The Best Hispanic And Latin Actresses Of 2022

Jason Bancroft
Updated May 15, 2024 25 items
Ranked By
369 votes
57 voters

Inclusion and diversity in Hollywood is more important than ever, so it's nice to see great Latin actresses get the recognition they deserve. Jenna Ortega has already had a great year with Ti West's X, Scream, and the horror comedy Studio 666. We're also excited to see Anya Taylor-Joy in The Northman. But watch out for Zoe Saldaña, who is sure to be awesome in Avatar 2 and we can't wait for it to come out later this year. With so many great Hispanic and Latin actresses working today it's hard to determine the best, but that's where your vote can help.

Vote up all your favorite Latin actresses that are having their moment in the spotlight this year. Then check back to see if one of them made it to the top of the list. Who knows, you might be able to use this list to predict an Oscar winner in 2023.

  • Ana de Armas
    1
    27 votes

    Recent Credits: Deep Water, The Gray Man, Blonde

    Ana Celia de Armas Caso (born 30 April 1988) is a Cuban-Spanish actress. She made her acting debut in 2006 in the Spanish film Una rosa de Francia. She also starred in the Spanish television show El Internado. In 2015 she starred in her first American film Knock Knock followed by Exposed, Hands of Stone, and War Dogs. In 2017 de Armas had her breakout role as Joi, an AI hologram, in the critically acclaimed science fiction film Blade Runner 2049.
  • Recent Credits: Rosaline, Sweet Girl, Spirit Untamed

    Isabela Moner (born July 10, 2001) is an American actress and singer. She is known for her lead role as CJ Martin on the Nickelodeon television series 100 Things to Do Before High School, her film roles as Izabella in Transformers: The Last Knight and Lizzie in Instant Family.
  • Jenna Ortega
    3
    26 votes

    Recent Credits: X, Studio 666, Scream

    Jenna Marie Ortega (born September 27, 2002) is an American actress. She is known for her roles in Jane the Virgin on The CW and Stuck in the Middle on Disney Channel. She is also the voice of Princess Isabel in the Disney Channel animated television series Elena of Avalor. In March 2018 Ortega joined the cast of the ABC television pilot Man of the House, playing the role of Elena who is described as a "a beautiful and mean spirited only child, who doesn't adjust well to living with her cousins.
  • Selena Gomez
    4
    18 votes

    Recent Credits: Only Murders in the Building, In the Shadow of the Mountain, Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

    The talented Selena Gomez has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry as an actress, singer, and producer. Born in Texas in 1992 to Ricardo Joel Gomez and former stage actress Amanda Dawn "Mandy" Cornett, her career began with a role on the popular children's series Barney & Friends at just seven years old. However, it was her portrayal of Alex Russo on Disney Channel's hit show Wizards of Waverly Place that catapulted her into stardom. Gomez transitioned smoothly from acting into music, forming a band named Selena Gomez & The Scene before embarking on a solo musical journey. Her albums such as Stars Dance, Revival, and Rare have been met with commercial success worldwide and have solidified her position in pop music culture. Known for chart-topping hits like Come & Get It and Bad Liar, Gomez's lyrics often reflects personal experiences which resonate with many listeners globally. In addition to acting and singing, Selena has also ventured into film production. She served as an executive producer for Netflix's critically acclaimed series 13 Reasons Why, demonstrating her commitment towards pushing boundaries within the entertainment industry beyond performing roles. Furthermore, she is recognized for her philanthropic efforts including UNICEF ambassadorship since 2009 which underscored her dedication towards advocating issues concerning vulnerable children around the world.
  • Penélope Cruz
    5
    33 votes

    Recent Credits: Parallel Mothers, The 355, On the Fringe

    Born on April 28, 1974, in Madrid, Spain, Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a world-renowned actress and model. Raised in a working-class family, her passion for the performing arts became evident at an early age. Initially training as a classical ballet dancer at Spain's National Conservatory, she turned her focus to acting and landed her first TV role at 15. Cruz's career took off when she was cast in the leading role in the critically acclaimed Spanish film Jamon Jamon in 1992. This performance established her as a serious actress and marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. She went on to star in several of Almodóvar's films, including Volver and All About My Mother, both of which garnered international attention and accolades. Cruz made her Hollywood debut in 1998 with The Hi-Lo Country, but it was her role in the 2001 film Vanilla Sky that catapulted her to international stardom. She continued to balance her work in both Hollywood and Spanish cinema, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In 2009, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, becoming the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar. Cruz's talent, determination, and ability to effortlessly traverse between different cinematic worlds have solidified her status as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
  • Salma Hayek
    6
    30 votes

    Recent Credits: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, House of Gucci, Eternals

