By: Daisy Diaz

The year is only just beginning, but already it’s looking like a great one for Latinos in entertainment. Many past ALMA nominees and winners are set to star in major films this year, and there are also some fresh faces to be on the lookout for. Here’s a list of movies to keep on your radar in 2013.

Peña as Officer Navidad Ramirez in “Gangster Squad.” (Photo/Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures)

Gangster Squad

Release date: January 11, 2013

Starring: Michael Peña

Michael Peña wowed audiences in End of Watch, so we expect nothing less than an excellent performance from him in Gangster Squad. Set in the 1940s and 50s, this action drama follows the LAPD undercover police squad as they try to push the East Coast Mafia out of Los Angeles. Starring alongside Peña are actors Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone.

Statham and Lopez in “Parker”. (Photo/Courtesy Jack English and FilmDistrict)

Parker

Release date: January 25, 2013

Starring: Jennifer Lopez

Crime thriller Parker is drastically different from Jennifer Lopez’s last film, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Get ready to see Lopez kick some serious tail as she partners up with Jason Statham to hijack the score of a gang’s latest heist!

Mendes and Gosling in “The Place Beyond the Pines”. (Photo/Courtesy The Place Beyond the Pines Facebook Page)

The Place Beyond the Pines

Release date: March 29, 2013

Starring: Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes plays Ryan Gosling’s baby mama in crime drama, The Place Beyond the Pines. Gosling is a motorcycle stunt rider who dabbles in criminal activity to provide for Mendes and their infant son. The situation intensifies when he has cop-turned-politician Bradley Cooper following his every move.

(Photo/Courtesy Ryan Guzman, @ryanAguzman)

Ladies Man: A MADE Movie

Release date: April 9, 2013

Starring: Ryan Guzman

MTV comedy Ladies’ Man is about a recent high school graduate who is tired of being stuck in the “friend zone”. Filmed at the University of New Orleans, the nerdy college freshman hits on his old babysitter and Ryan Guzman plays her jealous boyfriend. If you liked Guzman’s talent in Step Up: Revolution, catch his self-choreographed dance moves in Ladies’ Man.

Rodriguez and Rivera in “Filly Brown”. (Photo/Courtesy John Castillo and Latina.com)

Filly Brown

Release date: April 19, 2013

Starring: Baby Bash, Edward James Olmos, Gina Rodriguez, Jenni Rivera and many more

Gina Rodriguez plays Maria Jose ‘Majo’ Tonorio, a tough LA rapper. The late Jenni Rivera plays Rodriguez’s mother and despite being in prison, tries to help her achieve her dream of getting signed by a major label. When the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself, will Rodriguez turn her back on her friends and let it slip away, or will she finally make it? Don’t miss this when it hits theaters.

The Fast and the Furious 6

Release date: May 24, 2013

Starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster

Not much is known yet about the next installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise, but ALMA stars Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster will both be featured in the next action-packed film in this 6-part series.

Zoe Saldana plays Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek Into Darkness”. (Photo/Courtesy IMDB.com)

Star Trek Into Darkness

Release date: May 27, 2013

Starring: Zoe Saldana

The crew of the Enterprise discovers an internal unstoppable force of terror. Captain Kirk, played by Chris Pine, then leads an action-packed manhunt to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction. Catch ALMA 2012 Favorite Movie Actress winner (Drama/Adventure), Zoe Saldana, in this adventure sci-fi flick!