Alba: The Best-Dressed Latina at the 2012 Met Ball

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It’s no wonder they call it the “Oscars of the East Coast”… The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s Costume Institute Gala may celebrate the annual opening of the Metropolitan Museum‘s fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute… But it’s also the place to see Hollywood’s brightest stars dressed to impress in some of the season’s hautest gowns.

Hosted by Vogue, this year’s event proved to be another high-style affair, with several Latina starlets stealing the spotlight on the red carpet.

Here’s a look at the night’s best-dressed Latinas:

Jessica Alba
It was a golden night for Jessica Alba, who will soon begin filming Machete Kills, the sequel to Robert Rodriguez’s 2010 cult classic Machete. The 30-year-old half-Mexican American actress shined brighter than the sun in a gold lame one-shoulder goddess gown from Michael Kors’ Resort 2012 collection.

Camilla Belle
Much like Alba, Camilla Belle embraced this season’s metallic trend by donning a stunning Ralph Lauren Collection tulle-and-beaded dress in liquid gold. The 25-year-old half-Brazilian American actress accessorized the bold low-cut number with champagne-hued Ralph Lauren Collection sandals, Ralph Lauren Vintage Collection gems and dark red lipstick.

Rosario Dawson
She played a goddess in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief… And during Monday’s Met Ball Rosario Dawson looked like she was back in character. The 39-year-old actress of Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban descent—who will be portray Dolores Huerta, the co-founder of the UFW in a film about Latino labor leader Cesar Chavez—flaunted her taut figure in a skin-tight black leather Calvin Klein creation, which she accentuated with bright blue earrings.

Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bündchen, who is well on her way to becoming the world’s first billionaire supermodel, looked like a billion dollars on the red carpet. The 31-year-old Brazilian supermodel wore a slit-to-there beaded Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown, stylish sandals and jewelry by David Yurman.

Lea Michele
There’s nothing blue about Glee star Lea Michele’s navy blue Diane von Furstenberg with a high-slit and plunging neckline. The 25-year-old part-Spanish actress/singer—who was the best-dressed Latina at this year’s SAG Awards—paired her daring sequined gown with a Diane von Furstenberg clutch and Christian Louboutin shoes and a tassel necklace and other diamond jewels by Lorraine Schwartz.

Eva Mendes
She may be starring as a neglectful mother in the soon-to-be-released film Girl in Progress, but there was nothing negligent about Eva Mendes’ look at the Met Ball. The 38-year-old Cuban-American actress wore a Prada tangerine silk strapless peplum dress with whimsical embroidery. Mendes paired the dress with a Prada clutch and Fred Leighton jewels.

Sofia Vergara
It’s no wonder she’s been named the most desirable woman in the world; Sofia Vergara looks absolutely stunning in her silver embroidered Marchesa gown. the 39-year-old Colombian bombshell and Modern Family star paired her standout gown with Casadei pumps and

jewelry.

La La Anthony
Talk about makin’ sparks fly! Reality star La La Vazquez Anthony rocked an electric blue Zac Posen dress with intricate bodice detailing. The The 32-year-old Nuyorican actress and entrepreneur, who recently launched her own cosmetics line, paired her oh-so-bright dress with sleek Mizuki drop earrings.

Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz—who will soon be appearing in the ensemble film about pending motherhood, What To Expect When You’re Expecting—was another of the night’s heavy metal stars! The 39-year-old Cuban American actress wore a snug, long-sleeved Stella McCartney golden gown with dramatic draped back. Diaz paired the dazzling dress with a coordinating gold metal clutch, also by the designer.

Vergara Named One of the World’s Most Beautiful Women by People

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

In People magazine’s quest to name the 2012 World’s Most Beautiful Woman, the publication has named Sofia Vergara and Madeleine Stowe to the Top 10 list.

The 39-year-old Colombian actress—who recently shined in her first guest-hosting stint on NBC’s Saturday Night Live—discussed her bombshell status in her SNL monologue.

“I always heard that immigrants had a really hard life when they came to America,” joked Vergara. “But when I showed up here everyone was so nice. The men bought me drinks and offered me a place to sleep. This country welcomed me with open arms… and pulled-down pants.”

But Vergara isn’t apologetic about her looks. “I’m not ashamed. It has opened doors,” the InStyle cover girl admitted to the magazine in April. And now that she’s about turn 40 in July, the Modern Family actress is both flattered and amused she’s still considered a head-turner. “I am on these lists for ‘best ass’ or ‘most beautiful’ with women like Mila Kunis, who’s, like, 20 years old,” she says with a laugh. “I have a son that age!”

