José Andrés Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Joe Biden

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

José Andrés has earned a presidential honor…

The 55-year-old Spanish chef, restaurateur and philanthropist is among the 19 individuals who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden.

During a special ceremony on Saturday, Andrés was recognized for his work with the World Central Kitchen, the organization he founded that the White House says “has revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.”

Biden praised Andrés’ unwavering commitment to nourishing communities affected by disasters.

“You answered the call to serve and led others to do the same thing,” President Biden said, addressing the award recipients during the ceremony. “You leave an incredible mark on our country, of insight and influence that can be felt around the globe—in major cities and remote areas alike—binding us closer as people and showing us what’s possible as a nation.”

In 2010, Andrés traveled to Haiti after a devastating earthquake, determined to help. While cooking with displaced families, he learned to prepare black beans the Haitian way—mashed and sieved into a creamy sauce. For José, it wasn’t just about providing food but about listening, learning, and cooking alongside locals. This approach to food aid became the foundation of WCK. Since then, we have served more than 450 million meals to people impacted by crises worldwide.

“José nourishes not only bodies but hearts, in his humanitarian endeavors. His impact on the world will resonate for generations”, WCK CEO Erin Gore said. “This honor reflects his extraordinary global contributions and the deep humanity that defines him. He inspires us all.”

WCK teams are currently on the ground in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Spain, Mayotte and North Carolina supporting families affected by conflict and natural disaster.

Biden also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Lionel Messi, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

The White House cited the 37-year-old Argentine professional soccer star, who plays for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, for his philanthropic efforts, including the Leo Messi Foundation and his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador as part of the basis for the award.

Per USA Today, Messi was “deeply honored” by the award and hoped to have a chance to meet Biden in the near future.

Other recipients of the medal included U2 front man Bono, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, software programmer and activist Tim Gill, primatologist Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, science educator Bill Nye, investment firm owner David M. Rubenstein, philanthropist George Soros, director George Stevens Jr., actor Denzel Washington and fashion editor Anna Wintour.

Former Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former attorney general Robert Francis Kennedy and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development George W. Romney were all honored with the award posthumously.

José Andrés Launching New Half-Hour Special “Dinner Party Diaries with José Andrés”

Posted on February 10, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Chef José Andrés is inviting some special guests for dinner…

The 54-year-old Spanish James Beard Award-winning chef, television personality, humanitarian and philanthropist is launching a new half-hour special, Dinner Party Diaries with José Andrés, coming to Prime Video on March 19, 2024.

The Prime Video and Amazon Freevee collaboration celebrates the joy of cooking together and how food is a source of hope, inspired by Andrés’ work with the non-profit he founded in 2010, World Central Kitchen.

Andrés will host Jamie Lee Curtis, Bryan Cranston and O’Shea Jackson Jr. to join him in the kitchen, getting their hands dirty with approachable Spanish-influenced recipes while sharing stories that inspire them. Beyond cooking and conversation, the Chef will give viewers important takeaways to apply in their own homes while embracing imperfection and spontaneity in the kitchen.

Dinner Party Diaries with José Andrés is executive produced by José Andrés, Richard Wolffe, Matthew Goldberg, Ellen Rocamora, Max Wagner, Ryan Schiavo, and Michael Antinoro. The series is from Amazon MGM Studios.

Andrés is an internationally recognized humanitarian, culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator, Emmy award-winning television personality and owner of the award-winning José Andrés Group, which operates nearly 40 restaurants in the US and beyond.

In 2010, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises. His work has earned awards and distinctions including the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama, the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the Princess of Asturias Foundation’s 2021 Concordia Prize for his humanitarian work.

In 2023, Andrés founded the Global Food Institute at George Washington University in Washington DC, and he currently serves as the Co-Chair of President Biden’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. As a naturalized citizen originally from Spain, Andrés has been an advocate for immigration reform.

Selena Gomez Earns Three Critics Choice Real TV Awards Nominations

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

The critics have showered Selena Gomez with some real love…

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has unveiled the nominees for the fifth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards that honors the best in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming, with the 30-year-old Mexican American actress/singer earning three nods.

