Variety Latino’s 2014 Power List Rankings (PICS)

Gracias a todos los que contribuyeron a esta lista: Jeetendr Sehdev, Smriti Mundhra, Jack Rico, Griselda Flores, Liz Calvario, Paulina Herrera, y Angie Romero.

VER TAMBIÉN: Variety Latino le pregunta al público latino: ¿quiénes son las estrellas más influyentes en tu vida y por qué?

Latinos say: “I remember when he was a sex symbol in Hollywood but he also seems to have strong family values that most actors don’t have today. A real professional.”

SEE ALSO: Variety Latino surveys Latinos across America: which Latino stars matter most to you and why?

Cuban-born Andy Garcia is one of the few Hispanic actors to have broken through casting stereotypes to become one of Hollywood’s memorable leading men — and one who’s beloved by the Latino community. His tour de force performance of Vincent Mancini in “The Godfather Part III” was rewarded with an Oscar nomination, and in the process, influenced a new generation of Latino actors. Comfortable in either dramatic or comedic roles in commercial or auteur films, Garcia is also a producer and director capable of attracting capital and popular stars. Next on his list is a passion project titled “Hemingway & Fuentes” which he will direct, write and star in. “In any profession, to be able to open doors, you have to be ready,” Garcia told Variety Latino, reflecting on his incredible career. “You have to be persistent, and keep those dreams alive, because it’s always a struggle, but over time, if you have that mentality, you can break through.” 

Latinos say: “She still looks so young! It’s been cool to see her go from sex symbol to a family woman with an entrepreneurial spirit.”

Early in her career, Alba routinely topped magazines’ “hottest” and “most beautiful” lists. After the birth of her daughter Honor in 2008 (she welcomed her second child, Haven, with husband Cash Warren in 2011), Alba set the trend for celebrity lifestyle gurus with The Honest Company, which has grown into a business worth nearly $1 billion today. Her social media feeds (which reach a combined 12 million people, including young, hip Latina moms) focus on helping families live better lives rather than feeding male fantasies. “Being an entrepreneur has changed me as a person,” Alba told Variety Latino. “I don’t feel the heaviness of my whole identity attached to my career as an actress. It’s been nice to deliver on something that I believed in so much and that other families are so appreciative of and it’s changing their lives.”

Latinos say: He’s handsome but at the same time seems genuine and sweet. Love him in telenovelas.” 

Often referred to as the Latino Brad Pitt, William Levy is a bona fide telenovela star. But his story is far from a fairy tale. Raised by a single mom in the poor fishing village of Cojimar, Cuba, Levy migrated to Miami as a 14-year-old. Adjusting to life in America took time, and it’s that shared experience that connects him with many Latinos. “Even things as simple as a trip to the supermarket were a shock to me,” he has said. “Everything that I have today, I enjoy it 100%. I’m grateful for it. I don’t waste it.” A spot on the 14th season of “Dancing With The Stars” secured Levy’s place in the pop culture consciousness. The hunky actor is transitioning to Hollywood smoothly, after a turn in Tyler Perry’s “The Single Moms Club.” Up next is the steamy thriller “Addicted,” out October 10. 

Latinos say: “Real and authentic.”

Some stars like to play the warm and fuzzy card. Saldana, who stars in this year’s biggest box office hit “Guardians of the Galaxy,” exudes strength, confidence and toughness instead. The formula has earned her the respect of audiences — especially adult Latinas, who appreciate her intelligence and unwillingness to conform to Hollywood standards that often infantilize women. The 36-year-old actress is also sought out and admired by the biggest directors in the business, from James Cameron to J.J. Abrams, because she can be simultaneously feminine and strong. What’s more, she deftly deflects the attention on her personal life to causes and issues that are important to her, like the politics of gender and race. Up next is “The Book of Life,” the animated film from director Jorge R. Gutierrez and producer Guillermo Del Toro that pays homage to Día de los Muertos, out October 17. “People think of Latina women as being fiery and fierce, which is usually true,” Saldana has said. “But I think the quality that so many Latinas possess is strength. I’m very proud to have Latin blood.”

Latinos say: “He just seems like a great guy — down to earth and always happy. I feel like I can relate to him.”

