John Leguizamo has made a passionate plea to the Television Academy, urging them to embrace diversity in their upcoming Emmy nominations. In a full-page ad in the New York Times, the actor and comedian called on his peers to recognize the contributions of artists of color across all categories.
“Dear Hollywood,” Leguizamo began, “Please let this be the year we finally embrace change. The year we truly find equity and see artists of color represented across not just one category, but ALL categories.”
With Emmy voting set to begin on June 13 and nominations to be announced on July 17, Leguizamo’s message is timely. The ceremony itself will take place on September 15. His letter is a call to action, urging the Academy to move beyond mere words like “inclusivity” and “diversity” and to take concrete steps to ensure that artists of color are recognized for their exceptional work.
“I know you’re tired of hearing words like ‘inclusivity’ and ‘diversity’ – treading water while you try to understand how to put actions behind these sentiments,” Leguizamo wrote. “Look no further! It’s simple! There are hundreds of prolific non-white artists who deserve to be considered for awards this year, not because they are simply Black, Brown, Indigenous, or Asian, but because they are truly great… exceptional artists who have achieved that greatness with a foot on their neck for far too long.”
Leguizamo, known for his role as Sid the sloth in the Ice Age franchise and his Emmy-winning variety special “John Leguizamo: Freak” in 1999, is no stranger to the Emmys. His letter is a heartfelt appeal to his peers to “let this be the start of a new era,” and to stop white-washing awards shows. He hopes this year can be a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of minority and underrepresented artists.
“Let us not continue to white wash our awards shows,” he continued. “Instead, let this year be the catalyst that inspires the next generation of minority and underrepresented artists… a generation who might finally see a reflection of themselves on that stage and think… ‘If they can, maybe I can too.'”
Leguizamo signed the letter as a “Writer, Actor, Producer, Director & Colombian American who won’t ever let anyone tell him ‘no.'” His message is clear: the time for change is now, and the Television Academy has the power to make a significant impact by recognizing the diverse talent that exists in the industry.
In a tweet, Leguizamo highlighted the disparity in representation, noting that non-Hispanic white people make up only 58.9% of the U.S. population but are over-represented in top positions across various industries, including Hollywood. “They are the decision-makers in tech, banking, corporations, medicine, and streamers and Hollywood!” he wrote. “America is better when it is inclusive. It is more profitable. It is more creative! Let’s not give up. I’m still woke! Are you?”
As the Emmy voting period approaches, Leguizamo’s call for diversity and inclusion is a reminder of the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. His letter is a powerful statement, urging the Television Academy to take meaningful action and recognize the outstanding work of artists of color.
“Let this be the start of a new era,” Leguizamo wrote. “Let us not continue to white wash our awards shows. Instead, let this year be the catalyst that inspires the next generation of minority and underrepresented artists… a generation who might finally see a reflection of themselves on that stage and think… ‘If they can, maybe I can too.'”
Leguizamo’s plea is a call to action for the Television Academy to embrace diversity and ensure that artists of color are given the recognition they deserve. As the Emmy voting period begins, his message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry.