Gomez scored the multiple nominations for her HBO Max show Selena + Chef, including Best Culinary Show, Best Show Host and Star of the Year.

But Gomez isn’t the only Hispanic nominee…

Jose Andres has picked up two nods.

The 53-year-old Spanish chef, restaurateur and philanthropist is up for Best Culinary Show and Best Travel/Adventure Show for his Discovery+ series José Andrés and Family in Spain.

“Looking over the list of this year’s nominees, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the fifth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards than by calling attention to so many of the talented and diverse individuals who continue to make unscripted television an essential genre on broadcast, cable and streaming,” said Critics Choice Association TV Branch Co-President Ed Martin.

Winners of the 2023 Critics Choice Real TV Awards will be announced on June 15, 2023, with the in-person ceremony not happening due to the writers strike.

5th Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards Nominations List

BEST COMPETITION SERIES

The Amazing Race (CBS)
• Lego Masters (Fox)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (Paramount+)
• Survivor (CBS)
• The Traitors (Peacock)

BEST COMPETITION SERIES: TALENT/VARIETY

America’s Got Talent (NBC)
• America’s Got Talent: All Stars (NBC)
• Dancing with the Stars (Disney+)
• The Masked Singer (Fox)
• My Kind of Country (Apple TV+)
• The Voice (NBC)

BEST UNSTRUCTURED SERIES

Below Deck Sailing Yacht (Bravo)
• Couples Therapy (Showtime)
• Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Netflix)
• The Kardashians (Hulu)
• MTV’s Following: Bretman Rock (MTV)
• Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)

BEST STRUCTURED SERIES

Bar Rescue (Paramount Network)
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)
• The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Peacock)
• Gutsy (Apple TV+)
• Shark Tank (ABC)
• Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)

BEST CULINARY SHOW

The Big Brunch (HBO Max)
• José Andrés and Family in Spain (discovery+)
• Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines (Magnolia Network)
• Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
• Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)
• Top Chef (Bravo)

BEST GAME SHOW

Barmageddon (USA)
• Jeopardy! (Syndicated)
• Lingo (CBS)
• Password (NBC)
• The Wall (NBC)
• Weakest Link (NBC)

BEST TRAVEL/ADVENTURE SHOW

Geography of Bliss with Rainn Wilson (Peacock)
• The Great Food Truck Race (Food Network)
• José Andrés and Family in Spain (discovery+)
• The Piece Maker (Magnolia Network)
• The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+)
• Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix)

BEST BUSINESS SHOW

American Greed (CNBC)
• Bar Rescue (Paramount Network)
• House Hunters (HGTV)
• Restaurant: Impossible (Food Network)
• Shark Tank (ABC)
• Wahl Street (HBO Max)

BEST ANIMAL/NATURE SHOW

Big Beasts (Apple TV+)
• The End Is Nye (Peacock)
• Frozen Planet II (BBC One)
• Our Universe (Netflix)
• Prehistoric Planet (Apple TV+)
• The Wizard of Paws (BYUtv)

BEST CRIME/JUSTICE SHOW

911 Crisis Center (Oxygen)
• Evil Lives Here (Investigation Discovery)
• How I Caught My Killer (Hulu)
• In Pursuit with John Walsh (Investigation Discovery / discovery+)
• Unsolved Mysteries Volume 3 (Netflix)
• Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies & The Internet (Netflix)

BEST SPORTS SHOW

30 for 30 (ESPN)
• American Ninja Warrior (NBC)
• Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers (Hulu)
• Like a Girl (Fuse Media)
• Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO Max)
• Welcome to Wrexham (FX)

BEST RELATIONSHIP SHOW

Farmer Wants a Wife (Fox)
• Indian Matchmaking (Netflix)
• Jewish Matchmaking (Netflix)
• Love Is Blind (Netflix)
• Married at First Sight (Lifetime)
• The Parent Test (ABC)