After “Y tu mamá también,” Diego Luna could have made the move to Hollywood full-time. Instead, the actor and producer opted to stay in his native Mexico to do his part in building the local film industry through his Canana Films banner and his traveling Ambulante Film Festival (he launched both endeavors with Gael García Bernal). Luna has also been instrumental in bringing Mexican cinema to the United States, via producing, acting and distribution deals. Now he’s a legitimate director, too (“César Chávez”). Up next, Luna voices the main character, Manolo, in “The Book of Life,” alongside Zoe Saldana. “I feel fortunate to do what I do, which is to tell stories, and that I don’t have to make this journey alone,” Luna told us, reacting to the list. “It reminds me of what it’s all about, which is to unite people to reflect on something, or be part of a debate. Having that audience on this side of the border gives me wings. It means my work doesn’t stay in one small niche, and we have the ability and good fortune to grow and reach more people. We wouldn’t tell stories if we didn’t want someone to listen.”

Latinos say: “Some people don’t even know Cameron Diaz is Latina. They should be able to tell by her sense of humor. She’s really funny and beautiful.”

A 20-something model with no acting experience when she landed her debut role opposite Jim Carrey in “The Mask,” Cameron Diaz blew away the stereotypes aimed at her when she not only stole scenes from her comedy icon co-star, but became one of the most likeable and relatable actresses in Hollywood. Not an easy task for a 5’10” blonde. But Diaz used her self-effacing sense of humor and easy charm to win over audiences. Today, at 42, the actress has evolved from goofy comedienne to self-assured woman, speaking openly about body image and projecting an image of no-man-necessary confidence, all while continuing to elicit laughter in comedies like this year’s “Sex Tape.” Up next, she’ll take on the classic Miss Hannigan role in this year’s “Annie” reboot. “I grew up with the Cuban heritage, the Cuban culture, the food, the language, although I don’t speak Spanish,” Diaz has said. 

Latinos say: “Antonio will always be loved. He’s worked so hard to make a name for himself. He’s an icon and a great role model for the community.”

Latinos first fell in love with his heartthrob good looks, charming personality and surprising comedic timing in the 1980s, back when he was Pedro Almodóvar’s muse. His later performances in movies such as “Philadelphia” and “Desperado” impressed enough Hollywood execs to offer him the role of Zorro, catapulting him to international stardom. Latino families have a soft spot for Banderas, thanks to his voicing the lovable animated “Puss in Boots.” Next up he’ll play Burger-Beard the Pirate in “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” live-action film, slated for 2015. Banderas continues to push himself as an actor, as seen in this year’s futuristic “Autómata.” “A couple of years after I arrived in Hollywood, everything that was Latino was fashionable. Years after, my thought was, ‘we’re not fashionable anymore. We’re here to stay’,” he has said. 

Latinos say: “She’s definitely changing her image from a young girl to a sexy woman, which is great. I love following her on Instagram.”

Successfully attempting the leap from child star to adult celebrity has proven elusive to many a young talent, but 22-year-old Selena Gomez, the youngest on our list, has managed to blossom into a genuine ingenue, and without disrobing in the process. Indeed, the multihyphenate demonstrates a fierce independence and sense of control over her career and persona and is a strong role model to her younger Latina fans. The Texas native’s playbook is centered on a direct dialogue with her combined 35 million followers on Twitter and Instragram. “I didn’t realize how important it was to represent my background and my culture until parents of Latin descent started coming up to me,” she has said. “Then it clicked.”

Latinos say: “He’s definitely funny and speaks his mind and he’s not afraid to take risks. I respect that about him.”

John Leguizamo’s showbiz career began in the conductor’s car of a New York City subway train, where he gave his first impromptu live performance, and led him to become a groundbreaking actor and comedian at a time when the number of Latinos in Hollywood could be counted on one hand. Besides Leguizamo’s infectious energy and expressive face, his hard-knocks rise to fame has made him a pioneer ni the business nd earned him the admiration of those who followed in his path. And he continues to stay elastic. Refusing to take no for an answer, Leguizamo spent $15,000 of his own money on a fat suit and prosthetic makeup to earn a part he says he was born to play: Pablo Escobar int he upcoming Brad Furman-directed biopic, “King of Cocaine.” “I learned early in my career to be proud of being Latino,” Leguizamo told Variety Latino. “Everybody told me to change my name, to pretend I was Italian, all sorts of things so that I could have success in this country. I never did them. I lost a lot of work but it made me focus on the story I wanted to tell the world.”  

