Project Hail Mary’s James Ortiz to be honored at NHMC Gala

The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) will honor actor James Ortiz with the Artistic Excellence Impact Award on April 24 at the Beverly Hilton for his exceptional artistry and his pioneering contributions to performance and puppetry at the NHMC’s annual Impact Awards Gala. 

Ortiz, whose career spans over a decade, co-founded Strangemen and Company, a theater group, which is known for plays like “The Woodsman.” Additionally, Ortiz recently co-starred alongside Ryan Gosling in the 2026 film “Project Hail Mary,” where he played the character Rocky, a spider-like alien who partners with Gosling’s character.

“As a queer Latino artist pushing the boundaries of a specialized field, his work is a testament to the power of representation and a source of inspiration for emerging creators,” NHMC wrote in a statement.

NHMC also recently announced the list of star-studded presenters, including Christopher Miller, U.S.Representative Joaquín Castro, Nick Pugliese, Phil Lord, Melissa Peterman of NBC’s “Happy Place” and Pablo Castelblanco.  

Additional honorees at this year's gala are Apple TV’s “The Studio,” Belissa Escobedo, Beth de Araújo and screenwriting duo Danya Jimenez & Hannah McMechan.