WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced today that legendary comedian, actor, and art collector Cheech Marin will receive the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Award for Arts at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C., on September 4, 2025, and later on the PBS broadcast.
“For over five decades, Cheech Marin has reflected our cultural impact on America and the world as a comedian, actor, director, art collector, and humanitarian,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO, HHF. “His groundbreaking work has not only entertained but enlightened. We are thrilled to pay tribute to Cheech and the other 2025 Honorees and tell their stories to inspire, unite, and mobilize other generations.”
Long known as half of the irreverent and influential comedy duo Cheech & Chong, Marin helped redefine humor and identity in entertainment. Their albums earned multiple gold records and Grammy nominations, including a win for Los Cochinos in 1973, and their films became instant classics, including Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie.
“I’m extremely honored to be receiving this Hispanic Heritage for Arts Award. I accept this recognition with deep gratitude and a commitment to continue uplifting voices, building bridges, and honoring the legacy of those who came before us.” Cheech Marin, 2025 Hispanic Heritage Awardee.
Marin’s solo career has been equally prolific. He wrote, directed, and starred in Born in East L.A., and has appeared in over 50 films, including Tin Cup, From Dusk Till Dawn, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Desperado, The Perfect Game, Coco, Spy Kids, and more recently, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip, The Long Game, and Shotgun Wedding.
On television, Marin was a beloved fixture in the CBS drama Nash Bridges, and also appeared in Lost, Rob, and Jane the Virgin. His voice has brought life to numerous animated favorites, including The Lion King, Cars, and Oliver & Company.
A passionate advocate for Chicano art, Cheech Marin has developed and curated one of the finest private collections of Chicano works since the mid-1980s. That legacy found a permanent home with the opening of The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture at the Riverside Art Museum in 2022.
Cheech is also the author of the popular children’s book Cheech the School Bus Driver, earning admiration from young readers and families around the world.
The Hispanic Heritage Awards (HHAs) were established by The White House in 1988 to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month in America and are recognized as “America’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration” and supported by 40 national, Latino-serving institutions. The HHAs recognize Latino accomplishment, vision, and cultural pride. Watch highlights from last year’s awards HERE & find all past HHAs Honorees HERE.
About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
The Hispanic Heritage Awards serve as a launch of HHF’s year-round mission focused on education, workforce, societal impact, and leadership. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org. Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok. Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.
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For more information on the 38th Hispanic Heritage Awards, please contact John Reilly, jreilly@jrprmusic.com or Nicolás Peña, nicolas@hispanicheritage.org.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jessica Herrera, jessica@hispanicheritage.org