Latinos say: “Salma is a real Latina beauty. We all love her curves, including my husband, of course. She’s a true success story from Mexico and has really made her dreams come true.”

In the decade since “Frida,” Salma Hayek has split her time between the occasional TV cameo (“30 Rock”), film role (“How to Make Love Like an Englishman”), and passion projects (the upcoming animated film “The Prophet,” based on the beloved book of poems by Khalil Gibran). In 2009, she married fashion billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, with whom she has a daughter, Valentina. The family exudes fabulousness, and would appear to have little in common with most of the population that buys tickets to Hayek’s films. It’s a credit, then, both to Hayek’s business savvy and her connection with her core fans that she translates her jet-setting lifestyle into her own beauty line (Nuance by Salma Hayek) available in drugstores to even the most thrifty Latina consumer, with most items priced under $20. “We’ve got to fight for our confidence every day in modern life because we live in a society that is very harsh to women,” Hayek told Variety Latino’s Angie Romero. “You have to be smart and successful and a good mother and beautiful and young and skinny forever. It’s a lot of pressure. So I think we have to take a deep breath and just enjoy ourselves and say, ‘I’m going to be the best that I can be, and that’s more than enough.’ ”

Latinos say: “Simply the funniest guy alive. Everybody thinks George Lopez is funny, but especially Latinos. It’s our way of getting through the good and bad times.”

George Lopez’s eponymous sitcom brought the experiences of a middle-class Latino family into living rooms across America at a time when cultural misconceptions were rampant. Like his mentor, Bill Cosby, the actor became an ambassador of ethnographics between his community and mainstream America. The show became a surprise hit in syndication, buoyed by cross-demographic appeal and strong support from Latino viewers. Even more than his career achievements, Lopez’s backstory is the embodiment of the American Dream: Raised by working-class grandparents in Southern California, he put himself through school, and worked his way up to the top of the Hollywood food chain, while never compromising his identity or forgetting his roots. “I never thought that stand-up would lead to acting, and a late night opportunity or movies or even animated movies,” Lopez told Variety Latino. “I think as people, and especially as Latinos, we need to see ourselves bigger than what our own minds sometimes can imagine. I came from nothing, but that didn’t mean I had to end up as nothing. I’m proud that I’m George Lopez.” So are we. 

Latinos say: “She doesn’t want to be like anyone else and she’s never sold out. That’s what makes her different and special.”

There’s something about Rodriguez’s uncompromising tough-girl attitude that appeals to both fans and filmmakers. MRod, as she’s affectionately known, almost seems to relish keeping people guessing when it comes to her personal life — perhaps as a metaphorical middle finger to today’s tabloid-crazed media — yet never tries to be something she’s not. Fans appreciate Rodriguez for who she is and she, in turn, rewards them by sharing glimpses of her life via Twitter and Instagram (@mrodofficial). You won’t see the 36-year-old actress as a sidekick in a romantic comedy or as red-carpet arm-candy. Instead, she brings brains as well as brawn to action-packed roles. Up next is Universal’s “Fast & Furious 7,” in theaters April 3. “I won’t ever bend on what I believe in,” she has said. “I don’t care who you are — you can be the best director on the planet. If you don’t get what I do, what I’m good at, I will not bend for you.”

Latinos say: “He’s definitely more serious but he’s doing his own thing, which I respect. He’s a great communicator with his fans on social media.”

Mexican born Gael García Bernal won worldwide acclaim in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s gritty and riveting film, “Amores Perros.” His follow-up role, in Alfonso Cuarón’s “Y tu mamá también,” established him as the face of the new wave of Mexican cinema. A partner with Diego Luna in Canana Films and documentary festival Ambulante, he’ll next be seen in Jon Stewart’s directorial debut, based on the memoir “Then They Came for Me” by Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari. “I’ve never cared for the idea of a career path, or where a film might ‘take me’,” García Bernal has said. “My love is for acting, not money, so I only take on roles that I find challenging, in stories I find interesting.”

