America Ferrera has received her first Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in the Barbie movie. She is delighted not only for her personal achievement but also for the diversity represented in the category, with Danielle Brooks for The Colour Purple and Da’Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers also nominated, making it a historic moment with three persons of color recognized for supporting actress roles.
Ferrera, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights and representation of people of color in Hollywood, expressed her excitement about the range of women acknowledged in the supporting actress category. She is particularly pleased that Lily Gladstone was nominated in the Best Actress category as well.
Born on April 18, 1984, in Los Angeles to Honduran parents, América Griselda Ayes and Carlos Gregorio Ferrera, who emigrated from Honduras in the mid-1970s, America Ferrera proudly identifies with her indigenous Honduran descent, specifically tracing her ancestry to the Lenca people. The Lenca, also known as Lepa Wiran, are an Indigenous people from present-day southwest Honduras and eastern El Salvador in Central America.
Despite facing challenges in Hollywood and being told that people like her didn’t make it in the industry, Ferrera has become a trailblazer and an inspiration for women perceived as “different.” She has spoken out about the difficulties she encountered in landing roles that weren’t poorly written stereotypes and the notion that her identity was seen as a barrier. Now, Ferrera stands as a symbol of inspiration for individuals who dream big, regardless of age, ethnicity, or body type.
Proud of her Latiné heritage, Ferrera expressed her joy at bringing Latiné representation to the Academy Awards and highlighted the importance of diverse voices being acknowledged. As she continues to make strides in her career, from her role as Ana in “Real Women Have Curves” to her recent role in Barbie, Ferrera remains a beacon of inspiration for those who aspire to achieve their dreams on a global stage.
