On Friday, September 18, some of the biggest names in entertainment will meet for the 2009 National Council of La Raza (NCLR) ALMA Awards, a one-of-a-kind tribute to the spirit of pioneering Latinos in television, music, and sports. This is our annual opportunity to applaud their incredible, enriching contributions to American culture and celebrate our shared Latino heritage.

Selena Gomez stunning at the 2009 ALMA Awards held at The Royce Hall on the UCLA Campus in Westwood, California.

In 1995 The ALMA Awards founded to help promote fair, accurate, and representative portrayals of Latinos in entertainment.

The 2009 ALMA Awards will be hosted this year by Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez, two of the most captivating and fascinating entertainers in America today. Nelly Furtado and Pitbull will give what will assuredly be spectacular, show-stopping musical performances.

Joining us this year, Shakira also performed the first single from her new album, "She-Wolf!" This year artists will be accompanies by some of our favorite celebrities who will be walking the red carpet, current prices and take any number of surprises during the night.

The 2009 ALMA Awards will aired on ABC Television Network on Friday, September 18 from 8:00 to 10:00 P.M. ET/PT.