On one of the most memorable nights in Latin music, Bad Bunny received the "Latin Artist of the 21st Century" award from legendary Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno during the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards ceremony, held at the James L. Knight Center in Miami.
Moreno, 93, took the stage dancing to the rhythm of "CAFé CON RON" alongside Los Pleneros de la Cresta , who offered a brief serenade to the Puerto Rican artist before the presentation. "When I started my career, being Latino meant facing a lot of rejections, a lot of no's, a lot of closed doors," said Moreno, who entered the stage with her characteristic energy.
The actress, one of the most awarded Hispanics in Hollywood , continued her message by highlighting the global impact of Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio. "The opportunities were few and nonexistent, and every step forward was a victory. Today I see an artist who reaches the entire world," she expressed. She then turned to the performer and, laughing, said, "Hello, baby, how are you, baby? You're hot too, all right," prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
"I'm so excited, from the bottom of my heart, Benito, to present you with the Billboard Latin Artist of the 21st Century Award, Bad Bunny," Moreno concluded before dancing salsa with him to the rhythm of 'BAILE INoLVIDABLE' and tenderly cupping his face in a gesture that sparked a standing ovation.
El Conejo, as his fans call him, received the award accompanied by his closest collaborators: producers Tainy and La Paciencia , his manager Noah Assad , and his younger brother Bernie Martínez Ocasio . An emotional man thanked Moreno and the audience, and, to the surprise of many, he didn't mention the Super Bowl or the controversy sparked by the announcement that he would be hosting the halftime show.
"Thank you for those words. It's an honor for me to receive this award from you. I respect you greatly, I admire you greatly," she said at the beginning of her speech. "Every time I hear other artists speak about me that way, it reassures me that being me and doing the things I do with my heart is still a great decision. It's the only thing I've done since day one, or since I've been slowly finding myself, discovering who I am and what I represent."
The artist, who led the list of nominations with 27 nominations , a record number in the history of the awards, added: "I am 100% aware that this award could have been received by any of the artists here, who have also contributed to Latin music, who have inspired me and thanks to whom I exist here."
Bad Bunny also took the opportunity to send a message to young artists: "I will always identify with those artists because I consider myself the same. A young man who continues to dream of many goals and many things to do."
The singer was visibly moved and emphasized his humility: "I thank each and every one of you. This is yours because you have me here. God wanted me to receive it because He knows this won't feed my ego. I don't receive this with arrogance. I receive it with great humility."
Hours earlier, the artist had already won one of the night's most important awards: Album of the Year , thanks to his latest album, 'DeBÍ TiRAR Más FoToS' , an award he dedicated to his homeland. "Thank God, first of all. Thank you to all the people who support me, who listen to my music. I'm very proud to be able to receive an award, making music I love, making music from my homeland, and enjoying the process with so many wonderful people," he expressed on stage.
The artist also remembered those who were part of the album, which was used for his musical residency, "No me quiero ir de aquí" (I Don't Want to Go Away) at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico between July and September. "I dedicate this to Puerto Rico, thank you for loving me so much. I love you," he said at the end of his speech.
To close the night, Bad Bunny addressed the audience and his colleagues once again: "I will continue to be the same, and that's the lesson I'd like to give to all artists. Always be yourself, go to the studio, have fun, let loose, be yourself. Say what hurts you, what makes you happy. And never forget to be yourself. I love you. Thank you."
The artist closed the night with 11 awards.
Bad Bunny has won 11 AWARDS at the Latin Billboards 2025:
— Access Bad Bunny (@AccessBadBunny) October 24, 2025
—Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century
— Artist of the Year
—Global 200 Latin Artist of the Year
— Hot Latin Song of the Year (DTMF)
— Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male
— Streaming Song of the Year (DTMF)
—Top Latin… pic.twitter.com/K94ODIfdVx
