[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E697-E698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF EDWARD JAMES OLMOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements 
of Edward James Olmos, winner of the 2008 CINE Lifetime Achievement 
Award. The CINE Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the few pinnacle 
leaders in the film and video industry whose lifetime contributions 
have left a profound impact on our culture.
  A native of East Los Angeles, Edward James Olmos has been a 
trailblazer in the film industry as an actor, producer, and director.

[[Page E698]]

The son of Mexican parents, he made his way to the big screen at a time 
when very few Latino actors were cast in leading roles, thus breaking 
the mold and setting the stage for future Latino actors to come. In his 
roles in movies such as ``Zoot Suit,'' ``The Ballad of Gregorio 
Cortez,'' and ``Mi Familia,'' Mr. Olmos portrayed the daily realities 
of the Latino experience in the United States.
  Mr. Olmos transcended cultural barriers, and inspired a generation of 
teachers and students to overcome adversities and achieve academic 
success through his portrayal of math teacher Jaime Escalante in 
``Stand and Deliver.'' Mr. Olmos' work has won critical acclaim and 
garnered him prestigious awards such as an LA Drama Circle Award, an 
Emmy, two Golden Globe Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.
  Mr. Olmos is extremely active in the community and is a spokesperson 
for organizations such as the Southwest Voter Registration Project and 
the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. He is also a United States Goodwill 
Ambassador for the United Nation's Children's Fund, UNICEF. As the 
chairman of Latino Public Broadcasting, Mr. Olmos continues to advocate 
for diverse perspectives in public television.
  I applaud Edward James Olmos for his achievements and the important 
contributions he has made to the Latino community. Congratulations on 
receiving the 2008 CINE Lifetime Achievement Award.

                          ____________________