Actor John Leguizamo made a significant impact at Sunday's ceremony by highlighting the diversity among the nominees and addressing the issue of representation in Hollywood. He began by acknowledging the presence of numerous Latinx nominees in the audience, such as Selena Gomez, Nava Mau, and Liza Colón-Zayas.
Leguizamo humorously referred to himself as one of 'Hollywood's DEI hires,' playfully defining DEI as 'diligence, excellence, and imagination.' He cleverly repurposed the acronym, which traditionally stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, a term that has sparked political debates.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Leguizamo shared how he had not realized that individuals of Latin descent could pursue acting careers when he was younger. He pointed out the lack of representation in the industry, noting, 'Everybody played us except us.'
The actor reminisced about a bold move he made in the past when he took out a full-page ad in the New York Times aimed at the Television Academy, urging voters to consider candidates of color. He humorously suggested that this action alone had miraculously solved all the industry's problems. Leguizamo praised this year's nominees as being 'among the most diverse' in history.
He expressed optimism about the progress being made in the industry, emphasizing that the diversity showcased at the ceremony was a testament to this advancement. Leguizamo also highlighted the representation of actors of color and LGBTQ+ performers in television, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
