Celebrated Cuban entertainer Alexis Valdés has been honored with the Martín Fierro Latino 2024 award in the category of Best Comedy Performance on Television and Digital Platforms. The event, hosted by the Association of Argentine Television and Radio Journalists (APTRA), unfolded on November 22 at the JW Marriott in Brickell, Miami.
Valdés was up against notable figures such as Ariel Tarico from Argentina, Momi Giardina of Luzu TV, Mexico's Eugenio Derbez, and Chilean comedian Luis Slimming. The Martín Fierro Award stands as one of the most esteemed accolades in the realms of television, radio, and media within Argentina. Established in 1959, it aims to honor excellence in Argentine television and radio productions.
The Martín Fierro Latino (or Latina) is an extension designed to celebrate exceptional work in television, radio, and digital media produced by the Latino community, particularly in the United States. This award shines a spotlight on the talents, shows, and productions in Spanish that cater to the Spanish-speaking audience outside of Argentina.
An Emotional Victory for Valdés
Prior to the ceremony, Valdés shared his thoughts on Instagram: "Will we win the award? Maybe that's not the most important thing. It's a moment of joy. But the real award is being able to keep going after all these years... and that award has been given to me by all of you. You have been immensely generous. Thanks to that, we continue on, trying to make you laugh like the very first day. Happy day to all."
Upon his arrival at the venue, accompanied by his wife Claudia Valdés, he expressed his enthusiasm: "Here we are. Nominated for an award from a culture I've admired my whole life: Argentine culture. The culture of Les Luthiers, Pinti, Lupi, Alterio, Brandoni, Franchella, Darín, Morán, Zorrilla (as Uruguayan as Argentine), Aristarán, Jusid, Puenzo, Borges, Facundo... So many."
From Havana to Global Recognition
After receiving the award, Valdés shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to thank his peers and fans: "Thank you, how wonderful, how wonderful, how wonderful! And precisely from Argentina. The country of the actors and comedians who inspired me when I began."
He also shared a humorous video featuring his well-loved characters Nereida and Cristinito, who jokingly claimed the award, bringing laughter to his followers. Born in Havana in 1963, Valdés was immersed in the world of art, being the son of Cuban comedian Leonel Valdés. Though he initially pursued engineering, his passion led him to a decade-long acting career in Cuba.
In the 1990s, Valdés moved to Spain, where he gained fame on shows like El Club de la Comedia and made his directorial debut with Un rey en La Habana (2005). Later, he expanded his career in Miami with successful shows such as Esta Noche Tu Night and Seguro que Yes, while also venturing into theater and literature. Since 2023, Valdés has been hosting the podcast Qué Desastre!, where he discusses social and cultural topics with his signature comedic flair. This project played a significant role in his victory at the Martín Fierro ceremony.