John Leguizamo Calls for Diversity in Awards Season: An Open Letter to Emmy Voters

John Leguizamo is not backing down in his fight for diversity and representation in Hollywood. The actor recently published an open letter to Emmy voters in The New York Times, urging them to consider the performances of non-white actors that should be championed.

In the letter, Leguizamo emphasized the importance of giving people of color a chance to be represented proportionally in the industry. He pointed out that while people of color make up almost 30% of subscribers on streaming platforms, they account for less than 6% of lead roles.

The actor called on his peers to take real action and be true allies in the fight for diversity. He expressed his hope that this year would be the year that the industry finally embraces change and sees artists of color represented across all categories.

This is not the first time Leguizamo has spoken out against Hollywood’s treatment of non-white actors. In 2022, he criticized the casting of Chris Pratt as the lead in the Super Mario Bros. Movie, noting that it was a step backwards in terms of representation.

Leguizamo’s letter serves as a powerful reminder of the need for change in the industry and the importance of giving underrepresented artists a platform to shine. As he continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion, he hopes to inspire the next generation of minority and underrepresented artists to see a reflection of themselves on the stage and believe that they too can achieve greatness.