The Paley Center in New York City was recently the place to be as everyone who's anybody from the world of Latino celebrities came together to pay homage to those who have made their mark in media over the last seven decades.

Latino musicians, up-and-coming sports icons and international television stars were all on hand for the event billed as a "Tribute to Hispanic Achievements in Television."

The event was also held to showcase Pawley's newly compiled archive of Hispanic television programming, radio broadcasts and filmography. The exhibit is celebrated as the largest, publicly accessible Hispanic media archive ever assembled.

Gloria Estefan Among those Celebrating Event

"The Paley Center is truly a national treasure," Gloria Estefan said as she kicked off the event. "And we applaud them for the expansion and preservation of the Hispanic Archive, and making this material available to fans and researchers."

Also on hand to commemorate the grand opening were actor Jimmy Smits, newscaster José Díaz-Balart and comedian George Lopez.

"This is recognition to our work, and all of us we have to be very proud of this night," said Sabado Gigante's Mario "Don Francisco" Kreutzberger. "This is the achievement of these past seven decades. In 1986, they [U.S. government] recognized 9 million Latinos, and tonight, we recognize 57 million Hispanics in this family. We represent them, we have to serve them."

"Ugly Betty" actress America Ferrera stressed she hopes the Paley unveiling also comes to open doors for other groups not typically showcased in Hollywood.

America Ferrers Raises her Voice

"We are at a place where there has to be that kind of attention paid to groups that have not been acknowledged in the mainstream," Ferrera said. "As we heard several times tonight, a celebration like this has never been held, and that is pretty shocking. In decades of films and television history, nobody has ever thought to acknowledge so specifically the contributions of Latinos in the media."

Ferrera recently raised eyebrows when she took a stance for diversity in Hollywood alongside Eva Longoria.

"Orange is the New Black" star Jackie Cruz was also on hand, explaining that one of her primary motivations for being there was to help show unity within the Latino community.

"We are a big part of this country, and we need to be represented properly on television," she said.

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