    Salma Hayek, a Mexican-American actress and producer, has made substantial contributions to both the Hollywood film industry and philanthropic causes. Born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico in 1966, her passion for performing arts led her to abandon university studies for a career in acting. Rising through the ranks of telenovelas and films in Mexico, she moved to Los Angeles in 1991 where she eventually achieved international fame. Hayek's breakthrough came with the movie Desperado (1995), but it was her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in Frida (2002) that cemented her status as an A-list star. The film earned Hayek critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress - a first for any Mexican actress. Her other notable roles include parts in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Wild Wild West (1999), and Puss In Boots (2011). Furthermore, as a producer, Hayek has been instrumental behind-the-scenes on projects like ABC's award-winning series Ugly Betty. Beyond entertainment circles, Salma Hayek is renowned globally as an advocate for women's rights and education issues. She co-founded Chime For Change with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini – an organization dedicated to improving health services for women worldwide while promoting gender equality. Equally noteworthy is her work with UNICEF where she contributes towards ending maternal mortality rates around the globe.
  • Eiza González
    7
    28 votes

    Recent Credits: Ambulance, Love Spreads, Godzilla vs. Kong

    Eiza González Reyna (born 30 January 1990) is a Mexican actress and singer-songwriter. She gained popularity for her debut role as Lola Valente in the Mexican musical telenovela Lola, érase una vez. She also portrayed the lead role of Clara Molina on the Nickelodeon teen drama Sueña conmigo. González gained further success starring as Santanico Pandemonium in the American horror series From Dusk till Dawn: The Series (2014–2016). She is also known for her roles as Monica "Darling" Castello in the action crime film Baby Driver (2017), Nyssiana in the cyberpunk action film Alita: Battle Angel (2019), and Madam M in The Fast and the Furious spin-off film Hobbs & Shaw.
  • Recent Credits: The Northman, Last Night in Soho, Canterbury Glass

    Anya Taylor-Joy (born April 16, 1996) is an American-born Argentine-British actress. Her breakthrough role was Thomasin in the horror film The Witch. She was nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2017. She has also starred in Glass (2019), Thoroughbreds (2017), and Split (2016).
  • Zoe Saldaña
    9
    31 votes

    Recent Credits: Avatar 2, Canterbury Glass, The Adam Project

    Zoe Saldaña, born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, is a renowned actress who has made significant strides in the entertainment industry. Of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, she spent part of her youth in the Dominican Republic where she embraced her Latin roots and developed a love for dance, particularly ballet, which later influenced her acting career. Saldaña's acting career skyrocketed with her leading role in the film Center Stage where she played a talented ballet dancer. Her ability to merge her dancing skills with acting propelled her to new heights, helping her land roles in successful films like Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Star Trek. However, it was her role as Neytiri in James Cameron's Avatar, the highest-grossing film of all time, that truly solidified her place in Hollywood. Apart from her acting prowess, Saldaña is also known for her philanthropic endeavors. She is a co-founder of BESE, a digital news platform aimed at shaping the cultural narrative by shining light on untold stories of today's America. She is also involved in various charitable activities, using her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. Despite her fame, Saldaña remains grounded, attributing her success to her humble beginnings and dedication to her craft.
  • Christian Serratos
    10
    22 votes

    Recent Credits: The Walking Dead, Selena: The Series, Flight 7500

    Christian Marie Serratos (born September 21, 1990) is an American actress who plays Rosita Espinosa in AMC's The Walking Dead TV series, based on the comic book of the same name. She is also known for playing Suzie Crabgrass in the Nickelodeon series Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Angela Weber in The Twilight Saga series.
  • Morena Baccarin
    11
    20 votes

    Recent Credits: Last Looks, The Good House, The Endgame

    Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Morena Baccarin is a compelling actress whose versatile performances have resonated with international audiences across television, film, and theatre. She was born on June 2, 1979, to actress Vera Setta and journalist Fernando Baccarin. Raised in a household that encouraged artistic expression, Morena's passion for performance was nurtured from an early age. At the age of 10, her family relocated to New York City, where she later attended the prestigious Juilliard School. Morena Baccarin's career skyrocketed after landing her first major role in Joss Whedon's cult classic series Firefly in 2002. Her portrayal of the character Inara Serra, a sophisticated companion, garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as a dynamic talent in the industry. This was followed by a string of successful roles in other acclaimed television series such as V and Homeland, for which she received an Emmy nomination. In the realm of film, she is perhaps best known for her role as Vanessa Carlysle in the blockbuster Deadpool series. Despite her on-screen success, Morena has never shied away from her theatrical roots. She has graced the stage in various productions, including the Central Park production of The Seagull, where she played the role of Nina. Off the screen and stage, Morena devotes time to philanthropic endeavors, particularly those related to women's rights and child welfare. A multifaceted performer with an undeniable presence, Morena Baccarin continues to captivate audiences with her talent, proving herself to be an enduring figure in the world of entertainment.
  • Gina Torres
    12
    14 votes

