Jonas Rivera
(Photo : Reuters)

Mexican-American 'Toy Story 4' producer, Jonas Rivera, made history during this year's Oscars. He produced the animated film that grabbed the Best Animated Feature during the 92nd Academy Awards. This made him the first U.S. born Latino to grab multiple Oscars after he received his first award in 2016. 

It can be remembered that Jonas Rivera was awarded for the movie he produced 'Inside Out' which was directed by Pete Docter, his longtime collaborator. His journey towards success wasn't easy. He started his career in the film industry as a production office assistant in an animation studio before he started as a producer.  

According to a news report from Remezcla, Rivera was informed about his landmark achievement during a press conference prior to the awarding ceremony.

He said: "Wow. I didn't know that and as if my mind couldn't be more blown about the last five minutes, thank you for that word because I'm a little bit - I'm a little bit out of my body right now. It means the world to me. I can't even really put it into words, to be honest with you. I'm so proud of this thing and working with these guys, but to have that added on top is just - sort of cements it. So thank you."

Rivera is of Mexican heritage and he admits that he doesn't speak Spanish fluently because the only time that he ever heard the language used in their family during his childhood days was every time his grandparents would argue and fight. He said: "I'm a child of the '70s. The only Spanish I learned was when my grandparents would fight. That's the only time they'd speak Spanish in front of us." 

Nevertheless, even though he is not fluent in Spanish, he still honors his Mexican heritage and he said that he honors his grandfather, a Mexican who has a very hardworking mentality and dedication in his works, whom he emulated the virtues and guided him all throughout his career. 

In an interview, Rivera said: "My grandfather was from Jalisco, Mexico, and grew up in El Paso. My dad's side of the family is the Mexican side of my family. My grandpa always instilled in me the work ethic. He drove trucks of filleted fish, and always told me, 'You work hard mijo, no matter what you do, you work hard. And if you love what you do, it will pay you back.' And he was right. I wish he was here today, but I know he's looking down on me." 

With his victory in the recent Oscars, it made him one of the most celebrated U.S. born Latinos in the history of the award. It is already assumed that with his work in Emeryville Company is expected to bring more awards in the years to come. in 2021, Rivera will be producing features such as 'West Side Story' and 'In the Heights.'