Eva Longoria

Actress, Director, and Philanthropist
2022 National Medal of Arts Recipient
Woman with short dark hair wearing white shirt posing for portrait.

Eva Longoria. Photo courtesy of Jenny Gage and Tom Betterton

Bio

Having worked consistently in Hollywood for more than 20 years, Eva Longoria has cemented herself as an industry staple known for her work both in front of and behind the camera. Longoria continues to hone her craft, seek new projects, and expand opportunities for others by paving the way for future women and minority producers, directors, and industry leaders in Hollywood and beyond. In March 2024, Longoria was awarded with the Courage & Civility Award for her longtime advocacy for the advancement of the Latino community as a storyteller, entrepreneur, and activist. Longoria is a dedicated philanthropist and activist who has consistently lent her voice to the issues she is passionate about, ranging from immigration to reproductive rights. Longoria made her feature directorial debut in 2023 with the Searchlight biopic Flamin’ Hot, which premiered on Hulu and was the most watched Searchlight Pictures streaming premiere ever. She was most recently seen on the silver screen as Gala in Land of Women for Apple TV+, which she executive produced and starred opposite Carmen Maura. Other past acting credits include BoJack Horseman, Jane the Virgin, Empire, Devious Maids, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Young and the Restless, and the hit ABC series Desperate Housewives.

White House citation:

For recognizing the strength of our diversity and the full talents of our Nation. Actor, producer, director, and proud Mexican American, Eva Longoria has broken barriers on screen and uses her power to lift up Latino voices all across American life — challenging stereotypes and instilling Latino pride in our Nation.

I am so honored to receive the National Medal of Arts. Throughout my career, uplifting Latino stories and celebrating our talent has been my North Star. To be recognized for this work by the President of the United States is a special moment for not just me and my career, but our whole community. This is a reinforcement that our voices matter and that we have to keep using them.