BEST LIFESTYLE SHOW: HOME/GARDEN

For the Love of Kitchens (Magnolia Network)
• Home (Apple TV+)
• Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles (Bravo)
• Murder House Flip (The Roku Channel)
• Trixie Motel (discovery+)
• Ugliest House in America (HGTV)

BEST LIFESTYLE SHOW: FASHION/BEAUTY

Glow Up (Netflix)
• The Hype (HBO Max)
• Making the Cut (Prime Video)
• Next in Fashion (Netflix)
• Queer Eye (Netflix)
• Say Yes to the Dress (TLC)

BEST LIMITED SERIES

American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing (Netflix)
• The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix)
• House of Hammer (discovery+)
• Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty (HBO Max)
• Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? (Netflix)
• Super League: The War for Football (Apple TV+)

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST IN AN UNSCRIPTED SERIES

Below Deck Sailing Yacht (Bravo)
• Dancing with the Stars (Disney+)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (Paramount+)
• Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test (Fox)
• Survivor (Season 44) (CBS)
• Vanderpump Rules (Bravo)

BEST SHOW HOST

Selena Gomez – Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
• Alex Guarnaschelli – Alex vs America (Food Network)
• Padma Lakshmi – Top Chef (Bravo), Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)
• Trixie Mattel – Trixie Motel (discovery+)
• RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV) / RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars (Paramount+)
• Ryan Seacrest – American Idol (ABC)

STAR OF THE YEAR

• Guy Fieri – Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Food Network)
• Ina Garten – Barefoot Contessa (Food Network) / Be My Guest with Ina Garten (Food Network)
• Selena Gomez – Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
• Padma Lakshmi – Top Chef (Bravo), Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu)
• Sandra Lee – Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC)
• Eugene Levy – The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy (Apple TV+)
• Peyton Manning – History’s Greatest of All Time with Peyton Manning (History) / Peyton’s Places (ESPN+) / Capital One College Bowl (NBC)
• RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV) / RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars (Paramount+)

“General Hospital” Star Maurice Benard Earns Daytime Emmy Awards Nod for Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a sonny time for Maurice Benard.

Nominations for the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards have been revealed, with the 60-year-old Salvadorian and Nicaraguan American soap opera star and three-time Emmy winner earning a nod.

Benard is nominated in the Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor category for his performance as beloved character Sonny Corinthos on ABC’s General Hospital.

Benard, who has portrayed the manic depressive mob kingpin Sonny Corinthos since 1993, previously won the Daytime Emmy in the category in 2003, 20019 and 2021.

Nicholas Chavez is nominated in the Supporting Performance In a Daytime Drama Series: Actor category.

The 23-year-old half-Mexican American actor earned the nod for his performance as Spencer Cassadine on General Hospital.

Last year, Chavez won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Performer in a Drama Series for his work as Spencer.

Selena Gomez has picked up her first Daytime Emmy nomination.

The 30-year-old Mexican American actress, singer and television host is nominated in the Outstanding Culinary Series category for producing Selena + Chef, a series she also hosts.

Gomez will face off against Jose Andres in the category…

The 53-year-old Spanish chef is nominated in the Outstanding Culinary Series category for his family show José Andrés and Family in Spain, available on Discovery+.

Here’s the full list of nominees:

The golden anniversary ceremony is set for Friday, June 16. CBS will air the show and Paramount+ will stream it live at 9:00 pm ET and delayed in the West at 9:00 pm PT. The Daytime Creative Arts & Lifestyle Emmys will be presented the next day.

