Edward James Olmos to be honored at Cal State LA screening of ‘The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez’

Cal State LA will honor legendary actor Edward James Olmos with the Prism Award during a special evening that includes an on-stage conversation and a screening of “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez.” 

The event will celebrate Olmos' contributions to cultural storytelling, film, and community empowerment. 

Olmos is an award-winning actor, director and activist best known for his roles in “Stand and Deliver,” “Zoot Suit,” and “Selena.” A native of East Los Angeles and a Cal State LA alumnus, Olmos has spent his career advocating for education, diversity in media, and community empowerment. 

The Prism Award celebrates creators who expand diversity in speculative genres across media.  

From 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. there will be a conversation with Dean Stephen Trzaskoma of the College of Arts and Letters to reflect on his impactful career, the influence of Cal State LA, and the importance of community-rooted storytelling. 

and Prism Award presentation. The film screening will be at 6:45 p.m.   

The conversation with Olmos and screening is on Friday, October 10. 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Luckman Theatre, Cal State LA. 

The university is located at the Eastern Avenue exit, San Bernardino Freeway, at the interchange of the 10 and 710 Freeways. Campus map .   

This event is part of the We Are LA Community Weekend, which is affiliated with the University Convocation and the Investiture of Berenecea Johnson Eanes as the university’s ninth president. For more information, please visit the conversation and screening. The event is free to the public.