The ABC comedy series won awards for directing and best performance by a Latino-led ensemble cast. Ferrera, 24, was named Chevy Entertainer of the Year for her on-screen work as Betty Suarez in "Ugly Betty" and her off-screen efforts to encourage young people to get involved in the political process.
Shakira was also recognized for her offstage efforts, receiving the Humanitarian Award for her work in early childhood education.
A host of artists, including BeBe Winans, Wynonna Judd and Lucero, performed a tribute to Linda Ronstadt, who received the Trailblazer Award for her contributions to American music.
The Black Eyed Peas, the Cheetah Girls, Sergio Mendes and Cheech and Chong also performed at the ceremony, hosted by Eva Longoria Parker at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
Other acting-award winners included Charlie Sheen, Edward James Olmos, Roselyn Sanchez and Judy Reyes. Designer Narciso Rodriguez was honored for special achievement in fashion.
The National Council of La Raza, the country's largest Hispanic advocacy organization, created the ALMA Awards in 1995 to honor Hispanic performers and promote positive images of Hispanics in entertainment. ALMA stands for American Latino Media Arts and also means "soul" in Spanish.
The ceremony will be televised Sept. 12 on ABC.
A complete list of winners of the 2008 ALMA Awards:
* Entertainer of the year: America Ferrera
* Humanitarian award: Shakira
* Trailblazer award: Linda Ronstadt
* Performance by a Latino ensemble in a television series: "Ugly Betty," ABC.
* Actor in a television series, drama: Edward James Olmos, "Battlestar Galactica," SciFi Channel.
* Actress in a television series, drama: Roselyn Sanchez, "Without A Trace," CBS.
* Actor in a television series, comedy: Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men," CBS.
* Actress in a television series, comedy: Judy Reyes, "Scrubs," NBC.
* Supporting actor in a television series, drama: Jorge Garcia, "Lost," ABC.
* Supporting actress in a television series, drama: Julie Gonzalo, "Eli Stone," ABC.
* Director of a television series: Linda Mendoza, "Ugly Betty," ABC.
* Writing for a television series: Gloria Calderon Kellett, "How I Met Your Mother," CBS.
* Comedy special: "George Lopez: America's Mexican," HBO.
* Made-for TV documentary: "American Experience: Roberto Clemente," PBS.
* Career achievement award: David Wader, Stage Manager.
* Special achievement in fashion: Narciso Rodriguez.
* Special achievement award: Spanish-language motion picture: "La Misma Luna."
* Special achievement award: Director of a made-for-TV movie: Kenny Ortega, "High School Musical 2," Disney Channel.
