The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF), presented by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA), has announced its 2026 honorees as it prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary with a special event at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. The honorees include Academy Award nominee Yalitza Aparicio, who will receive the Pepe Serna GALFA Icon Award; actor, filmmaker, and producer Roberto Sanchez, who will receive the Pepe Serna Excellence in Filmmaking Award; Leonard Najar, who will receive the Revelation of the Year Award; and Sandy Hernandez, who will receive the Rising Star Award. The festival will also recognize actor, artist, mentor, and humanitarian Pepe Serna, whose career and commitment to supporting Latino artists inspired the awards that bear his name.
“Pepe Serna represents the kind of excellence we want these awards to stand for,” said Dr. José Márquez, CEO and founder of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance and Georgia Latino International Film Festival. “He was a trailblazer when there was barely a road to follow. But his legacy is about more than an extraordinary career. It is about using success to create opportunity for others.” Márquez continued, “That is what we want every recipient of a Pepe Serna Award to understand. Excellence comes with purpose and with a responsibility to leave the door wider open for the generation that follows.”
Yalitza Aparicio gained international recognition with her debut performance as Cleo in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her recognition at GALIFF carries additional significance as Mexico serves as the festival’s 2026 Guest Country of Honor, connecting the festival’s anniversary celebration in Atlanta with Mexican cinema and storytelling. Roberto Sanchez has developed a multifaceted career spanning acting, filmmaking, and production, working both in front of and behind the camera. His recognition reflects GALIFF’s commitment to honoring Latino artists who have built lasting careers while contributing to the continued growth of Latino representation in the entertainment industry.
Leonard Najar will receive the Revelation of the Year Award, recognizing an emerging talent and new voice in the entertainment industry. The award reflects GALIFF’s commitment to creating opportunities for audiences and industry professionals to discover emerging Latino talent alongside established artists. Recognizing Najar as part of the festival’s 15th anniversary honorees highlights the organization’s continued focus on supporting the next generation of storytellers. Sandy Hernandez will receive the Rising Star Award, recognizing an emerging artist and the promise of a new generation of Latino talent. The award reflects one of the principles at the heart of GALIFF’s work: creating greater visibility and opportunities for Latino creatives within film and entertainment. Hernandez’s recognition alongside established and emerging artists represents the continuum between the generations that helped expand Latino representation and those building upon that work today.
“Pepe Serna Awards reminds us that legacy is not simply about what you accomplish,” Márquez said. “It is also about what you make possible for the people who come after you.” The Georgia Latino International Film Festival marks its 15th anniversary in 2026. Presented by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, GALIFF provides a platform for Latino filmmakers and storytellers to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and develop relationships within the entertainment industry. Through its annual festival and year-round programming, GALFA works to expand professional and creative opportunities for Latino artists while strengthening their participation in Georgia’s film and entertainment community. The 2026 honorees represent different stages of that journey: established artists whose careers helped expand representation, working filmmakers continuing that progress, and emerging voices preparing to shape what comes next.
The significance of this announcement lies in its recognition of both established and emerging Latino talent, underscoring the festival’s role in fostering diversity and inclusion in the film industry. By honoring figures like Yalitza Aparicio, whose Academy Award nomination brought global attention to Mexican cinema, and Pepe Serna, whose legacy of mentorship and advocacy has paved the way for others, GALIFF highlights the importance of creating pathways for Latino artists. The inclusion of Mexico as the 2026 Guest Country of Honor further strengthens cultural ties and amplifies Mexican storytelling on an international stage. As the festival celebrates 15 years, it reaffirms its commitment to amplifying Latino voices and ensuring that the doors of opportunity continue to open wider for future generations. For more information, visit the Georgia Latino International Film Festival website.