Latinos say: “She is no doubt classy and gorgeous but also an amazing actress who is really good at English-speaking roles.”

This Oscar-winner is admired for her beauty, talent and flawless style, but consciously stays away from the tabloid sagas and social-media over-sharing that many others consider requirements for celebrity. Choosing to raise her family in Europe, with its rigid anti-paparazzi laws, instead of Los Angeles, Penelope Cruz is respected, if not necessarily relatable. A quick look at the products she endorses — Nespresso, L’Oreal, Agent Provocateur — reveals the demographic she appeals to most: older, cultured and educated Latina women better reached through in-depth magazine articles than via Twitter (indeed, Cruz has no verified account). 

Latinos say: “He’s talented and smart but seems like a regular guy. He’s American-born but still doesn’t forget he’s Hispanic.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Michael Peña is one of the few actors who can make you cry hopelessly one minute and laugh maniacally the next. Peña is also one of the rare breed of actors who can work in English and Spanish, as he did earlier this year in Diego Luna’s “César Chávez.” While far from a commercial success, the biopic was a perfect fit for the actor, whose own parents were farm workers when they emigrated from Mexico, and served to educate a younger generation about one of the great American civil rights heroes. At 38, Peña’s oeuvre is impressive: He has co-starred in some of the best movies made in the last 15 years, including Oscar winners “Million Dollar Baby,” “Crash,” as well as nominee “American Hustle.” Up next are several projects that continue to speak to his range, “Fury” with Brad Pitt, as well as the Marvel movie “Ant-Man” in 2015. “César Chávez is still with me,” Peña told Variety Latino. “He changed the way I think. At night, when I was trying to find the character, I would stay up and ask myself, ‘what kind of person takes it upon himself to do something so extraordinary’.”

Latinos say: “I admire JLo because she has worked hard to get to the top. She’s also a good mother. She’s allowed to be a bit of a diva.”

Lopez’s biggest asset is her ability to reinvent herself while still remaining true to her core identity: Jenny from the block. A 45-year-old mother, business maven and age-defyingly beautiful, Lopez ramped up her likeability at a time when most pop stars start slowing down. She proved her savvy by taking a judging gig on “American Idol” in 2010— at the time considered to be a step down for a star of her caliber — and used the direct exposure to her fans in primetime as a means to dismantle her diva reputation. The move made Lopez a bigger star than ever, with a reach across all demographics, ethnicities and age groups. So successful was Lopez at turning all this newfound good will from fans into growth for her businesses (her fragrances alone have made $2 billion since 2002), that everyone from Shakira to Gwen Stefani followed her playbook. Now she’s part owner and chief creative office of NuvoTV, a network aimed at multicultural millennials. In 2015, Lopez will return to film in the thriller “The Boy Next Door.” “To all my Latinos, work hard and dream big. Have faith,” she said, in perfect Spanish, during her acceptance speech at this year’s Billboard Music Awards while receiving the Icon Award. 

Latinos say: “I think Javier has brought Hispanics the most recognition for their acting skills in America.”

Constructing a legacy of affecting and indelible performances such as “Before Night Falls,” “The Sea Inside,” and “Biutiful,” Javier Bardem’s success is linked to his uncanny ability to transform physically from role to role. Currently, no other Hispanic actor comes close to his accomplishments — three Oscar nods and one win for “No Country for Old Men.” So while he’s nowhere to be found on social media, Bardem enjoys a strong connection to the Latino audience, which values his talent above everything else and sees him as, hands down, “the best actor we have.” One of his three upcoming projects will see him in Sean Penn’s directorial effort, “The Last Face.” “Your own history is way more important than what you can achieve as a professional,” he has said. 

Latinos say: “She’s not only pretty but she gets the issues that matter most to Latinos and gives back to the community – that means a lot.”  

