Veteran actor Benito Martinez recently garnered critical acclaim for his role as the undocumented immigrant Luis Salazar in John Ridley's anthology series American Crime. He is perhaps best known for his award-winning portrayal of Los Angeles police captain turned politician David Aceveda on the FX police drama The Shield. His other work includes recurring roles on hit television shows including How to Get Away with Murder, The Blacklist, House of Cards, Sons of Anarchy, The Leftovers and Supernatural.

Martinez’s film credits include Lies in Plain Sight (NAACP Nominee for best actor), The Dry Land, Million Dollar Baby, Saw, End Game, New Suit, Kill Your Darlings, Mi Familia, Not Forgotten and Unthinkable.

Martinez studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art after attending Hollywood High School Performing Arts Magnet in Los Angeles. Originally from Albuquerque, he began performing as a child in his father’s mariachi group and also performed with a bilingual theater company co-founded by his mother.

A Television Academy member since 2002, Martinez served as co-chair of the Academy's diversity committee in 2012. He is also an active participant in and supporter of Foundation events including its annual Emmys Golf Classic, College Television Awards and Vocational Day for Foster Youth.