'Holidays' wins big at ALMA Awards

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The film "Nothing Like the Holidays" was the big winner, picking up three prizes, at the 2009 ALMA Awards show in Los Angeles .

The movie won the awards Thursday for film actor of the year for star John Leguizamo, as well as the screenwriter prize for Rick Najera and the directing honor for Alfredo De Villa.

Penelope Cruz won the film actress award for her work in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." The role also earned her the Oscar for supporting actress earlier this year.

Cruz's close friend Salma Hayek was presented with the Anthony Quinn Award for Industry Excellence and Rita Moreno led a tribute to the late Ricardo Montalban.

Benjamin Bratt took the TV drama actor gong for his work in "The Cleaner" and Lauren Velez earned the TV drama actress trophy for her performance on "Dexter."

Oscar Nunez of "The Office" and Selena Gomez from "Wizards of Waverly Place" won the TV comedy actor and actress awards.

Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez served as co-hosts of the ALMA ceremony, which recognizes the best in entertainment by Hispanic artists.