Television Icon Cristina Saralegui to Receive the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) 2010 Raul Julia Award for Excellence

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) has named Cristina Saralegui as the recipient of its 2010 Raul Julia Award for Excellence.  The Raul Julia Award is presented annually to the person or persons who most advance the mission of NHFA.  Previous awardees include:  Film Director Robert Rodriguez; Creator/Producer Roberto Orci; Film Director Patricia Riggen; Film Director Gregory Nava; ABC News Anchor Elizabeth Vargas; and TV Executive Producer Sandra Bullock.

"NHFA is the leading organization opening doors for the next generation of Latinos entering the entertainment industry as series regulars, film leads, writers, directors and producers," said Saralegui. "I am honored to be recognized by this illustrious award named after the late, great and world renowned actor Raul Julia.  I salute NHFA and their leadership over these last 14 years." 

Cristina Saralegui has been a media leader who challenged convention and brought education on AIDS, pregnancy, relationships, child rearing, immunization and countless other important health issues.  Cristina created programming on national policy, pop culture, as well as international conflicts.

"Cristina is the first lady of Spanish-language TV, she has brought knowledge, comfort, understanding, compassion and aspiration to millions of Latinos world-wide," said Felix Sanchez, Chairman and Co-founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts.  "Cristina's use of media has been revolutionary and it exemplifies NHFA's mission to portray Latinos in a three-dimensional and contemporary manner."

NHFA will hold its annual Noche de Gala on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel.  The Gala will be hosted by Jimmy Smits, Esai Morales, Merel Julia and Felix Sanchez.  Ford Motor Company is the Dinner Underwriter; The Nielsen Company is the Dinner Co-Underwriter.

About Cristina Saralegui

Twelve-time Emmy® award winning Cristina is one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the Hispanic community. Time magazine selected her as one of the "25 Most Influential Hispanics in America" and Home Furnishings News (HFN) Magazine named her one of the "50 Most Influential People in Design and Home Furnishings." Cristina is the host and executive producer of "The Cristina Show" one of the highest rated programs on Spanish language television airing Monday nights at 10PM on the Univision Network.  Cristina made headlines last month when she announced that after 21 years she would be ending her show this fall to go on to produce and host prime-time specials for the network. In  2004, Cristina created the Casa Cristina® Collection, the first complete collection of home furnishings inspired by her personal style.  To date, the Casa Cristina® Collection is comprised of home decor, accent furniture, dinnerware,  lighting, and mattresses.  The Casa Cristina® bed and bath collections will be available exclusively at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide this October.  For more information visit www.cristinaonline.com.

About National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts

NHFA was founded in 1997 by actors Jimmy Smits, Sonia Braga, Esai Morales, Merel Julia and Washington, D.C. lawyer Felix Sanchez.  The foundation's mission is to promote Latinos both in front of and behind the camera.  NHFA scholarships graduate students at 8 leading universities who are pursuing careers in the entertainment and telecommunications industries.  For more information visit www.hispanicarts.org.

SOURCE CSE