MAIN Art & ... Pop Culture 2011 ALMA Awards

ALMA - which stands for American Latino Media Arts - and also means "soul" in español - each year awards major recognition to stars of Hispanic heritage who are mainstream popular favorites in American movies, music and television, and is often referred to as the "Latin American Oscars."

Going primetime on US television in 2009, this year marked the 11th annual Alma Awards presentation, which took place on September 10th for later broadcast on Friday, September 16, 2011 on NBC Television at 8 PM ET.

Leading 2011 nominees were Christina Aguilera and Selena Gomez, who both picked up nods in the Favorite Female Music Artist and Favorite Movie Actress (Comedy/Musical) categories.

This year's ALMA hosts - actress Eva Longoria and comedian George Lopez - were on hand to introduce presenters giving out awards for Favorite Actor and Favorite Actress in movies and television, as well as Favorite Music Artists of the year.

Featured during the awards ceremony included live performances by Selena Gomez, Pitbull, and ALMA veteran Gloria Estefan. Other stars appearing on the show include Benjamin Bratt, Mario Lopez, Aubrey Plaza, Michael Trevino, Marcia Cross and Felicity Huffman.

ALMA Awards around the Web:

Around the Web, learn more about the ALMA awards honoring the best of Latin entertainers in music, television & film, along with a list of 2011 nominees & winners...

ALMA Awards - The official site featuring this year's top nominees, past winners, pictures, video clips, list of performers & presenters, and a background history of the awards.

National Council of La Raza - Learn more about the ALMA Awards sponsor, a Latino civil rights & advocacy group founded in 1968, featuring information on other special NCLR events & programs throughout the year.

2011 ALMA Award Nominees & * Winners

Favorite Movie Actor
* Antonio Banderas, You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger
Demián Bichir, A Better Life
Bobby Cannavale, Win Win
Michael Peña, Battle: Los Angeles
Danny Trejo, Machete

Favorite Movie Actress, Drama/Adventure
* Jessica Alba, Machete
Penelope Cruz, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Rosario Dawson, Unstoppable
Michelle Rodriguez, Battle: Los Angeles
Zoë Saldana, Takers

Favorite Movie Actress, Comedy/Musical
* Alexa Vega, From Prada to Nada
Christina Aguilera, Burlesque
Cameron Diaz, Bad Teacher
Selena Gomez, Monte Carlo
Eva Mendes, The Other Guys

Favorite TV Series
* Desperate Housewives (ABC)
CSI: Miami (CBS)
Modern Family (ABC)
Wizards of Waverly Place (Disney Channel)

Favorite TV Reality, Variety, or Comedy Personality or Act
* George Lopez , Lopez Tonight (TBS)
Christina Aguilera, The Voice (NBC)
Jennifer Lopez, American Idol (FOX)
Mario Lopez, Mario Lopez: Saved By the Baby (VH1)
Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan (National Geographic Channel)

Favorite TV Actor, Leading Role
* Adam Rodriguez, CSI: Miami (CBS)
Ricardo Chavira, Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Ian Gomez, Cougar Town (ABC)
Joshua Gomez, Chuck (NBC)
James Roday, Psych (USA Network)

Favorite TV Actor, Supporting Role
* Rico Rodriguez, Modern Family (ABC)
Oscar Nuñez, The Office (NBC)
Michael Trevino, The Vampire Diaries (CW)
Tristan Wilds, 90210 (CW)
David Zayas, Dexter (Showtime)

Favorite TV Actress, Leading Role in a Drama
* Cote de Pablo, NCIS (CBS)
Eva La Rue, CSI: Miami (CBS)
Francia Raisa, The Secret Life of the American Teenager (ABC Family)
Sara Ramirez, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Sarah Shahi, Fairly Legal (USA Network)

Favorite TV Actress, Leading Role in a Comedy
* Selena Gomez, Wizards of Waverly Place (Disney Channel)
Victoria Justice, Victorious (Nickelodeon)
Demi Lovato, Sonny With a Chance (Disney Channel)
Naya Rivera, Glee (FOX)
Sofía Vergara, Modern Family (ABC)

Favorite TV Actress, Supporting Role
* Maria Canals-Barrera, Wizards of Waverly Place (Disney Channel)
Constance Marie, Switched at Birth (ABC Family)
Aubrey Plaza, Parks and Recreation (NBC)
Sarah Ramos, Parenthood (NBC)
Lauren Vélez, Dexter (Showtime)

Favorite Male Music Artist
* Pitbull
Taio Cruz
Enrique Iglesias
Bruno Mars
Ricky Martin

Favorite Female Music Artist
* Naya Rivera
Christina Aguilera
Selena Gomez
Jennifer Lopez
Shakira

also see -> Grammy Awards | Latin Grammy Awards