black and brown power sells, matters, is powerful, is beautiful.”
Other Latines honored at the event included Rauw Alejandro (Hombre del Año), Diego Calva (Actor Revelación), and Cazzu (Artista Latina), among others.