Yalitza Aparicio: Movies, Awards & Box Office

Yalitza Aparicio Martínez was born on December 11, 1993 in the rural town of Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, Mexico, to an Indigenous Mixtec father and a Triqui mother. Raised by a single mother who worked as a maid, Aparicio grew up in modest circumstances and never received formal acting training. She pursued education instead, earning a degree in early childhood education and working as a preschool teacher before her breakthrough in cinema. To prepare for her debut role, she learned the Mixtec language, demonstrating a deep commitment to her cultural heritage and the authenticity of her performance. Her background, rooted in Indigenous identity, has shaped her public persona and advocacy, making her a symbol of representation for marginalized communities.

In 2018, Alfonso Cuarón cast Aparicio as Cleo in Roma, a role that catapulted her onto the global stage. The film’s critical acclaim earned her a historic nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, marking the first time an Indigenous American woman received such recognition. Subsequent honors included nominations from the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics' Choice, Gotham Awards, and more. Time magazine listed her among the 100 Most Influential People in 2019, and UNESCO appointed her as Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples the same year. Beyond acting, she has appeared on the covers of Vogue México and Vanity Fair, featured in music videos, and taken part in television projects such as Los Espookys and Mujeres asesinas. Her filmography expanded with roles in Presencias (2022) and The Great Seduction (2023). In addition to her artistic pursuits, Aparicio remains an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights, education, and gender equality, using her platform to amplify voices that have long been unheard.