Ricky Martin, Eva Mendes Among 2012 NCLR ALMA Nominees

The nominees for the 2012 NCLR (National Council of La Raza) ALMA Awards(R) have been announced, and fans can now vote for their favorite stars online at ALMAAwards.com. There, they can also enter for the chance to attend the show as an ALMA Awards VIP during the taping of the one-hour prime-time special to air Friday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

The NCLR ALMA Awards will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month as a celebration of the entertainers who have upheld and promoted a socially proactive image of Hispanic culture in today's media. The telecast will showcase the spirit and accomplishments of some of the most prolific Latinos in the entertainment industry, spanning music, television, and film.

With the online voting system, fans will now have the power to drive in enough votes to see their favorite stars, musical performers, and shows receive the recognition and prestige that have become hallmarks of the famed awards show. Additionally, fans who cast their votes will get the chance to win a VIP experience for two including airfare, hotel, VIP tickets to the show, and an invitation to the VIP Post-Party. To vote, please go to www.almaawards.com. Voting ends on September 7, 2012.

Winners of the NCLR ALMA Awards will be determined by evaluating votes cast as well as box office, Nielsen, and Billboard rankings, and in consultation with the NCLR ALMA Awards Production Leadership Team. Selection rules and eligibility are posted at www.almaawards.com. Not all awards will be presented on-air during the NBC special. However, viewers can watch the remaining award presentations during the preshow streamed online via telemundo.com/almaawards.

This year the show will be produced by Dick Clark Productions' executive producers Orly Adelson and Barry Adelman along with Eva Longoria and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR. NBC will air the initial broadcast; mun2 will present the ALMA Awards Red Carpet special and rebroadcast the show; Telemundo will host the official ALMA Awards website at www.telemundo.com/almaawards; and Comcast will leverage its cable outlets to both promote and provide the show to viewers via video on demand.

"Along with our partners NBCU/Comcast, PepsiCo, and of course, Eva Longoria, NCLR is revving up for what will surely be a fabulous show. With their partnership and with our strong and varied slate of nominees this year, we're looking forward to presenting an amazing show for our viewers and fans," stated Janet Murguía.

"We're excited to partner once again with the NCLR ALMA Awards to showcase the outstanding contributions and achievements of Latino performers," said Doug Vaughan, NBC's Senior Vice President, Specials and Late Night Programming.

Stated Orly Adelson, "We strongly believe in the message surrounding the ALMA Awards and are looking forward to working with Eva, Janet, and NBC to produce an exciting, meaningful, and prestigious show."

PepsiCo joins NBCU in renewing its partnership with the ALMA Awards, returning as the show's Presenting Sponsor.

For additional information, including announcements about the presenters and performers at this year's ceremony, please visit www.almaawards.com or follow the show on Twitter at @almaawards. Information is also available at www.nbc.com/alma-awards/.

2012 NCLR ALMA Awards Categories and Nominees

Favorite Movie
Act of Valor
For Greater Glory
Girl in Progress
Puss in Boots
The Way

Favorite Movie Actor
Diego Boneta, Rock of Ages
Benicio Del Toro, Savages
Andy Garcia, For Greater Glory
Rodrigo Santoro, What to Expect When You're Expecting
Martin Sheen, The Way

Favorite Movie Actress - Drama/Adventure
Salma Hayek, Savages
Eva Longoria, For Greater Glory
Eva Mendes, Girl in Progress
Roselyn Sanchez, Act of Valor
Zoe Saldana, Colombiana

Favorite Movie Actress - Comedy/Musical
Bérénice Bejo, The Artist
Penelope Cruz, To Rome With Love
Cameron Diaz, What to Expect When You're Expecting
Jennifer Lopez, What to Expect When You're Expecting
Aubrey Plaza, Safety Not Guaranteed