Legendary actor Edward James Olmos will appear at the 16th annual El Paso Community Foundation Plaza Classic Film Festival, which is July 20-30 in and around the Plaza Theatre.

Olmos will be interviewed before two of his signature films — 1988’s Stand and Deliver, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, at 7 pm Friday, July 28; and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982), the first film produced by his Olmos Productions, at 1 pm Saturday, July 29, both in the Plaza Theatre.

Edward James Olmos has achieved extraordinary success as an actor, producer, director, and humanitarian. The Tony-, Emmy-, and Academy Award-nominated actor’s career spans more than 50 years. He created a signature style and aesthetic that he applies to every artistic endeavor, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. He’s known around the industry and the world for his dedication to his craft.

Olmos earned a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of El Pachuco in Luis Valdez’s Zoot Suit (a role he reprised in the 1981 film). He received a Golden Globe for his characterization of inspirational real-life educator Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver, and has starred in numerous classic films, including Blade Runner, Selena, American Me (which he directed), and My Family/Mi Familia. He also starred in Walking with Herb, filmed in Las Cruces.

He has been a formidable presence on TV, playing iconic characters on Battlestar Galactica, Miami Vice (for which he was nominated for two Emmys and Golden Globes), The West Wing, and Mayans M.C., now in its last season.

Olmos, who recently overcame a bout with throat cancer, also is known for his humanitarian work with organizations such as Thank You Ocean, the Project Hope Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, The Boys and Girls Club of America, and The River Keepers. He makes frequent speaking appearances at schools, universities, and corporations.

Individual tickets will go on sale in late June. Passes are on sale at plazaclassic.com/tickets.

Media contacts:

Doug Pullen, Program Director, El Paso Community Foundation, 915-533-4020, dpullen@epcf.org

Rudy Vasquez, Marketing Director, El Paso Community Foundation, 915-533-4020, rvasquez@epcf.org