Here are the nominees for the 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards:

Daytime Drama Series

The Bay (Popstar! TV)
The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Days of Our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
General Hospital (ABC)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actor

Maurice Benard as Sonny Corinthos, General Hospital (ABC)
Peter Bergman as Jack Abbott, The Young and the Restless (CBS)
Billy Flynn as Chad DiMera, Days of Our Lives (NBC | Peacock)
Thorsten Kaye as Ridge Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Jason Thompson as Billy Abbott, The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Lead Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress

Sharon Case as Sharon Newman, The Young and the Restless (CBS)
Melissa Claire Egan as Chelsea Lawson, The Young and the Restless (CBS)
Finola Hughes as Anna Devane, General Hospital (ABC)
Michelle Stafford as Phyllis Summers, The Young and the Restless (CBS)
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood as Steffy Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)

Supporting Performance in a Daytime Drama Series: Actress

Krista Allen as Dr. Taylor Hayes, The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Sonya Eddy as Epiphany Johnson, General Hospital (ABC)
Stacy Haiduk as Kristen DiMera, Days of Our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
Brook Kerr as Dr. Portia Robinson, General Hospital (ABC)
Kelly Thiebaud as Dr. Britt Westbourne, General Hospital (ABC)

Supporting Performance In a Daytime Drama Series: Actor

Nicholas Chavez as Spencer Cassadine, General Hospital (ABC)
Chad Duell as Michael Corinthos, General Hospital (ABC)
Daniel Feuerriegel as EJ DiMera, Days of Our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
Robert Gossett as Marshall Ashford, General Hospital (ABC)
Jon Lindstrom as Dr. Kevin Collins/Ryan Chamberlain, General Hospital (ABC)

Younger Performer in a Daytime Drama Series

Cary Christopher as Thomas DiMera, Days of Our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
Victoria Grace as Wendy Shin, Days of Our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
Eden McCoy as Josslyn Jacks, General Hospital (ABC)
Henry Joseph Samiri as Douglas Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)

Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series

Steve Burton as Harris Michaels, Beyond Salem (Peacock)
Cassandra Creech as Dr. Grace Buckingham, The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Alley Mills as Heather Webber, General Hospital (ABC)
Robert Newman as Ashland Locke, The Young and the Restless (CBS)
Kevin Spirtas as Dr. Craig Wesley, Days of Our Lives (NBC/Peacock)

Daytime Talk Series

The Drew Barrymore Show (Syndicated)
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
Live with Kelly and Ryan (Syndicated)
Today with Hoda and Jenna (NBC)

Entertainment News Series

Access Hollywood (Syndicated)
E! News (E! Entertainment)
Entertainment Tonight (Syndicated)
Extra (Syndicated)
Inside Edition (Syndicated)

Daytime Talk Series Host

Drew Barrymore, The Drew Barrymore Show (Syndicated)
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall (Syndicated)
Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest, Live with Kelly and Ryan (Syndicated)
Sherri Shepherd, Sherri! (Syndicated)

Daytime Program Host

Danielle Brooks, Instant Dream Home (Netflix)
Mike Corey, Uncharted Adventure (The Weather Channel)
Zac Efron, Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix)
Kevin O’Connor, This Old House (PBS/Roku)
Martha Stewart, Martha Gardens (Roku)

Culinary Series

Family Dinner (Magnolia Network)
José Andrés and Family in Spain (Discovery+)
Martha Cooks (Roku)
Roadfood: Discovering America One Dish at a Time (PBS)
Selena + Chef (HBO Max)

Culinary Host

Kardea Brown, Delicious Miss Brown (Food Network)
Ina Garten, Be My Guest with Ina Garten (Food Network)
Guy Fieri, Guy’s Ranch Kitchen (Food Network)
Emeril Lagasse, Emeril Cooks (Roku)
Justin Sutherland, Taste the Culture (TBS/ TNT/truTV)
Andrew Zimmern, Family Dinner (Magnolia Network)

Legal/Courtroom Program

Caught in Providence (Syndicated)
Hot Bench (Syndicated)
Judge Steve Harvey (ABC)\
Judy Justice (Freevee)
The People’s Court (Syndicated)

Travel, Adventure and Nature Program

Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix)
Guy’s All-American Road Trip (Food Network)\
The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix)
Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix)
Reel Destinations (Focus Features)
Wild Babies (Netflix)

Instructional/How-To Program

Amanda Gorman Teaches Writing and Performing Poetry (MasterClass)
Fixer Upper: The Castle (Magnolia Network)
Idea House: Mountain Modern (Roku)
Instant Dream Home (Netflix)
Martha Gardens (Roku)

