Zoe Saldaña Among Those To Receive White House Hispanic Heritage Awards

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 29: Actress Zoe Saldana attends The Cinema Society with Men's Fitness & FIJI Water host a screening of "Guardians of the Galaxy" on July 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for FIJI Water) (2014 Getty Images)

Zoe Saldaña, Carlos Vives and Pepe Aguilar are among the 2014 Hispanic Heritage Awards recipients, which will be presented by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) during a ceremony on Sept. 18 at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Along with the three entertainers, U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, retired New York Yankee Bernie Williams, San Antonio architect and activist Henry R. Muñoz III, the robotics team from Hayden High School in Phoenix, Ariz., and the U.S. Army 65th Infantry Regiment which is also known as “The Borinqueneers,” will be honored by the HHF.

“The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is proud to honor yet another inspiring group of Latino leaders with our prestigious Hispanic Heritage Award,” said president and CEO, Jose Antonio Tijerino, in a statement. “The Hispanic community has made significant contributions throughout history, and we are proud to recognize the impact.”

He pointed out that Latinos are playing an increasingly vital role in the United States.

“Beyond celebrating our past success, we are focused on the future,” he said.

The Hispanic Heritage Awards were established in 1987 by the White House to commemorate the establishment of Hispanic Heritage month. Past honorees include Ricky Martin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Placido Domingo, Isabel Allende, Juan Luis Guerra, Oscar de la Hoya, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, Eva Longoria and Rita Moreno.

For the first time, PBS will broadcast the awards ceremony as a one-hour special on Sept. 29.

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