Rita Moreno has had a whirlwind year, one filled with tributes, advocacy, and a steady stream of reminders of why she remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.
And just weeks before marking her 94th birthday on December 11, the legendary performer offered heartfelt wisdom to the rising generation. During the 2025 Latin Billboard festivities, she spoke with ¡HOLA! about her message for young artists chasing big dreams.
"Don't give up," Rita said, noting that confidence and character are essential to building a meaningful career in entertainment. She also shared her admiration for Shakira and her ability to blaze her own trail in the industry, another quality Moreno believes new talent should study closely.
That same spirit of encouragement shaped much of her public presence this year. Whether uplifting younger stars, defending fellow artists, or receiving major accolades, Moreno has shown no signs of slowing down.
Yet as her birthday approaches, she insists her focus is simple. “I'm looking forward to more of the same,” she told People. “I'm very, very fortunate indeed!"
Instead of a lavish bash, Moreno plans a quieter celebration this year. A few intimate meals with close friends and loved ones, including her daughter Fernanda Fisher, will mark the milestone. It is a contrast to the exuberant gathering she hosted for her 93rd birthday, when she transformed the day into a Mardi Gras themed celebration she affectionately dubbed “Fat Saturday.”
The purple, green, and gold affair brought together sixty guests, among them Fisher, former 'One Day at a Time' costar Justina Machado, and the Netflix comedy’s executive producers Brent Miller and Mike Royce.
A brass band delivered a festive rendition of “Happy Birthday” while Moreno sparkled in a purple sequin jacket emblazoned with Queen of Mardi Gras.
Her quieter birthday plans offer a rare pause after a packed autumn. In October, Moreno traveled to Rochester, New York, to accept the George Eastman Award from the George Eastman Museum, an honor reserved for individuals whose work has left significant marks on cinema.
The award, named for the founder of the Eastman Kodak company, has previously gone to Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts, Michael Keaton and Jodie Foster.
During the black tie gala at the Dryden Theatre, Moreno delivered a speech filled with her trademark wit and candor. "It's a reminder, I suppose, that I'm still alive and functioning," she said, according to a local news report.
"I'm 93 now and just when you think all of that is over, along comes the Eastman Kodak offer to come and be honored and I'm thinking, 'My God, I thought this was over for me,' and here I am and here you are because I'm here."
She also reflected on the artistic calling that has defined her life. “If you’re lucky, truly, truly lucky, the love of your life isn’t just a person," she said. "It is something that travels with you from childhood probably til your last breath. For me, that has always been the arts, which has seduced me and sustained me.”
At this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami, broadcast live from the James L. Knight Center, she delivered one of the ceremony’s most unforgettable moments. But before taking the stage that night, she spoke with Us Weekly about Bad Bunny’s global success.
“Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl? Oh, I am delirious!” she exclaimed with a laugh. When asked about critics who argue the star “is not American,” she responded with unmistakable fire. “So what? I am Puerto Rican too. So what? How annoying!”
Her stance set up an emotional highlight of the night. Tasked with presenting the Billboard Latin Artist of the 21st Century award, Moreno looked back on her own beginnings. “When I started, opportunities were few and every small step forward was a victory,” she told the crowd.
“Today I see an artist who brings that same strength, that same passion to the world that kept me from ever giving up. It excites me tremendously, from my heart, Benito, to present you this award.”
The audience rose to their feet as the 31-year-old superstar embraced her. His response was filled with gratitude. “Thank you for those words, Rita. I respect you a lot, I admire you a lot, and wow… every time I hear another artist express themselves like that about me, it gives me confidence that being myself and doing things from the heart will always be the best choice,” he said.