How do you measure a year in Latino excellence? Is it in gold medals, historic elections, or chart-topping albums? Yes! In 2024, Latinos rewrote the playbook. At Nuestro Stories, we make it our mission to document breakthrough momentos as they happen. From Oscar nominations to groundbreaking elections, these moments reflect big victories and the incredible contributions around Latin America, and beyond. And we’re here to celebrate them. Every day.
Now, as 2024 comes to a close, we’re looking back on the milestones that stood out. We’vee rounded up the top momentos that defined the year. Which breakthroughs made the cut? Let’s take a look at the biggest breakthrough momentos for Latinos in 2024.
The Biggest Breakthrough Momentos
Over and over again, Latinos didn’t follow. They led. Here are a few of our favorite moments:
Colman Domingo Shines
This year, actor, writer, and director Colman Domingo made Oscar history with his nomination for Best Actor for his role in “Rustin.” He became only the second openly gay man ever nominated for playing a gay character — a milestone not seen since Ian McKellen’s 1999 nomination. He also won two NAACP Image Awards: one for his role in “Rustin” and the other for “The Color Purple.” How far can one man push the boundaries of representation? Domingo proved there are no limits.
Karol G Breaks Barriers
Karol G continued to redefine what it means to be a reggaetón queen. She won Billboard’s Artist of the Year award. And she made history by becoming the first woman to win the Best Urban Music Album Grammy twice in a row for her record “Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).” The Colombian superstar shattered the genre’s glass ceiling and replaced it with a crown. Can Karol G’s reign be stopped? We don’t think so.
Shakira Takes Over
After a seven-year break, Shakira returned in full force with her album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. She made history by performing the first-ever concert at Times Square’s TSX Broadway stage. Not only that, but her free surprise show drew the largest crowd the venue has ever seen. Once again, Shakira reminded us that her hips — and her career — don’t lie. What’s next for Shakira? A stadium tour? A world takeover? Stay tuned.
Claudia Sheinbaum Makes History
In a groundbreaking election, Mexico elected Claudia Sheinbaum as its first-ever female president. This historic win marked a turning point for gender equality in Latin America and inspired women across the globe to reach for the highest office. With Sheinbaum at the helm, Mexico is proving that the future is female. Could this be the start of a wave of Latina presidents? Only time will tell.
Guatemala Strikes Gold
Guatemalan athlete Adriana Ruano made history at the Olympics by winning her country’s first-ever gold medal. At 29, Ruano didn’t just bring home the gold—she ignited national pride and made her mark as the first Guatemalan woman to win an Olympic medal.
RELATED POST: The Story of Olympic Athlete Adriana Ruano, In Her Own Words
Her historic win reminded us all that dreams don’t just stay dreams—they can become golden realities. What’s more powerful than the first? Watching what comes next.
Latino Icons Are Immortalized
2024 was also the year our icons were turned into collectibles. Karol G’s Bratz doll sold out within hours, Marcello Hernandez’s SNL Domingo character was turned into a Funko Pop, and Rita Moreno was honored with her very own Barbie. Representation isn’t just for screens and stages. It’s for toy shelves too! Who will be immortalized next? We can’t wait to find out.
Photos of Karol G and Shakira courtesy of DepositPhotos.com.
