Current:Home > Contact-usJohn Leguizamo calls on Television Academy to nominate more diverse talent ahead of Emmys-LoTradeCoin
John Leguizamo calls on Television Academy to nominate more diverse talent ahead of Emmys
View Date:2024-12-23 19:09:06
John Leguizamo wants everyone to get their flowers.
The Emmy-winning actor penned an open letter to The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in the print edition of The New York Times on Sunday, urging for diverse media representation at award shows. The Television Academy is known as the organization behind the Primetime Emmy Awards, which recognizes achievements in the TV industry.
Leguizamo shared photos of the letter on social media and tagged prominent entertainment figures in his post, including Whoopi Goldberg, Anya Taylor-Joy, Missy Elliott, George Takei and television streamer Netflix.
"I know everyone one is exhausted about inclusion but not us who are not included," Leguizamo wrote on X. "So, that’s why I took this ad out in the NYTimes. White peoples are only 58.9% of the population but overrepresented in top positions across the board. They are the decision-makers in tech, banking, corporations, medicine and streamers and Hollywood!"
He added: "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?"
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Daytime Emmy Awards 2024:Dick Van Dyke becomes oldest Daytime Emmys winner in history at 98 for 'Days of Our Lives'
John Leguizamo advocates for 'exceptional artists' of color in open letter to Television Academy
In his open letter Sunday, Leguizamo encouraged the Television Academy and the broader entertainment industry to highlight the work of artists of color through industry accolades.
"Dear Hollywood, 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," Leguizamo wrote. "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."
He continued: "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. Let this be the start of a new era. Let us not continue to whitewash our awards shows."
Biggest moments of 2024 Emmy Awards:From Christina Applegate to Kieran Culkin
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards took place in January after the ceremony was postponed from September 2023 due to the dual writers and actors strikes. The pause marked the most significant delay of the Emmys since 2001.
The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on ABC Sept. 15.
"Let this year be the catalyst that inspires the next generation of minority and underrepresented artists," Leguizamo concluded. "A generation who might finally see a reflection of themselves on that stage and think ... 'If they can, maybe I can, too ....' "
veryGood! (626)
Related
- Harriet Tubman posthumously honored as general in Veterans Day ceremony: 'Long overdue'
- Wisconsin Supreme Court orders pause on state’s presidential ballot while it weighs Phillips case
- Former suburban St. Louis police officer now charged with sexually assaulting 19 men
- The crane attacked potential mates. But then she fell for her keeper
- Why Outer Banks Fans Think Costars Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey Used Stunt Doubles Amid Rumored Rift
- A Tennessee teen has pleaded guilty in the slaying of a prominent United Methodist Church leader
- 9 hospitalized after 200 prisoners rush corrections officers in riot at Southern California prison
- Break away from the USA? New Hampshire once again says nay
- Driver dies after crashing on hurricane-damaged highway in North Carolina
- Authorities capture man accused of taking gun from scene of fatal Philadelphia police shooting
Ranking
- Disease could kill most of the ‘ohi‘a forests on Hawaii’s Big Island within 20 years
- Take it from Jimmy Johnson: NFL coaches who rely too much on analytics play risky game
- Microdosing is more popular than ever. Here's what you need to know.
- An armed man found dead at an amusement park researched mass shootings. His plan is still a mystery
- West Virginia governor-elect Morrisey to be sworn in mid-January
- Power outage at BP oil refinery in Indiana prompts evacuation, temporary shutdown
- New videos show towers of fire that prompted evacuations after last year’s fiery Ohio derailment
- USWNT captain Lindsey Horan says most American fans 'aren't smart' about soccer
Recommendation
-
Prominent conservative lawyer Ted Olson, who argued Bush recount and same-sex marriage cases, dies
-
IRS gives Minnesota a final ‘no’ on exempting state tax rebates from federal taxes
-
The cost of hosting a Super Bowl LVIII watch party: Where wings, beer and soda prices stand
-
Attorneys for the man charged in University of Idaho stabbings seek change of venue
-
What does the top five look like and other questions facing the College Football Playoff committee
-
Massachusetts Senate debates gun bill aimed at ghost guns and assault weapons
-
The crane attacked potential mates. But then she fell for her keeper
-
FedEx driver who dumped $40,000 worth of packages before holidays order to pay $805 for theft