Capping a week dominated by the national debate on immigration reform, the 2006 ALMA Awards celebrated positive portrayals and outstanding achievements by Hispanic artists from the worlds of music, television and film.
Singer Marc Anthony and Oscar-nominated actor Andy Garcia were honoured Sunday with special tributes.
Awards also were given in 15 other categories in ceremonies scheduled at the Shrine Auditorium. Garcia took home the Anthony Quinn Award for Excellence in Motion Pictures.
Anthony received the Celia Cruz Award for Excellence in Music, and R&B crooner Brian McKnight was tapped to fete the singer by performing his Grammy-nominated hit You Sang to Me in both English and Spanish.
Country stars Big & Rich and Tex-Mex singer Emilio also were in the show's lineup of performances.
Colombian songstress Shakira and reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee were named outstanding musical performers. Shakira also won the Best Spanish Album award.
Lost stars Michelle Rodriguez and Jorge Garcia were each recognised for their supporting roles on the popular ABC television drama. The West Wing and series star Jimmy Smits also won awards.
Actress Eva Mendes, actor Clifton Collins, Jr and director Fernando Meirelles were recognised for their achievements in film.
{{/usCountry}}Actress Eva Mendes, actor Clifton Collins, Jr and director Fernando Meirelles were recognised for their achievements in film.
{{/usCountry}}Politics and the Latin rhythms of reggaeton were slated to play central roles in the programme hosted by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.
Scheduled guest stars included Carmen Electra, Michael Douglas, Jessica Alba and Jessica Simpson.
The National Council of La Raza, the country's largest Hispanic advocacy organisation, created the ALMA Awards in 1995 to honour Hispanic performers and promote positive images of Hispanics in entertainment.
Sunday's ALMA's, which stands for American Latino Media Arts and also means "soul" in Spanish, will air June 5 on ABC.