Legendary actor Edward James Olmos will appear at the El Paso Community Foundation Plaza Classic Film Festival with two of his signature films — 1988’s Stand and Deliver, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982), the first film produced by his Olmos Productions.
Edward James Olmos has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer, director, and humanitarian. He has won the Golden Globe Award and has been nominated for the Tony Award, Emmy Award, and Academy Award in a career that spans more than 50 years. He created a signature style and aesthetic that he applies to every artistic endeavor, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. He’s known around the industry and the world for his dedication to his craft.
Olmos earned a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of El Pachuco in Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit (a role he reprised in the 1981 film). He received a Golden Globe for his characterization of inspirational real-life educator Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver, and has starred in numerous classic films, including Blade Runner, Selena, American Me (which he directed), and My Family/Mi Familia. He also starred in Walking with Herb, filmed in Las Cruces.
He has been a formidable presence on TV, playing iconic characters on Battlestar Galactica, Miami Vice (for which he was nominated for two Emmys and Golden Globes), The West Wing, and Mayans M.C., now in its last season.
Olmos, who recently overcame a bout with throat cancer, also is known for his humanitarian work with organizations such as Thank You Ocean, the Project Hope Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, The Boys and Girls Club of America, and The River Keepers. He makes frequent speaking appearances at schools, universities, and corporations.
Edward James Olmos will appear with Stand and Deliver (1988) at 7 pm Friday, July 28 and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982) at 1 pm Saturday, July 29, both in the Plaza Theatre.
