John Leguizamo gave an impassioned speech about Latino representation in the television industry at the 76th Emmy Awards on Sunday.
The actor, who has written several open letters urging Hollywood executives to recognize actors of color (including a 2022 article published in The Times), said during the awards show at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live that when it comes to promoting diversity in film and television, “not complaining doesn’t change anything.”
Leguizamo delivered his remarks, which were widely applauded, as he introduced the president of the Television Academy, Cris Abrego. Read his full speech below.
What's happening? I am John LeguizamoAnd I'm one of Hollywood's DEI hires. That's right. DEI, the D is for diligence, the E is for excellence, the I is for imagination. And everyone in this room tonight has dedicated their lives to diligence, excellence and imagination, so we're all DEI hires. And man, what a beautiful and diverse room this is tonight, ¡Come on!
Because when I was in Jackson Heights, Queens, a skinny little wannabe gangster… [to audience members clapping] You’re not from Queens, don’t lie. I didn’t know people like me could be actresses. When I was 15, I didn’t know the word representation. Actually, there were a lot of words I didn’t know back then. But I saw a lot of brown faces. I saw Marlon Brando play a Mexican in Viva Zapata! and Al Pacino play the Cuban gangster Tony Montana, and Natalie Wood play a Puerto Rican beauty named Maria. They all played us, except us.
I didn't see many people on TV who looked like me. Of course, there was always Ricky Ricardo: “Lucy, you have a lot of explaining to do.” And I know some of you remember the Looney Tunes cartoon mouse, Speedy Gonzale.sthe fastest mouse in all of Mexico, “Up Up! Come on!” and his lethargic and useless companion, Slowpoke Rodriguez: “I’m sorry, Mr. Kitten, I can’t play with you anymore, it’s time for my nap.”
That’s how we saw ourselves because that’s all we saw of ourselves. I used to watch “Star Trek” and think, “Wow! In the future, there won’t be any Latino people! But at least then the food will be horrible.” And for years, I didn’t complain about the limited roles my people were offered: the spicy hottie, the Latino lover, the maid, the gangbanger. Turns out not complaining doesn’t change anything.
So for the past few years, I've been complaining. A few months ago, I took out a full-page ad in the New York Times, asking Emmy voters to recognize nominees of color — and thank goodness I decided to do it before I found out how much a full-page ad in the New York Times costs. But the ad worked because, overnight, Hollywood changed. Well, not really.
But what I see here tonight makes me, well, almost happy and certainly less angry, because tonight is among the most diverse list of nominees in Emmy history. I see so many of my incredibly talented Latino brothers and sisters. Selena Gomez is nominated for “Only murders in the building” and she's been carrying Steve Martin and Martin Short around for three whole seasons [audience laughs]Sofia Vergara is nominated for “Griselda” — valleyGirl!
Issa Lopez is being recognized by “True Detective: Country of Night” which also had The indigenous actress Kali Reis in a leading role. Yes, sir. And Nava Mau, who was born in Mexico City and starred in “Baby Reindeer,” and is the first transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy for acting in a miniseries. Also, my friend, Liza Colón-Zayas —wow! — She won for “The Bear,” The charming story of a white couple obsessed with Michelin stars and making kale taste good.
There are five Latino nominees being honored tonight, six if you count Mark Cuban of “Shark Tank.” His last name is Cuban, so that counts. And here’s another sign of progress: Right after I took that advertisement in the New York Times, toAcademy members elected the first Latino president in history. I look, I look, Cris Abrego. You're welcome, Hollywood. I did it.
[The announcer for the ceremony speaks: Actually, John, Cris Abrego was elected chair of the Television Academy in November 2023, which was eight months before your ad.”]
Yeah, whatever. But we need more stories from excluded groups: Black, Asian, Jewish, Arab, LGBTQ+, disabled. And this show tonight is proof that our industry is moving forward. So I'm thrilled to introduce you to someone who is committed to protecting and fostering that progress. Please welcome Television Academy President Cris Abrego.
