LATINO PRIDE

Inside the Día de Muertos Gala: Rita Moreno, Eva Longoria, and more celebrate Latino culture

HOLA! went inside Carlos Eric Lopez’s annual Día de Muertos Gala, where Latino stars celebrated culture, honored loved ones, and spoke about representation

Rita Moreno, Vanessa Bryant, Eva Longoria

OCTOBER 28, 2026 5:23 PM EDTOCT 28, 2026, 5:23 PM EDT

From Rita Moreno getting real about representation in Hollywood to Eva Longoria calling for more investment in Latino talent, Carlos Eric Lopez’s sixth annual Día de Muertos Gala brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment for a night celebrating Latino culture, honoring loved ones and looking toward the future.

Miguel, Anthony Ramos, Saioa CaÃ±ibano, Carlos Vela, Diego Boneta, Eva Longoria, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Guillermo Rodriguez, Xochitl Gomez, Desi Perkins, Carlos Eric Lopez, Tonatiuh and Patricio Campillo

The magical celebration was on October 27, with Moreno receiving the Vida y Legado (Life & Legacy) Award, and Guillermo Rodríguez taking home the Alegría Award.

But the gala has come a long way from where it all began. Speaking to HOLA! on the red carpet, Lopez shared that what started as a gathering of just 20 friends in his backyard has grown into an annual celebration on the Universal Studios backlot.

His goal was to introduce his non-Latino friends to Día de Muertos and give them a chance to experience a tradition that means so much to the Latino community. After seeing the response to that first gathering, he knew he wanted to keep it going and bring a piece of the holiday to Hollywood.

And this year, the guest list included plenty of familiar faces. Here's a look at who showed up, what they had to say, and some of the night's standout moments.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno was one of the night's honorees, receiving the Vida y Legado Award after a career that has helped pave the way for generations of Latino performers. The EGOT winner also made it clear that, despite how much has changed during her decades in Hollywood, she doesn't think the industry has come far enough when it comes to representation. Inside, she gave an incredible and hilarious speech.

Speaking with HOLA! on the red carpet, the legendary actress was asked whether Hollywood has really changed or whether people simply keep saying that it has. “Not good enough. Nowhere near good enough,” she responded.

Guillermo Rodríguez

Guillermo Rodríguez was another one of the night's honorees, receiving the Alegría Award and bringing plenty of laughs while reflecting on the opportunity that changed his life.

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! personality, who immigrated from Mexico and worked as a mechanic before becoming a familiar face on late-night television, looked back on how he landed his job with Jimmy Kimmel in 2003.

Rodríguez joked that Kimmel was looking for someone who wasn't 6-foot-1 and didn't have a six-pack. At 5-foot-5, with a belly and a willingness to give the job his all, Rodríguez figured he was exactly the person Kimmel needed.

But he also made sure to thank the Latino viewers who have supported him throughout his career, urging others not to let anyone tell them they can't succeed because they're Hispanic, don't speak perfect English or don't have a college degree.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria also stopped by HOLA! on the red carpet to talk about what it really takes to create more opportunities for Latinos in entertainment.

The actress, director, and producer has long championed Latino representation through her work on screen and behind the scenes, including through her foundation and media group.

Longoria shared how there needs to be an investment in the people telling those stories and emphasized that the responsibility shouldn't fall on Latinos alone. “We are no longer a sleeping giant. We are wide awake,” she told HOLA!

Guitarricadelafuente

Spanish singer Guitarricadelafuente also took the stage during the evening, dedicating his performance of “La nieve,” from the fan-favorite film “La bola negra,” to Moreno.

On the red carpet, he talked to HOLA! about his possible Oscar nomination for "La nieve", and about how his family has been experiencing his success.

More stars in attendance

Linda Yvette Chavez, Denise Bidot, Brandon Perea, Angelique Cabral, Michael Cimino, Olga Segura, Amanda Diaz, Annie Gonzalez, Elsa Marie Collins, Kassidy Ramirez, Steven Perkins, Desi Perkins, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, Gerardo Arana, Daniel, Neira, Jovita Trujillo and Andre Nunez

Diego Boneta

Diego Boneta was also at the gala, where he opened up to HOLA! about what Día de Muertos means to him and the family traditions he grew up with in Mexico.

The actor shared that his family would put together an altar every year with cempasúchil flowers and photos of their loved ones. This year, he was thinking about his grandparents, especially his two grandmothers, who played such an important role in his life.

Xochitl Gomez

Xochitl Gomez looked stunning and opened up on the red carpet about what it means to be selected as a ¡HOLA! Latina Powerhouse, her move to Spain and her admiration for America Ferrera.

Maria Gabriela de Faria

Venezuelan actress Maria Gabriela de Faria looked gorgeous in an all-black dress. On the red carpet, she shared what Día de Muertos means to her and who she’s remembering on this special day.

Vanessa Bryant

Kenia OS

Harvey Guillen