    Recent Credits: 9-1-1: Lone Star, The Legend of Vox Machina, The Perfect End

    Gina Torres (born April 25, 1969) is a Cuban-American television and movie actress. She has appeared in many television series, including Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, the short-lived Cleopatra 2525, Alias, Firefly, Angel, 24, Suits, The Shield, and Westworld. Currently, she is playing the main character on the new drama TV series, Pearson. She starred opposite Chris Rock in the feature film I Think I Love My Wife, as Carla in the independent film South of Pico, and she reprised her Firefly role in its feature film sequel Serenity. She and her then-husband Laurence Fishburne played a married couple on the NBC television series Hannibal. Torres played a main role on the USA Network series Suits as Jessica Pearson for the first seven seasons. She now plays the lead role in the new drama Pearson, a spin-off about Jessica Pearson moving to Chicago and becoming involved in politics.
  • Rosario Dawson
    13
    10 votes

    Recent Credits: Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, Clerks III

    Rosario Dawson, a tour de force in the entertainment industry, has carved out an impressive career as an actress, producer, and activist. Born on May 9, 1979, in New York City, she was discovered by filmmaker Larry Clark at the age of 15, catapulting her into the world of acting with her debut in the controversial film Kids (1995). Over time, Dawson has demonstrated her range and versatility, starring in a variety of genres from indie films to blockbuster hits, including but not limited to Rent (2005), Sin City (2005), and Men in Black II (2002). Dawson's work extends beyond the silver screen, with her voice-over contributions to animated series and video games adding another layer to her resume. She lent her voice to the character of Wonder Woman in multiple DC Animated Movie Universe projects, and to Batgirl in the Lego Batman Movie (2017). Additionally, she showcased her vocal talents in the Dishonored video game series. Her dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed, earning her nominations for prestigious awards such as the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Briarpatch (2019). However, Dawson's impact is not just limited to the entertainment industry. Passionate about social causes, she co-founded Voto Latino, an organization aimed at encouraging Latin youth in America to participate in the political process. She is also involved in numerous charities and environmental campaigns, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive change in society.
  • Alexa Demie
    14
    10 votes
  • Camila Mendes
    15

    Recent Credits: Riverdale, Fairfax, Dangerous Lies

    Camila Carraro Mendes (born June 29, 1994) is an American actress, known for portraying Veronica Lodge on The CW teen drama series Riverdale.
  • Jennifer Lopez
    16
    26 votes

    Recent Credits: Marry Me, Shotgun Wedding, The Mother

    Jennifer Lopez, often known by her moniker J.Lo, is an American singer, actress and dancer who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Born on July 24, 1969, in The Bronx, New York City to Puerto Rican parents Guadalupe Rodríguez and David López, Jennifer started her career as a dancer on the television show In Living Color before venturing into acting. Lopez gained recognition for her portrayal of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez in the biographical film Selena which earned her widespread acclaim. This success paved the way for more prominent roles such as those in Maid In Manhattan, Out Of Sight and The Wedding Planner. Concurrently with her acting career, she pursued music, releasing several chart-topping albums including On The 6, J.Lo, and This Is Me...Then, which featured hit singles like “If You Had My Love”, “Love Don't Cost A Thing” and “Jenny From The Block”. Apart from entertainment, Jennifer Lopez's influence extends to business ventures such as fragrances lines Glow by JLo & Still Jennifer Lopez; clothing lines Sweetface & JustSweet; and production company Nuyorican Productions. Her philanthropic efforts have also been noted with involvement in charities like Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Amnesty International. Throughout her career spanning decades, Jennifer's multi-faceted talents combined with relentless work ethic have established herself as one of Hollywood's leading ladies.
  • Michelle Rodriguez
    17
    16 votes

    Recent Credits: F9, Crisis, She Dies Tomorrow

    Michelle Rodriguez, born Mayte Michelle Rodriguez on July 12, 1978, is a renowned American actress widely recognized for her strong, independent roles in high-octane action films. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, but lived in various locations including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic during her early life. With her roots in both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Rodriguez's diverse background has contributed significantly to her versatile acting career. Rodriguez first burst onto the Hollywood scene in 2000 with her electrifying performance in Karyn Kusama's critically acclaimed film Girlfight. The role, which won her several awards, including an Independent Spirit Award, catapulted Rodriguez into the spotlight and established her reputation as a prominent figure in action cinema. This led to significant roles in blockbuster franchises such as The Fast and the Furious and Resident Evil, where she continued to demonstrate her skill in portraying resilient, tough characters. Beyond her acting career, Rodriguez is also known for her dedication to environmental causes. She has been an active supporter of numerous charities and organizations aimed at protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. Furthermore, her philanthropic efforts extend to advocating for social justice and equality, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact off-screen.
  • Bella Thorne
    18
    21 votes