Madeleine Stowe, who was lured back to Hollywood after a 12-year absence with a choice role on ABC’s instahit Revenge cracked the Top 10 as well.

“It’s fun being noticed on the streets,” says Stowe, whose perfect mix of beauty and talent led to ’90s box-office success in The Last of the Mohicans and Unlawful Entry. As for aging in Hollywood, the 53-year-old half-Costa Rican actress takes a rational approach: “My forehead moves! Some things, you have to let go.”

Meanwhile, several Latinas were featured in People’s “Beautiful at Every Age” feature.

Jessica Alba, 31
Turning 31 on April 28, Alba—who will soon be adding the title of “published author” to her resume— says she has finally reached a point where she’s finally comfortable in her own skin. “I’d been so afraid of criticism ever since I was young,” she told Elle. “Now I have no problem with it.”

Eva Longoria, 37
The former beauty queen and national co-chair for Obama’s re-election campaign says it takes more than good looks to look your best. “People think health only has to do with your physical being, but for me, it’s so much more,” the Desperate Housewives star told Health magazine. “I have a great diet and exercise routine. And I try to have a healthy outlook.”

Eva Mendes, 38
The Miami native—who will soon be starring as a neglectful mother inGirl in Progress—has no problem showing a little skin. Or even a lot of skin. Just check out her racy ads for Calvin Klein. “I’m not at all ashamed or frightened about showing my body,” she told the Spanish edition of Vogue. As for being labeled a sex symbol, Mendes says, “I like it when it doesn’t limit my career. It’s a part of my life, but on a secondary plane.”

Jennifer Lopez, 42
Named People’s Most Beautiful Woman in 2011, the American Idol judge—who gets hearts racing in the steamy video for her latest single “Dance Again”—says she values inner over outer beauty any day. “I feel lucky to be an attractive person,” she told People. “But I’ve always felt that real beauty always comes from your heart.”

Ramirez to Star on The Secret Life of the American Teenager

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Cierra Ramirez is about to help shine a spotlight on the life of the American teenager…

The 16-year-old actress, who will be turning 17 tomorrow (March 9), has joined the cast of ABC Family’s drama series The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

Ramirez—who will star opposite Eva Mendes in the feature film Girl in Progress— will play Kathy, a new freshman who Amy (Shailene Woodley) has been asked to mentor. Kathy, who is six-months pregnant, lives with her grandmother.

Ramirez has previously starred on the Disney Channel’s The Suite Life Of Zach And Cody, as well as guest-starred on CSI: Miami and Desperate Housewives.

She’s currently filming her first episode of Secret Life, which is the series’ 100th.

Vergara Named The World’s Most Desirable Woman

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Move over Blake Lively! There’s a new most desirable woman in the world… And, her name’s Sofia Vergara.

Ask Men has conducted a round up of the “Top 99 Most Desirable Women of 2012,” with the 39-year-old Colombian bombshell—who ranked as one of the best dressed starlets at this years SAG Awards—taking the top spot after more than one million readers cast their votes.

The men’s website says when it comes to Colombian imports, none are more in demand than Vergara—who ranked No. 3 on the 2011 list. Despite the Modern Family star’s obvious assets, says Ask Men, she’s one very funny woman.

Meanwhile, Selena Gomez storms the chart at No. 14. The 19-year-old half-Mexican actress/singer may be a former Disney Channel star, but she’s quickly become tween royalty, thanks to her high profile relationship with Justin Bieber. And, she’s a star in her own right with hit singles like “Hit the Lights” and roles like Gomez’s upcoming image-shattering part in a spring-break-themed film.

In all, this year’s list includes a large Latina contingent. Here’s a look at the Latinas making the final cut:

No. 1 Sofia Vergara
No 14 Selena Gomez
No. 19 Lea Michele
No. 24 Jessica Alba
No. 34 Jessica Gomes
No. 49 Penelope Cruz
No. 52 Jordana Brewster
No. 53 Gisele Bundchen
No. 54 Eva Mendes
No. 64 Leryn Franco
No. 66 Aubrey Plaza
No. 68 Arianny Celeste
No. 71 Adriana Lima
No. 83 Zoe Saldana
No. 84 Camilla Belle
No. 91 Alessandra Ambrosio
No. 93 Jennifer Lopez
No. 99 Paz de la Huerta

Click here to see AskMen.com’s complete list of hotties.

