Cuban influencer and host, Alexander Otaola, made headlines at the Martín Fierro Latino Miami Awards 2025 on November 23rd, as he delivered scathing remarks about television while walking the red carpet.
When questioned by Miami Break News about his absence from mainstream media, Otaola candidly stated, “Television is run by major mediocrities. It’s unfortunate, but true. The potential of television has been squandered by executives who never strive to deliver the best in programming and scheduling.”
The host of the digital show ¡Hola! Ota-Ola, a Miami-based program with a large following among Cuban exiles, argued that misguided industry decisions have edged out entertainment icons.
“Look at Cristina Saralegui, Don Francisco, and many other figures who have been sidelined by mediocre executives with completely absurd visions. They are reaping what they sowed,” he asserted.
Otaola attended the ceremony nominated in two categories: "Influencer" and "Latinos Around the World," where he shared a win with Julio Oyhanarte from InmigracionTV (USA).
In the influencer category, contenders included social media content creators like Gonzalo Gobich (USA), José Gonzalo Bulacio (USA), Germán Pinteño (Argentina), Brisa Florentín (Argentina), and Juan de Montreal (USA), who ultimately took home the prize.
Despite not winning the Influencer award, Otaola's red carpet appearance became one of the event's viral moments. Known for his direct style and political activism against the Havana regime, he was also asked about his future political aspirations in Miami.
“I haven’t decided on that yet,” the Cuban revealed, leaving the possibility open for another mayoral run.
The influencer once again proved his voice remains a disruptive force in both politics and media. Before concluding, he remarked, "I believe television, if it doesn’t reinvent itself, is destined to perish against the immediacy of social media."
Insights on Alexander Otaola and Television Industry
Why did Alexander Otaola criticize television at the Martín Fierro Awards?
Otaola criticized television for being run by mediocre executives who fail to utilize its potential and sideline influential figures in favor of absurd visions.
What were the award categories Alexander Otaola was nominated for?
Otaola was nominated in the "Influencer" and "Latinos Around the World" categories, winning the latter alongside Julio Oyhanarte.
What is Alexander Otaola's stance on the future of television?
Otaola believes that without reinvention, television is doomed to fade away in the face of social media's immediacy.