    Recent Credits: Paradise City, Measure of Revenge, Time Is Up

    Bella Thorne, born as Annabella Avery Thorne on October 8, 1997, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is a multi-talented American actress, singer, director, and former child model. Bella's journey in the entertainment industry began at the tender age of six weeks when she appeared in a magazine shoot. However, it was her role as Margaux Darling in the series Dirty Sexy Money (2007-2008) that truly launched her acting career. She later gained prominence for her portrayal of CeCe Jones on the Disney Channel series Shake It Up (2010-2013), which marked a pivotal point in her career. Thorne continued to build her career with determination and resilience. She ventured into the music industry with the release of her debut single "Watch Me" in 2011, which climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Besides acting and singing, Thorne has also made her mark as an author. Her debut novel, Autumn Falls, was published in 2014, highlighting her creative versatility. Thorne's career took a bold turn in 2019 when she directed her first adult film, Her & Him, proving her mettle as a director. She has been recognized for her work with numerous awards, including a Young Artist Award and an Imagen Award. Despite the various hats she wears, Thorne remains a passionate advocate for body positivity and mental health, using her platform to inspire and empower others.
  • Rosa Salazar
    19
    8 votes

    Recent Credits: The Chariot, No Future, Brand New Cherry Flavor

    Rosa Bianca Salazar is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Zoe DeHaven on the NBC series Parenthood, and Nurse Maria in the FX anthology series American Horror Story: Murder House. She appears in the 2015 films The Divergent Series: Insurgent as Lynn and The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials as Brenda.
  • America Ferrera
    20
    8 votes

    Recent Credits: Superstore, WeCrashed, Gentefied

    America Georgine Ferrera (; born April 18, 1984) is an American actress, voice actress, and producer. Born in Los Angeles, California, to Honduran parents, Ferrera developed an interest in acting at a young age, performing in several stage productions at her school. She made her feature film debut in 2002 with the comedy drama Real Women Have Curves, winning praise for her performance. Ferrera is the recipient of numerous accolades including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award among others. Ferrera garnered modest success early in her career with roles in films like the Disney original Gotta Kick It Up! (2002) and the drama The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005); the latter earned her the Imagen Award Best Actress and her first nomination at the ALMA Awards. She ventured into television roles and landed the leading part on the ABC comedy drama Ugly Betty (2006–2010). Ferrera garnered critical acclaim for playing the protagonist of the series Betty Suarez, and won the Best Actress Awards at various award ceremonies in 2007 including the Golden Globe Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Primetime Emmy Award, the first for a Latin woman in the category. Ferrera's other notable film roles include the drama The Dry Land (2010), the romantic comedy Our Family Wedding (2010), and the crime drama End of Watch (2012). She provided the voice of Astrid Hofferson in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, including the three films and the television series Dreamworks Dragons. She co-produces and stars as Amy Dubanowski in the NBC comedy series Superstore (2015–present). Ferrera garnered wide recognition for Ugly Betty. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2007.
  • Stephanie Beatriz
    21

    Stephanie Beatriz

    Age: 34
    19 votes

    Recent Credits: Encanto, In the Heights, Catwoman: Hunted

    Stephanie Beatriz Bischoff Alvizuri (born February 10, 1981) is an Argentine-American actress. She is best known for playing Detective Rosa Diaz in the NBC comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine and played Jessica in the independent drama Short Term 12 (2013).
  • Rachel Zegler
    22

    Recent Credits: West Side Story, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Snow White

    Rachel Anne Zegler is an American actress, singer, and YouTuber. She was cast as the lead role of Maria Vasquez in the 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Tony Kushner. For her performance, Zegler earned critical acclaim along with Golden Globe Award and Critics Choice Award nominations.
  • Melissa Barrera
    23

    Melissa Barrera

    14 votes

    Recent Credits: In the Heights, Scream, Bed Rest

  • Heather Hemmens
    24
    5 votes

    Recent Credits: Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!, Roswell New Mexico, Christmas in My Heart

    Heather Hemmens (born July 10, 1988) is an American actress, film director and film producer. She is best known for her role as Alice Verdura in The CW series Hellcats (2010-2011). Since 2014, Hemmens has starred as Marcie Holmes in the Oprah Winfrey Network series If Loving You Is Wrong.
  • Leslie Grace
    25

    Leslie Grace

    6 votes

    Recent Credits: In the Heights, Batgirl