Latino Celebs Take The Stage At 2011 ALMA Awards

By Michael Lopez

After a one year hiatus, the ALMA Awards were back in full swing this weekend as Demi Lovato, Pitbull, and Jessica Alba graced the red carpet. Held at L.A.'s Civic Auditorium, the event honored quite a few Tr3s faves for their contributions to the entertainment realm.

We, for one, love the fact that the ALMA nominee list is so diverse. Where else would you see Rico Rodriguez nominated for his Modern Family role? (Which he won by the way.) Sure the Emmys have the glitz and glam, but the ALMAs always pack an emotional punch.

One big moment happened when Demi Lovato accepted her award for Favorite Leading Actress In A TV Comedy. Stepping up in a shimmering tan gown, the Sonny With A Chance star graciously thanked the audience and sent out some very excited tweets.

"YAYYYY!!!! I can't believe it!!! Thank you guys so much!!!!! #ALMAwards," she posted.

Other TV stars who received ALMAs were CSI: Miami’s Adam Rodriguez, Cote de Pablo from NCIS and Selena Gomez' Wizards of Waverly Place mom Maria Canalis. George Lopez, who co-hosted the event with Eva Longoria, got some big applause as well when he nabbed Favorite TV Reality Star for his now-defunct Lopez Tonight series.

Prior to the big night, Lopez posted a very funny dressing room Twitpic of himself drinking a bottle of Don Julio.

On the music side of things, Glee's Naya Rivera won for Favorite Female Music Artist, while Pitbull scored yet another award as the night's Favorite Male Music Artist.

But perhaps the ALMA we're most happy about is the one that was handed out for Favorite Movie. The moving drama A Better Life took home top honors (and deservedly so) for its strong Latino message.

Of course, there are plenty more memorable moments of the night that are yet to be revealed. But we won't have to wait long to see them. NBC is broadcasting the event this Friday night.

Are you planning on watching the ALMA Awards? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags A better life, Adam Rodriguez, ALMA Awards, Award Shows, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Cote de Pablo, Cultura, Demi Lovato, George Lopez, Hot Stuff, Maria Canalis, Naya Rivera, Rico Rodriguez