John Leguizamo delivered a moving message about representation at the Emmy Awards on Sunday.
The “Chef” actor took the stage in the middle of the show, where he acknowledged the evening’s diverse list of nominees and winners.
“I am one of Hollywood’s DEI people,” Leguizamo said. “That’s right: The D is for hard work, the E is for excellence, the I is for imagination. Everyone in this room tonight has dedicated their lives to hard work, excellence and imagination.”
He recalled his childhood as a Latino child in Queens, New York, and how he didn’t know that “people like me could be actors.” He pointed out that many white actors, such as Natalie Wood (“West Side Story”) and Al Pacino (“Scarface”), have portrayed famous characters of Latino descent.
“Everyone played us, except ourselves,” Leguizamo said. “I didn’t see many people on TV who looked like me.” For years, he continued, “I didn’t complain about the few roles my people were offered: the hot sex bomb, the Latin lover, the maid, the gang member. It turns out that if you don’t complain, nothing changes.”
Selena Gomez in tears during John Leguizamo’s Emmy speech
Earlier this year, the Emmy-winning comedian penned an open letter published in the New York Times calling on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to ensure diverse media representation at its awards ceremonies.
“What I see here tonight makes me, well, almost happy and certainly less angry, because tonight is one of the most diverse nominees in my history,” Leguizamo said. “We need more stories from marginalized groups: Black, Asian, Jewish, Arab, LGBTQ+ and disabled. And this show tonight is proof that our industry is making progress.”
He praised his “incredibly talented Latinx brothers and sisters,” including first-time acting nominee Selena Gomez, who teared up during Leguizamo’s speech. His remarks came at the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15.
The “Ice Age” actor also praised Liza Colón-Zayas, who won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for “The Bear.” The Puerto Rican actress is the first Latina to win in this category.
“People can see this and see that it is possible,” she told reporters after her emotional acceptance speech. “Who would have thought that this could be possible?”
Featuring: Pamela Avila, Edward Segarra, Charles Trepany
