A Martinez Cheers Thunder Win at Western Heritage Awards
Veteran actor joined fellow sports fans in Oklahoma City for a fun NBA spectacle and gala!
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In April 2024, Emmy-nominated actor A Martinez made his way to Oklahoma City for a one-two punch of basketball excitement and a major television honor.
Courtside Cheers
Martinez, best known for his long-running roles on shows like Santa Barbara and General Hospital, teamed up with fellow Dark Winds star Kiowa Gordon and influencer Nicholas Logan to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Milwaukee Bucks. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by injury, the group took advantage of a rare home-court advantage, rented a sleek black Mustang, and took in the buzzer-beaters from prime seats at Paycom Center.
“We were in town to attend the Annual Western Heritage Awards,” Martinez recalled. “But any chance to catch live hoops is a gift. We made a day of it—lunch, the game, and a little friendly ruckus in the stands.” Fanboys at heart, all three embraced the high‐octane atmosphere, snapping photos and enjoying the roar of the crowd.
Award Night Spotlight
Later that evening, Martinez and company arrived at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for the awards ceremony. The Annual Western Heritage Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in Western film, television and literature. This year, AMC’s Dark Winds took home the trophy for Best Television Episode for Season Two’s sixth installment, titled Hózhó Náhásdlii (Beauty Is Restored).
“Dark Winds has been a labor of love,” Martinez said on stage. “To see the Native stories honored like this—it’s a historic moment for us all.” Co-star Zahn McClarnon, who stars as Joe Leaphorn, tweeted his own congratulations: “Honored to be part of this journey. Hózhó Náhásdlii truly restored beauty and balance.”
Dark Winds, adapted from Tony Hillerman’s novels, follows Navajo police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they navigate crime on the reservation. Season Two’s Hózhó Náhásdlii episode, written by showrunners Graham Roland and Robert Cheeks, was praised by Rolling Stone as a contender for best television of the year.
Veteran Actor Profile
Born April 27, 1948, in Glendale, California, A Martinez first made waves on stage before moving to daytime drama. He earned two Daytime Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Cruz Castillo on Santa Barbara and won a Latin ACE Award for his work on One Life to Live. His screen credits span feature films, primetime series and voice-over work, showcasing a range that goes from Westerns to sci-fi.
“I’ve always been drawn to storytelling that bridges cultures,” Martinez said during the red carpet. “Dark Winds does that in a profound way, illuminating Diné perspectives for a wide audience.”
Off-camera, Martinez continues to mentor young actors and perform at charity events. Earlier this year, he hosted L.A. Serenade, a concert series celebrating local songwriters. Fans can catch his next performance at the Autry Museum later this summer.
Driving Through Okc
Adding to the evening’s thrill, Martinez rented a black Mustang for his Oklahoma City tour. “I wanted to scratch a lifelong itch—drive a muscle car around town,” he joked. His Instagram story captured the sunset cruise along Route 66, Mustang engine roaring against the city skyline.
Kiowa Gordon, who plays Jim Chee on Dark Winds, chimed in: “Nothing beats an OKC road trip with Martinez. He’s got stories for days, and that car was epic.”
Looking Ahead
With Season Three of Dark Winds already in production, Martinez says he’s focused on bringing more nuanced tales of the Southwest to screen. “We’ve only scratched the surface of these characters. Season Three will push boundaries even further.”
Back in Hollywood, Martinez will reprise his role in a Shonda Rhimes project slated for next spring. Between awards, basketball, and muscle-car joyrides, the actor shows no signs of slowing down.
From courtside cheers to award-stage applause, A Martinez’s April trip to Oklahoma City blended sport, culture and celebration into a memorable weekend for actor and fans alike.
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