Lifestyle Program

Eat This With Yara (AJ+)
For the Love of Kitchens (Magnolia Network)
George to the Rescue (NBC)
Life After Death with Tyler Henry (Netflix)
Mind Your Manners (Netflix)
The Established Home (Magnolia Network)

Arts and Popular Culture Program

American Anthems (PBS)
Kings of Leon @ O2 (YouTube)
My Bluegrass Story (RFD-TV)
Variety Power of Women: Changemakers Lifetime (Variety Studio)
Actors on Actors (PBS)
Working in the Theatre (AmericanTheatreWing.org)

Educational and Informational Program

Book of Queer (Discovery+)
The Earth Unlocked (The Weather Channel)
The Future Of (Netflix)
Harlem Globetrotters Play It Forward (NBC)
Historian’s Take (PBS)
Italy Made with Love (PBS)
Vikings: The Rise and Fall (National Geographic)

Daytime Special

96th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day (NBC)
All Boys Aren’t Blue (YouTube)
Behind The Table: A View Reunion (Hulu)
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day (ABC)
Extra: Cheslie Kryst 1991-2022 (Syndicated)
The House that Norm Built (PBS/Roku)
Recipe for Change: Standing up to Anti-Semitism (YouTube Originals)

Short Form Program

Asian American Stories of Resilience and Beyond (World Channel)
Dressed (Focus Features)
Finding Pause (Healthline)
Handmade (YouTube)
My Mark featuring Marcus Samuelsson (Conde Nast/Bon Appetit)
Ready Jet Cook (Food Network)

Promotional Announcement

Access Hollywood, “Tow Yard” (Syndicated)
The Drew Barrymore Show, “Drew’s Got the Beat” (Syndicated)
The Jennifer Hudson Show, “EGOT, Hope, and Joy, and Magic” (Syndicated)
Sherri! “Sherri: Fun. Joy. Laughter.” (Syndicated)
Tamron Hall, “Women Reclaiming Their Power: Michelle Branch & Angela Simmons” (Syndicated)

Writing Team for a Daytime Drama Series

The Bay (Popstar! TV)
Beyond Salem: Chapter Two (Peacock)
The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Days of our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
General Hospital (ABC)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Program*

Book of Queer (Discovery+)
The Drew Barrymore Show (Syndicated)
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (Syndicated)
Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)

*Due to submission count, this category is a merged Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Series and Writing Team for a Daytime Non-Fiction Special. All entries in both categories were judged by the same panel.

Directing Team for a Daytime Drama Series

The Bay (Popstar! TV)
Beyond Salem: Chapter Two (Peacock)
The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Days of our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
General Hospital (ABC)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Directing Team for a Single Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program

Ask This Old House (PBS/Roku)
Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia (Magnolia Network)
Home (Apple TV+)
Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix)
Wild Babies (Netflix)

Directing Team for a Multiple Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program

American Anthems (PBS)
The Drew Barrymore Show (Syndicated)
Entertainment Tonight (Syndicated)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
The View (ABC)

Music Direction and Composition

The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix)
Home (Apple TV+)
Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)

Original Song

“Darling Darling,” General Hospital (ABC)
“Everyone Dances,” The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
“Life Is Sweet,” American Anthems (PBS)
“Only There,” Joni Table Talk (Daystar)
“Pocket Change,” American Anthems (PBS)

Lighting Direction

The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
The Drew Barrymore Show (Syndicated)
General Hospital (ABC)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
The View (ABC)

Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video

The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day (ABC)\
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
The Talk (CBS)
The View (ABC)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Cinematography

The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix)
Home (Apple TV+)
Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix)
Italy Made with Love (PBS)
Wild Babies (Netflix)

Single Camera Editing

Big Sky Kitchen with Eduardo Garcia (Magnolia Network)\
The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix)
Home (Apple TV+)
Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix)
Wild Babies (Netflix)

