Contact: Xana Huerta

Ph: 626-791-8140

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 29, 2006 - The 21^st Annual Imagen Awards' 2006 Nominees were announced Thursday, June 29 at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Conference Center in North Hollywood. The Imagen Awards Gala is scheduled for August 18 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The Imagen Awards, presented in 16 categories by the Imagen Foundation, were established in 1985 to encourage and recognize the positive portrayal of Latinos in all media, and to increase Latino representation at all levels of the entertainment industry.

Recipients of Imagen's special awards were also announced. Talented director and choreographer Kenny Ortega will receive the Creative Achievement Award and writer, director and producer Gregory Nava will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The President's Award is being presented this year to Susan Whiting, CEO of Nielsen Media Research.

Helen Hernandez, the Foundation's president and executive producer said the Imagen Board of Directors elected to add a National Leadership Award as part of its special awards category to honor those individuals who continually confront and address issues of importance to all Americans, Latinos in particular, in all areas of life with courage and conviction. This year's inaugural award will be given to Chicago Congressman Luis Gutierrez.

All qualifying entries must have been televised in the appropriate categories in a U.S. market, (network, local, cable, first-run syndication), released theatrically, or exhibited at a major film festival or performed live theatrically between April 1, 2005 and April 30, 2006.

The Imagen Awards are held with the support of such companies as Wells Fargo, Lear Family Foundation, Hennessy, Hollywood Reporter, Daily Variety, ABC, Nielsen Media Research, Fox Television Stations to name a few. Additional information regarding the Imagen Foundation and its awards program is available on its Web site: www.imagen.org, or by calling 626-791-8140.

Click here to see the list of this year's Imagen Award Nominees

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Note to Editors: Media members wishing to cover the 21^st Annual Imagen Awards should contact Xana Huerta at 626-791-8140 for credential information.