Photo Flash: Josefina Lopez and More at 10th Anniversary Celebration of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES

Josefina López, the creator, author, playwright and co-screenwriter of "Real Women Have Curves" appeared at a 10th Anniversary celebration of the award-winning film, directed by Patricia Cardoso, co-written by George LaVoo, starring America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros and George Lopez held at the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on Thursday, September 6, 2012. López signed copies of her book, Real Woman Have Curves And Other Plays, prior to the film screening. The event was also a tribute to the late actress, Lupe Ontiveros, one the stars of the film. In attendance were the filmmakers, as well as members of the cast, and the immediate family of Lupe Ontiveros.

Check out photos from the event below!

Prior to the screening of the film Josefina López remembered her late friend and colleague, Lupe Ontiveros, announcing that she is establishing the Lupe Ontiveros Memorial Scholarship in Theatre at her alma mater, the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA). López said: "This new scholarship is being created to preserve the legacy of Latinas in the Arts. The first award will be presented in June 2013 to a Latina Theatre Student from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where as a member of the first graduating class, I was inspired to believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind to." Visit LACSA's website at www.lachsa.net.

Members of Lupe Ontiveros's family in attendance at the event, included: Elias Ontiveros (Lupe's husband), Jr., Elias P. Ontiveros (Lupe's son) and Nicholas Ontiveros (Lupe's son). They each expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to Josefina López and the event organizers for paying tribute Lupe and perpetuating her name and legacy with the establishment of the new scholarship in her name.

Among those on hand from the film, "Real Women Have Curves" attending the event were: Josefina López (Co-Screenwriter); Patricia Cardoso (Director); Marilyn R. Atlas (Co-Producer); Ingrid Oliu (actress who played the role of Estela Garcia); Soledad St. Hilaire (actress who played the role of Pancha) and Sandie Torres (actress who played the role of Doña Carlota). At the conclusion of the film screening, a panel discussion with the filmmakers and cast members was led by Jim Hemphill. The evening was capped with the cutting of three 10th Anniversary cakes celebrating the film's benchmark milestone.

Other notables in attendance at the event included: Miriam Baum, Longtime Manager of the late Lupe Ontiveros; Nailah Conner, Alumni Coordinator, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts; Emmanuel Deleage, Executive Director, Casa 0101 Theater; Marlene Dermer, Executive Director and Programmer, Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and Event Co-Sponsor; Carey Fox, Male Star of Josefina López's upcoming film, "Detained in the Desert;" Suzanna Guzmán, Metropolitan Opera Company Mezzo-Soprano, KCET Television Host for the weekly series, "Open Call" and Faculty Member of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts; Marabina Jaimes, Actress from "Fixing Paco;" George Simpson, Principal of Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and Iliana Sosa, Director of Josefina López's upcoming film, "Detained in the Desert."

The film, "Real Women Have Curves" won a Special Audience Award for director Patricia Cardoso at Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival 10 years ago, while the stars of the film, America Ferrera and Lupe Ontiveros won the first ever Jury Award for Acting and the film's screenwriters, Josefina López and George LaVoo, won the Humanitas Prize for Screenwriting. In addition, Lupe Ontiveros won an Imagen Award as Best Supporting Actress and producer Effie Brown won the Producers Award at the Independent Spirit Awards. America Ferrera was also nominated for Best Debut Performance for the 2003 Independent Sprit Awards. The film also won Special Recognition from the National Board of Review, a Youth Jury Award for director Patricia Cardoso from the San Sebastián Film Festival, a Grand Jury Prize nomination from the 2002 Sundance Film Festival for director Patricia Cardoso and a Young Artists Awards nomination for Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Actress for America Ferrera. The film launched the career of Ferrera who went on to become a Golden Globe Award, Emmy Award and Screen Actors Award-winning actress in the popular television show, "Ugly Betty."

Josefina López is currently developing the musical version of "Real Women Have Curves" for Broadway.

Photo credit: Ed Krieger