Carlos Ponce Receives Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Latino Media and Digital Storytelling
Actor and entrepreneur Carlos Ponce is being honored with the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work in entertainment and his innovative Minivela platform that's transforming Latino digital storytelling.
The Georgia Latino International Film Festival will honor Carlos Ponce with the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award during its Opening Night Gala at the Fox Theatre on October 2, 2025. The award recognizes Ponce's groundbreaking contributions to film, television, and music, his philanthropic impact, and his latest entrepreneurial venture, Minivela—the first U.S. Hispanic micro-shorts platform that is redefining Latino storytelling for the digital age.
Jose Marquez, CEO of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, stated that Ponce embodies the pioneering spirit the award celebrates. "Like Pepe Serna, he has opened doors for generations of Latino artists while remaining deeply committed to his community. With Minivela, he is not only extending his legacy but also empowering a new generation of Latino filmmakers to tell authentic stories in innovative ways."
Ponce's career spans more than three decades, establishing him as one of the most beloved Latino entertainers worldwide. He began in the early 1990s as host of the Spanish-language variety show Control and progressed to starring roles in telenovelas, Hollywood films, and hit series including Santa Diabla, Couples Retreat, 7th Heaven, and Beverly Hills, 90210. His voice acting credits include animated favorites like Rio and Ice Age: Collision Course.
As a music artist, Ponce's 1998 debut album went Double Platinum, topping the Latin Billboard charts. He has released six albums, won Best Pop Album in 1999, and recorded multiple chart-topping singles, including Disney's "Bella Notte" for Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure. Beyond entertainment, Ponce maintains a strong commitment to philanthropy, supporting initiatives in education, children's health, and cultural development.
Minivela represents Ponce's most recent innovation in Latino media. The platform specializes in micro-shorts and will showcase two productions at the festival: El Clavito, a prestige micro short gaining recognition across the festival circuit, and Cholita Takes L.A., a cultural comedy-drama blending indigenous heritage with modern urban flair. These screenings demonstrate Minivela's mission to amplify Latino voices while building an ecosystem for emerging creators.
The Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award has previously honored cultural figures including Pepe Serna himself and comedy icon Paul Rodriguez, recognizing individuals who have helped reshape Latino media and storytelling worldwide. Ponce's recognition comes at a time when digital platforms are increasingly important for Latino representation in media. Minivela's content is available on YouTube and across social media channels, featuring advertiser-supported digital shorts that target Latinos aged 18-34 with content verticals including romantic comedies, original series, and supernatural themes.
The platform represents a joint venture between Ponce, Brilla Media, and Numatec, with strategic production partnerships including Chicano Hollywood on the West Coast and Haydita Veloz. Inspired by telenovelas but designed for digital consumption, Minivelas range from 10 to 90 minutes and are developed in collaboration with filmmakers and influencers, featuring content in English, Spanish, or bilingual formats based on the organic needs of the stories.