Multiple Camera Editing

Articulate with Jim Cotter (PBS)
Behind The Table: A View Reunion (Hulu)
Book of Queer (Discovery+)
Emeril Cooks (Roku)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
Rachael Ray (Syndicated)

Outstanding Live Sound Mixing and Sound

Days of Our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (Syndicated)
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Sound Mixing And Sound Editing

Car Masters: Rust to Riches (Netflix)
Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix)
The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix)
Home (Apple TV+)
Island of the Sea Wolves (Netflix)
Wild Babies (Netflix)

Main Title and Graphic Design

Book of Queer (Discovery+)
Car Masters: Rust to Riches (Netflix)
The Drew Barrymore Show (Syndicated)
Down to Earth with Zac Efron (Netflix)
Instant Dream Home (Netflix)

Casting

Book of Queer (Discovery+)
Days of our Lives (NBC/Peacock)
General Hospital (ABC)
Start Up (PBS)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design

General Hospital (ABC)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
The Talk (CBS)
The View (ABC)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

Costume Design/Styling

The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
Book of Queer (Discovery+)
General Hospital (ABC)
Sherri! (Syndicated)
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)

Hairstyling and Makeup

The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS)
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
The Kelly Clarkson Show (Syndicated)
Red Table Talk Facebook Watch
Sherri! (Syndicated)
Tamron Hall (Syndicated)

Discovery+ to Launch Chef José Andrés’ New Travel Show in January

Posted on December 29, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Chef José Andrés is taking loved ones on the road…

The 53-year-old Spanish chef and activist will be traveling with his three daughters, Carlota, 23, Inés, 21 and Lucía, 18, in his home country for the new travel show, José Andrés and Family in Spain.

The series, which premieres on Tuesday, January 2 on Discovery+, will visit such places as Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia, Valencia, the Canary Islands and Asturias, where he was born and where the food, he says, made him who he is.

It’s a travel show, a cooking show and a parenting show, all wrapped up in a celebration of Spain and proud fatherhood.

“I think going with my dad and going to all of these places was just so special because he’s such a curious person,” Carlota Andrés says in a recent interview with her dad at The Bazaar, the elder Andrés’ rooftop bar at the The Ritz-Carlton in New York. “That’s the type of person that he is and no trip is the same if he’s not there.”

Throughout is José Andrés’ infectious and ebullient spirit, a whirlwind of passion for food and respect for where it came from. He cheers both the deconstructive brilliance of august restaurant El Bulli and also humble street food.

Tapas turns out to be a perfect reflection of his philosophy on eating — going from place to place eating many things, cold and hot, fish and meat and vegetables — and making it a celebration of ingredients, hard work and life.

“If I was the president of the world, I would make it mandatory that every person has to go around the world for a year of their lives — country to country, culture to culture, continent to continent. If we all did that, the world would be a magical place. That’s what this show celebrates,” he says.

The family hopes that the series will inspire other families to go out and explore, especially after the pandemic. “Spain is the excuse,” says José Andrés. “Sometimes we have the most exciting things in front of our eyes.”

“You can go into the Chesapeake Bay and have an amazing moment of discovery. You can go to Virginia and discover the wine country of Virginia. Everybody thinks that you have to go to the most remote parts of your world. The excitement is not in the places. The excitement is within yourself.”

José Andrés to be Honored During National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait of a Nation Awards

Posted on August 27, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

José Andrés is being honored for his transformative contributions…

The 53-year-old Spanish chef, philanthropist and activist will be honored at the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait of a Nation Awards on November 12.

Andres will be honored alongside Clive Davis, Ava DuVernay, Marian Wright Edelman, Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Serena Williams and Venus Williams.

The event, which launched in 2015, “honor[s] extraordinary individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States and its people across all fields of endeavor from the arts and sciences,” according to the Smithsonian gallery.

Andres is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. It has provided aid and meals in the United States and Puerto Rico and has helped during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

He is often credited with bringing the small plates dining concept to America.

An exhibition featuring portraits of the honorees will open at the museum on November 10.

