Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Mexican actor Demian Bichir has now been nominated for three prestigious Best Actor awards for his performance in the film A Better Life - a Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) Award, an Independent Spirit Award, and an Oscar.

Bichir feels that the Oscar nomination is much more to him than just a prize. "It is much better that the movie itself receives great attention, so that it can bring a better future for many immigrants," he stated.

Speaking with reporters while he walked the red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium, Bichir said, "I've been listening to the story of this movie for many years, because it is what has happened to so many Mexican families who have emigrated to the United States in an effort to provide a better life for their families.

Also on the red carpet for the SAG Awards was the director of A Better Life, Chris Weitz. Weitz, who is the grandson of Mexican actress Lupita Tovar, said he was proud of this production. "Most importantly, this film remains the voice of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the US. We can give expression to millions of those who are invisible, who have no voice," he said.

The film's director also said that he has felt for months that Bichir had a chance of winning the Oscar for his performance in the film, "It has been a dream and a possibility, but now the potential is there for a tremendous and incredible gift."

He also said that he hopes the film will be seen by President Barack Obama and the US Congress in order to change their perception about immigrants, and that in just a few days it will be submitted to the Department of Labor.

The 84th edition of the Oscars will take place on February 26, 2012.