No one on this list is more dedicated than Eva Longoria to giving Latinos a voice in U.S. politics. “I am beyond humbled,” Longoria told Variety Latino, reacting to the list. “I love being a part of the Hispanic community just like I love being a part of the women’s community. I feel like we need more Latinos in decision-making positions in all industries, not just entertainment.” Today, via that activism, she’s secured a place among the most influential Latinos in America. She helped President Obama secure 73% of the Latino vote during the 2012 election; continues to speak ardently and articulately about immigration reform; and initiated the Latino Victory Project to raise funds for candidates. On the entrepreneurial side, she’s been successful as a restaurateur, author and executive producer (Lifetime’s “Devious Maids” series and the documentaries “Harvest” and “Food Chains”). She may be spending less time in front of the camera these days, but she’s busier and more beloved than ever. So what was that defining moment in her life as an activist? “Long before I was famous, I met Dolores Huerta, and she said to me, ‘Hermana, one day you’re going to have a voice. Be sure you have something to say.’ I just never forgot that,” Longoria shared with us.

Latinos say: “You have to try new things always. Eugenio is our next biggest reinvention story after Antonio Banderas. He made it in Mexico and he’ll make it in Hollywood.”

Hollywood has spent years trying to crack the code of what the country’s lucrative Latino audience wants. Derbez, an actor, writer, director and producer who is one of Mexico’s best-known stars, solved the puzzle in 2013 with his hit film, “Instructions Not Included.” Though he’s a star in his native country, Derbez was a virtual unknown stateside when “Instructions” became a surprise box office success story, pulling in close to $100 million worldwide on a $5 million budget. It took him 12 years to raise the financing to make the film, and now he has the last laugh. The 52-year-old just inked a first-look deal with Lionsgate/Televisa’s Pantelion Films, the same banner behind “Instructions,” via his freshly launched 3Pas Studios (the name references the Spanish word tripas, or guts, since Derbez says he has always made his career decisions from his gut). “The greatest support has always been from Latinos,” Derbez told Variety Latino. “I made the movie I wanted to make, from the heart, but they’re the ones who showed up to see it. I am where I am because of them. I’m very clear about that.” 

Latinos say: “I love her. She’s beautiful and charming and proves that Latinas are just as hot as any other Hollywood star. I really think our time has come.”

On “Modern Family,” Sofia Vergara plays what could have been a one-dimensional stereotype with a distinct wink to the audience. Her approach to comedy is simple yet genius: “Somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself and enjoy her work and make money” — $37 million a year, to be exact, according to Forbes. Vergara is also widely admired for her business savvy. At 42, she’s as adept at social media as celebrities half her age, and far more so than most of her contemporaries. What sets her apart, however, is her ability to turn her dialogue with her combined 10 million followers into an empire — without making us feel like we’re being given the hard sell. 

Special thanks to Jeetendr Sehdev, Smriti Mundhra, Jack Rico, Griselda Flores, Liz Calvario, Paulina Herrera, and Angie Romero, who all contributed to this list.

SEE ALSO: 10 Fascinating Facts About the U.S. Latino Audience From Our Survey

Los novios llegaron a Venecia el 26 de septiembre, un día antes de su boda.

Este es el hotel donde los enamorados tendrán su recepción después de que digan “Sí, acepto.”

Según E!, el anillo de bodas de Amal se estima que costó $750,000. ¡Wow!

El bestie de George fue visto llegando el 26 de septiembre a Venecia para la boda. ¿Será que Matt es el best man y no Brad Pitt?

La modelo y su esposo se besan en camino al hotel donde George y Amal se casarán.

El actor y su esposa juntos yendo a ver a los enamorados.

George y Amal se toman fotos con Cindy Crawford y su esposo Rande Gerber antes de llegar al hotel.

El rockero llegó el 26 de septiembre a Venecia para celebrar la boda de George y Amal.

No cabe duda de que Amal es una mujer bellísima y George es muy afortunado.

La actriz y amiga de la pareja también llegó el 26 de septiembre a Venecia.

Aquí les damos un vistazo a los famosos conviviendo antes de entrar al hotel en Venecia.

No podemos esperar a ver y saber todos los detalles de la boda de George y Amal. Nunca pensábamos que este día iba a llegar pero como vemos estamos días antes de la celebración.

George y sus amigos brindan por una noche llena de felicidad.

La editora de Vogue también es parte de la celebración. Aquí la vemos subirse al yate.

Nos encanta el vestido de la esposa del actor. ¡Se ve súper bella!

¡Wow! Amal nos deja con la boca abierta. La novia se ve lista para festejar su último día como soltera.