Baratunde Thurston will host the event, with Laurene Powell Jobs presenting to Andres; Alicia Keys to Davis; Isabel Wilkerson to DuVernay; Hillary Clinton to Edelman; David M. Rubenstein to Fauci; Mellody Hobson to Serena Williams and Sonya Haffey and Isha Price to Venus Williams.

Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Galley, said in a statement, “It is important to honor and celebrate the people who are making a difference and inspiring others. The presenters, each of whom have a special relationship with the honorees, help us to offer meaningful thanks to this year’s awardees for their significant contributions to our nation.”

Chef José Andrés Partnering with ThinkFoodGroup to Launch Food-Focused Content Media Company

Posted on October 2, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

José Andrés is becoming a content creator…

The owner of ThinkFoodGroup, who has gained notice for his restaurants as well as recent efforts to help feed people caught in global disasters, has partnered with the 52-year-old Spanish chef, author and humanitarian to launch José Andrés Media.

The new company will produce unscripted and scripted television series, books, podcasts, and digital short- and mid-form content with a focus on food-related stories and characters, and the culture of food.

The outlet’s first project will be a six-episode series produced in association with documentary production company Nutopia that’s set in Spain and currently being developed for Discovery Plus.

“It’s been my dream to launch José Andrés Media for many years — to tell stories about who we are through the food we eat. Our food content will be as creative, fun, inspiring and authentic as our restaurants. I can’t wait to get started,” Andrés said in a prepared statement. “Food is so much more than just a plate of ingredients. It tells us where we have come from and where we’re going.”

Sam Bakhshandehpour, the president of ThinkFoodGroup, will serve as president of José Andrés Media. Richard Wolffe, a journalist, author and former MSNBC executive who is co-author of Andrés’ cookbooks, will serve as the company’s managing director.

Andrés has long focused on telling stories through preparation and examination of cuisine. He is also the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. He and his team see the new production company as a bid to reach bigger audiences. José Andrés Media is seeking producers and developing other projects. Additional information on the Discovery Plus series, new projects and new team members will be announced at a later date.

“José Andrés Media will embody the values people love in José: compassion, joy, global thinking and, of course, culinary excellence,” Bakhshandehpour said in a statement. “We are thrilled to launch our exciting new series on Discovery Plus and we look forward to shedding light on delicious food and the fascinating figures who cook it.” The company is expected to pursue strategic brand partnerships, including those having to do with consumer products and e-commerce.

“José Andrés is a one of a kind talent, world renowned and sought after for good reason, as there is no one more qualified to share food-related stories and characters centered on food culture,” Courtney White, president of Food Network and of streaming food content for Discovery Inc., the media outlet’s corporate parent, said in a statement. ”We are so excited to be working with José and his José Andrés Media team on bringing his creative vision to our global audience.”

Ricky Martin Receives International Peace Honors Recognition from PeaceTech Lab

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is celebrating a special honor…

PeaceTech Lab presented the International Peace Honors during a virtual celebration on Sunday night to unite and honor leaders and change agents working toward a more just and equitable future, including the 49-year-old Puerto Rican superstar.

Martin was saluted for his advocacy for human rights, tolerance and peace at the event, which was hosted by Natalia Jiménez.

“In addition to his artistic contributions, Ricky Martin has made notable strides in the social impact space,” said Sheldon Himelfarb, the president and CEO of PeaceTech Lab, in a press release. “He leverages his social networks to advocate for minority rights and promote civic engagement; through his foundation, he works to end human trafficking, especially of children; and in 2020, he galvanized support for frontline workers across the world. His contributions are invaluable, and it is a privilege for us to be able to recognize him during our International Peace Honors.”

Martin is well known for his activism. He’s the founder and president of the Ricky Martin Foundation, which rallies against human trafficking, protects children and vulnerable communities, and defends the human rights of millions.

But Martin wasn’t the only Latino nominee for the first-event International Peace Honors…

Ricardo Montaner was honored for his humanitarian efforts.

Other nominees included Dr. Anthony Fauci, Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi, Amazonian Chief Raoni and the “father of the internet” Vint Cerf.

