2026 Commencement Speaker Gregory Nava
Gregory Nava is an award-winning director, filmmaker and screenwriter. His work has helped shape Latino representation in American cinema and brought important social issues to the screen.
Nava is best known for “Selena,” the 1997 biographical film about the life and legacy of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. He wrote and directed the film, which marked a breakthrough moment in his career. The movie starred Jennifer Lopez in her first leading role. “Selena” received Golden Globe and MTV Movie Award nominations and won four American Latino Media Arts Awards.
Earlier in his career, Nava earned his first Academy Award nomination in 1985 for best original screenplay for “El Norte.” The film follows two Indigenous Guatemalan siblings as they immigrate to the United States. As a result, it became widely recognized for its influence on immigration storytelling in American cinema.
In 2006, Nava produced, wrote and directed “Bordertown.” The political thriller is based on true events involving a series of unsolved murders in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The film stars Jennifer Lopez as a Chicago-based reporter who investigates the crimes. Through the story, Nava drew international attention to ongoing human rights issues.
Throughout his career, Nava has used film as a vehicle for social awareness and cultural representation. His work has earned critical acclaim for stories rooted in real-world events and lived experience.