Our Industry Is Achieving Progress

During the 76th Emmy Awards, held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live, John Leguizamo gave a powerful speech addressing Latinx representation in the television industry. The actor, recognized for his outspoken advocacy, stressed the importance of diverse representation on-screen and the need for change within Hollywood.

Leguizamo highlighted his previous calls for action, including a letter published in 2022, which urged Hollywood executives to prioritize roles for actors of color. He emphasized that merely “not complaining” about the lack of diversity won’t create progress in the industry.

While introducing Chris Abrego, the chair of the Television Academy, Leguizamo captivated the audience with his remarks. He opened with a humorous note:

“What’s up? I’m John Leguizamo, and I’m one of Hollywood’s DEI hires. That’s right. DEI, which stands for diligence, excellence, and imagination. Everyone in this room has dedicated their lives to these values, making us all DEI hires. What a beautiful and diverse room this is tonight, ¡Wepa!”

Reflecting on his upbringing in Jackson Heights, Queens, Leguizamo shared his realization of how he rarely saw individuals like himself represented in acting roles. As a teenager, he noted that he lacked an understanding of representation, recalling that the actors portraying Latinx characters were often not from their communities. Classic films featured actors like Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in roles meant for Latinx characters, showcasing a pattern that frustrated him.

Leguizamo candidly expressed his feelings about the limited representation of Latinx characters on television. He reminisced about the few figures that were visible, including Ricky Ricardo from “I Love Lucy” or the character Speedy Gonzales from Looney Tunes. His experiences led him to believe that even in a futuristic world, Latinx representation would be minimal. For many years, he chose not to voice his concerns over the stereotypical characters often available to people of Latinx descent—roles confined to the spicy lover, maid, or gang member. He concluded that silence would not spark change.

In a move to encourage more visibility, Leguizamo shared that he had taken out a full-page ad in the New York Times urging Emmy voters to recognize candidates of color. His regret over the ad’s cost was offset by humor as he conveyed how the ad’s impact felt minimal despite his hope for change within Hollywood.

However, as he observed the diverse roster of nominees at the award show, Leguizamo felt a sense of progress. He pointed out the historic representation of Latinx nominees at this year’s Emmys, recognizing the remarkable talent among them. Notably, Selena Gomez received a nomination for her role in “Only Murders in the Building,” while Sofia Vergara was nominated for “Griselda.”

Leguizamo also acknowledged nominees like Issa López for her work on “True Detective: Night Country,” which featured Indigenous actress Kali Reis, and praised Nava Mau as the first transgender individual nominated for acting in a limited series. He mentioned Liza Colón-Zayas, who won for her performance in “The Bear,” a show capturing the culinary ambitions of its predominantly white cast.

He celebrated the fact that there were five Latinx nominees this year—six if one considers Mark Cuban from “Shark Tank” due to his last name. Notably, after his New York Times ad, Leguizamo mentioned how Academy members elected Chris Abrego as the first Latino chair of the Television Academy.

This moment of recognition inspired hope, but Leguizamo emphasized that more work is needed. He called for the inclusion of diverse narratives from various excluded communities, including Black, Asian, Jewish, Arab, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. He concluded by expressing his delight in introducing Chris Abrego, whom he recognized as someone dedicated to supporting and advancing the cause of diversity within the industry.

Leguizamo’s passionate address served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for representation and diverse storytelling in the entertainment industry.

Source: Los Angeles Times