Esai Morales Reflects on Resilience and Latino Unity and Pepe Aguilar Celebrates Authenticity in Music at Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Gala

During the Aspen Institute Latinos & Society Program's 10th-anniversary celebration in West Hollywood, actor Esai Morales was visibly emotional upon receiving Variety’s Changemakers Award. This honor, which also went to iconic musician Pepe Aguilar, spotlights Hispanic and Latino leaders who are molding the entertainment landscape. Morales, whose four-decade career includes standout roles in "La Bamba" and "Bad Boys," as well as major TV series such as "Ozark" and "NYPD Blue," spoke with Variety’s chief awards editor Clayton Davis about the power of solidarity. "The best thing we can do is identify with each other and love each other," he remarked, a message that struck a chord with attendees during Hispanic Heritage Month.

A career retrospective video showcased highlights from Morales's filmography, including his appearance in Paramount’s "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning" and his forthcoming part in Patrick Hughes’s sci-fi thriller "War Machine." He pointed to the 1983 film "Bad Boys" as the project that truly launched his career, sharing a memorable story of nearly leaving the audition after a long wait. "Something inside of me said, 'Get back in there. You don't quit,'" he recalled. "Your mama didn't raise you like that. You fight." This tenacity has defined his professional path, allowing him to proudly represent his Puerto Rican and Caribbean roots and connect deeply with Latino audiences.

Pepe Aguilar, the celebrated musician honored alongside Morales, joined the event via live feed from Mexico. With 35 albums and multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards to his name, Aguilar has built a legacy by blending traditional Mexican styles such as mariachi with modern pop and rock—evident in hits like "Prometiste" and "Por Mujeres Como Tú." He reflected on the pressures artists face to conform, stating, "The industry wants to take you to places that probably don’t fit you very much. I have to stay strong, stand my ground and keep doing what I love." Aguilar, who grew up immersed in Mexican folk music, added that he now enjoys it more than ever. Industry expert Maria Flores noted, "Aguilar’s skill in refreshing traditional genres while preserving their authenticity explains his lasting appeal across different age groups."

The gala also paid tribute to other key figures, including former U.S. ambassador to Croatia Nathalie Rayes and The LA Local co-founder and chair Monica Lozano, both instrumental in establishing the Aspen Institute Latinos & Society Program. The Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit known for its leadership development and policy programs, launched its new brand identity, Aspen Conexion, during the evening. The event also served as a farewell for executive director Domenika Lynch, who is transitioning to a new position as general manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument under Mayor Karen Bass.

Closing out the Aspen Institute Latinos & Society Game Changers in Sports and Business Summit, the gala capped a multi-day conference that brought together more than 150 top executives. Discussions centered on how the sports industry can fuel innovation, create jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth. The evening’s live music was provided by Andy Abad’s band, "The Blue Agave," offering a fitting end to a celebration that honored both the legacy and the forward momentum of Latino contributions to culture and leadership.