THE 2009 ALMA AWARDS CO-HOST ANNOUNCED

Released by ABC

EVA LONGORIA PARKER AND GEORGE LOPEZ CO-HOST "THE 2009 ALMA AWARDS"

All-Star Event Celebrating Outstanding Achievements of Latinos in Entertainment Airs September 18 on ABC

"The 2009 ALMA Awards," celebrates the outstanding achievements of Latinos in entertainment, will air on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. The show will tape on Thursday, September 17 at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus.

For the first time in the history of the show, the ALMA Awards will broadcast during National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month in which all Americans learn about the Latino community and celebrate the contributions that Latinos have made to this country throughout its history.

"The ALMA Awards is a special show because it represents the determined spirit and soul of the Latino people, and I cannot think of a better person to help celebrate and co-host with me than my good friend, George Lopez," says Longoria Parker.

This year the ALMA Awards will also update the format of the show with some modifications to the nominations process in an effort to be more inclusive of the broad array of talent throughout the industry.

The show will focus on "Best of the Year" categories in film, television and music. New categories have also been added to recognize the influence of special segments of the entertainment industry that are shaping positive perceptions of the Latino community, such as emerging young talent (under 18), talent behind the scenes who make the onscreen magic happen, and a sports category in acknowledgment of the increasing integration of the worlds of sports and entertainment.