HISTORY OF ACE

The Association of Latin Entertainment Critics – known throughout Latin America and Spain as ACE, short for Asociación de Cronistas de Espectáculos de Nueva York – is a unique nonprofit cultural organization founded on December 12, 1967 by a group of New York-based Hispanic journalists and correspondents.

Founding members were the late Miguel Ángel Gallástegui, its first provisional president; Nemesio Acevedo, Fernando Campos, José C. Cayón, Johnny Chévere, Manuel del Valle, Pedro Galiana, Efraín Hidalgo, Ramón Plazza, Santiago Pollarsky and Arístides Sotolongo.

The first Latin ACE Awards ceremony, after the winners were announced at the Club Sans Souci in Uptown Manhattan on May 25, 1969, took place officially at Madison Square Garden during an extended interlude of the rodeo show of Mexican motion picture star Tony Aguilar.

The following year, on March 14, 1970, the first official Board of Directors of ACE was elected, and its officers for a one-year period were Emilio García, president; Efraín Hidalgo, vice president; Fernando Campos, secretary; Ramón Plazza, vice secretary; J. Carbó Menéndez, treasurer; and Jose C. Cayón, vice treasurer. In later years, the Board of Directors term was extended to two years.

Besides Dominican journalist Fernando Campos, its current president, and the above-mentioned Miguel Ángel Gallástegui and Emilio García, ACE also has had as presidents Ramón Plazza, Ivan Gutiérrez, Manolo García-Oliva and Juan I. Veira.

In recognition of their outstanding performances during the periods they led the ACE, Mr. Plazza and Mr. García-Oliva were subsequently awarded the permanent title of Presidents of Honor by the Board of Directors, a title also held by Mr. Campos.

Now celebrating the 38th anniversary of its founding, ACE can boast remarkable prestige at an international level. And its annual awards ceremony is perhaps the most widely publicized Latin event of its kind in the United States, with extensive press, radio and television coverage.

It would be impossible to list all well-known Hispanic celebrities who have participated in Latin ACE Awards ceremonies, but it is often described as a Who’s Who at the very top of the Latin entertainment world.

Some of the artists honored by ACE, who have attended its various awards ceremonies, include Iris Chacón, Charityn, Plácido Domingo, Don Francisco, Lupita Ferrer, Tongolele, Olga Guillot, Julio Iglesias, José José, Rocío Jurado, Marga López, Angélica María, Silvia Pinal, Raphael, Cristina Saralegui, Ninón Sevilla, and many others.

Besides promoting in the international press all events involving Latin artists, and strengthening the unity of Hispanic journalists specialized in the performing arts, ACE has become a major cultural force within the New York Hispanic community.

As part of its cultural commitments, ACE encourages its members to attend all Latin artistic events, and contributing to the unity of Hispanic journalists specialized in the performing arts.

Throughout the years, several Mayors of the City of New York, who have issued laudatory Official Proclamations, have recognized ACE’s achievements. And organizations with similar objectives from Spanish-speaking countries and various cities in the United States have events in foreign countries, including festivals, press conferences, conventions, major concerts and trade shows.

On a periodical basis, ACE sponsors lectures, musical galas featuring local Latin talents, training workshops and round–table discussions with the participation of active members. And some of its officers serve as board members and provide assistance to community organizations like the Manhattan Valley Golden Age Senior Citizen Center.

Fernando Campos, former editor of Canales Magazine, is the current president of ACE, with Manolo García-Oliva and Ramón Plazza as honor presidents. The members of the Board are Nilda Tapia, vice president; Luz Marina Mejía, secretary; Albert L. White, treasurer; Tommy Calle, press secretary; Charito Cisneros, public relations director; and Mariann Mendoza, vice secretary. Hernando Merchand heads the Ethics Committee, and its executive members are Lissette Montolío and Arnaldo Rodríguez.

Active in the ACE Board of Commissioners are Wilson Aguilar, Peter Bloch, Frank Castro, Johnny Cruz, Adela de Luppi, Eddie Ferreira, Zunilda Fondeur, Carlos Lasso, Welquis López, Mariann Mendóza, Hernando Merchand, Carlos Navedo, and Fabian Ross.

As president of ACE, Fernando Campos is committed to strengthening the organization’s international ties, and also continuing its tradition of presenting every year the most prestigious and important awards ceremony honoring the achievements of Latin artists in the United States.