12. Selena Quintanilla – Jennifer Lopez in ‘Selena’
Jennifer Lopez’s breakout performance as Tejano star Selena Quintanilla in ‘Selena’ (1997) was highly praised, though the film itself did not win major Oscars. Lopez’s portrayal introduced Selena’s music and tragic story to a global audience, setting the stage for future musical biopics led by Latinx stars. Learn more at the Smithsonian Institution. (si.edu)