Stephen Curry, Eva Longoria, Sting and José Andrés were presenters, while former U.S. President Jimmy Carter delivered a special message.

Sting also delivered an intimate version of “Fragile,” while Alejandro Sanz performed “La Quiero a Morir,” Camilo and his wife Evaluna Montaner (whose father is one of the evening’s honorees) sang “Amen,” and Laura Pausini performed “Io Si,” the main theme of Netflix‘s The Life Ahead.

Selena Gomez Releases New Trailer for Second Season of Her HBO Max Cooking Show “Selena + Chef”

Posted on January 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a family affair for Selena Gomez when it comes to the kitchen…

The 28-year-old Mexican American singer/actress has teased the second season of her HBO Max cooking show Selena + Chef with a new trailer, featuring the show’s second lead star, her grandfather.

Papa, who even has his own fan account according to his famous granddaughter, comically announces, “I’m back!” when asked about Gomez’s return to the kitchen for a second helping of the series, which returns to HBO Max on January 21.

“As you all know by now, I’m not the best cook,” she confesses during a voice-over in the clip. “But I’m not going to stop trying to get better. So I’m back in my kitchen to get schooled by the best chefs.”

“Dance Again” from her Billboard 200 No. 1 album Rare, which just celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday, plays in the background of the trailer, but the pop star experiences another fiery misstep while cooking when something in a pan catches on fire and sets off the alarm.

The next course of Selena + Chef features Spanish tapas, a burger with brie and roasted garlic, Asian bananas foster, mole and more dishes she cooked virtually alongside professional chefs Aarti Sequeira, Curtis Stone, Evan Funke, Graham Elliot, JJ Johnson, Jordan Andino, José Andrés, Kelis Rogers, Marcela Valladolid and Marcus Samuelsson.

She and Sequeira prepared her Thanksgiving holiday special, “Selena + Aarti: Friendsgiving,” together in November, when the Indian chef and Food Network star helped Gomez cook a turkey for the first time as part of her Friendsgiving celebration with her grandparents and best friends.

The “Ice Cream” singer treated fans to the first season of Selena + Chef series last summer, where she prepared homemade-yet-gourmet meals with 10 master chefs from the comforts of their own home during quarantine. Gomez also donated $10,000 to a food-related charity of the professional chef’s choosing at the end of each episode.

José Andrés Takes Part in Prince Harry & Meghan’s Spotify Holiday Special

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

José Andrés has joined the royal court…

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, are kicking off their multi-year audio partnership with Spotify with a holiday special featuring a royal court’s worth of A-list guests, including the 51-year-old Spanish chef.

The stand-alone special promises “a collection of personal anecdotes and inspirational stories from a variety guests around the world … plus a surprise or two,” according to a press release.

In addition to José Andrés, billed guests include Stacey Abrams, Christina Adane, Brené Brown, Rachel Cargle, Deepak Chopra, James Corden, Matt Haig, Sir Elton John, Hussain Manawer, Naomi Osaka, Tyler Perry, and George the Poet.

Following the pattern set by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, the royal couple’s exclusive podcast partnership with Spotify, which starts in 2021, became known earlier this month. It followed the announcement of a Netflix deal earlier in the year. Archewell Audio is their production banner and teamed with Spotify-owned Gimlet Media to produce the special.

“We thought, what if we can bring together some people that inspire us – people that we admire… and get their thoughts on what they learned from 2020,” the Duchess says in setting up the special.

Bidding good riddance to 2020, Prince Harry adds, “As we all know, it’s been a YEAR. And we really want to honor the compassion and kindness that has helped so many people get through it.”

The Duke and Duchess also single out a song that they say offers inspiration for listeners heading into 2021. “’This Little Light of Mine’ played at the very end of our wedding… while we were walking down the steps of the church,” Markle says. “It was the music that we wanted playing when we started our lives together. Because as we all know, ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that…’” Replies Prince Harry, “The message of this song is one we hold so dearly. It’s about using the power we each have within us to make this world a better place.”

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: José Andrés