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Actor John Leguizamo urges TV Academy for inclusive representation

The Super Mario Bros actor in an open letter has urged for diverse representation at the Emmys

MMS Staff

12 Jun 2024

2-min read

Emmy-winning actor John Leguizamo has issued an appeal to the Television Academy through an open letter published in The New York Times, urging for increased representation of diverse talents at the Primetime Emmy Awards. As the organisation behind the revered Primetime Emmy Awards, the Academy has a pivotal role to play in shaping perceptions of inclusivity and representation in media.


Leguizamo, not one to shy away from advocacy, leveraged not only the printed word but also the digital sphere to amplify his call. Sharing images of the letter on social media, he tagged his contemporaries including Whoopi Goldberg, Anya Taylor-Joy, Missy Elliott, and George Takei as well as streaming platform Netflix in a bid to garner wide-reaching support.


Highlighting discrepancies


In his social media post accompanying the letter, Leguizamo points out a stark disparity: “White people are only 58.9% of the population but overrepresented in top positions across the board.” He notes the disproportionate influence this group holds in critical sectors such as technology, banking, and entertainment, underscoring his argument with the need for an industry that reflects the true demographic makeup of the country. 


“America is better when it is inclusive. It is more profitable. It is more creative!” he states.



Challenging the status quo


In his letter, Leguizamo urges the entertainment industry to move beyond superficial commitments to diversity and inclusivity. He writes, “Dear Hollywood, please let this be the year we finally embrace change. The year we truly find equity and see artists of colour represented across not just one category but ALL categories.” He critiques the industry's reluctance to translate the rhetoric of diversity into real action, highlighting the excellence of hundreds of artists of colour who are often overlooked due to systemic biases.



An opportunity for real change


The timing of Leguizamo’s letter aligns with the upcoming 76th Primetime Emmy Awards scheduled to air September 15 on ABC. This also gives an opportunity for the Television Academy to respond to the growing demands for equity and representation. 


Inspiring future generations


Leguizamo concludes his letter with a forward-looking message, hoping to inspire future generations of minority and underrepresented artists and imagining a world where these artists can see themselves reflected on the Emmy stage: “If they can, maybe I can, too.” 


For now, all eyes are on the Academy to see how it responds to Leguizamo's call for change. His efforts have the potential to catalyse a significant shift in how talent is recognised and celebrated, paving the way for a media environment that reflects its diverse audience.

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