First Look: Eva Mendes’ “Girl in Progress”

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Eva Mendes is one bad momma in her next feature film… Literally!

The 37-year-old Cuban-American actress plays a neglectful mother in Girl in Progress, as evidenced by the recently released trailer for the film.

Mendes, who recently appeared in a hilarious Drunk History Christmas video from Funny or Die, stars as struggling mother of a teenage daughter in a film that will undoubtedly raise questions about who is actually the parent and who is the child.

Mendes’ character seems to be in more trouble than her young daughter (played by Cierra Ramirez). She’s sleeping with a married man, falling behind on her bills and neglecting her 13-year-old daughter.

“A coming of age story is the story of a young person’s change from child to adult,” says a teacher in the trailer.

As Mendes’ character’s actions become more unstable and erratic, her daughter is forced to grow up and find her independence.

Girl in Progress, which also stars Eugenio Derbez, Matthew Modine and Patricia Arquette, will open in theaters on April 27.

Mendes’ “Drunk History Christmas” with Gosling & Carrey

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Eva Mendes and rumored boyfriend Ryan Gosling have partnered with Jim Carrey on a hilarious new holiday-themed Funny or Die video.

The 37-year-old Cuban-American actress and her The Place Beyond the Pines co-star Gosling share a bed in the clip entitled, “Drunk History Christmas.” The oh-so-hot duo play the parents of two girls in an intoxicated man’s retelling of the classic tale tale “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Meanwhile, How the Grinch Stole Christmas star Carrey appears as Santa Claus in the clip.

Mendes, Gosling and Carrey act out the parts as told by Allan McLeod, who drank half a bottle of whiskey before retelling the classic poem. Since el borracho blurts out most of the story, the video may not be work-appropriate. But it’s still quite humorous!

Derbez Ready to Make English-Language TV Debut in iRob!

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Eugenio Derbez is ready for his close-up on English-language television in the States after hosting the Latin Grammys and starring in the critically acclaimed indie film La Misma Luna opposite Kate del Castillo.

The 49-year-old Mexican comedian/actor, who currently appears as a Mexican gardener in Adam Sandler’s latest film Jack & Jill, will be making his U.S. television debut in Rob Schneider’s new CBS sitcom, ¡Rob!

“[¡Rob! is going to be] a really, really funny series!” says Derbez, who made his television debut at the age of 12 as an extra in a telenovela. “Remember the movie Meet the Parents? Well this is like, Meet the Mexicans!”

iRob! stars Schneider as a bachelor who marries into an extremely tight-knit Mexican-American family.

In addition to Derbez, the show will star Cheech Marin, Diana Maria Riva and Lupe Ontiveros as the Deuce Bigalow star’s in-laws.

“There’s this culture clash when they arrive,” adds Derbez. “It’s a really funny situation.”

Several episodes of the half-hour comedy have already been filmed and the network plans to debut the show in mid-January.

But Derbez isn’t putting all his acting huevos in one basket. He’s set to costar with Eva Mendes, Espinoza Paz and Raini Rodriguez in the upcoming movie Girl in Progress.

Mendes Sings Like an Angel…

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Movie star Eva Mendes isn’t only the face of Thierry Mugler‘s iconic Angel fragrance; she’s also the voice…

The 37-year-old Cuban-American actress shows off her impressive pipes in the latest commercial promoting the scent, singing the hypnotic tune featured in the background, “Windmills of Your Mind.” Filmed in Prague, the spot shows Mendes riding a luxurious train, spritzing the perfume and then being transported into a fantasy world where she flutters like an angel in a custom Thierry Mugler gown.

Eva Mendes on WhoSay

But Mendes lending her vocals to the commercial track wasn’t originally part of the plan… According to Stylelist, Mendes found inspiration by singing the song to herself while preparing for the shoot. Everyone on set loved it so much that they decided to include her singing into the commercial.

It’s good practice for Mendes, who is expected to sing again when she stars as the famed opera soprano Maria Callas in an upcoming biopic.

But singing isn’t a newly-acquired talent. Back in 1988, Mendes appeared in Will Smith’s “Welcome To Miami” video, belting out the occasional “Bienvenido a Miami” line.

Click here to see video of Mendes recording the song with a full orchestra.

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