The Latina Stars who Shined at the 2024 Emmys: Liza Colón-Zayas, Selena Gomez, Sofía Vergara…

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This year, the 2024 Emmy Awards coincided with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, one of the most important celebrations for the Latino community here in the United States. And it couldn’t be a better coincidence!

Many Latino stars shined at the ceremony. Liza Colón-Zayas made history at the 2024 Emmys by winning the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in The Bear. This achievement is especially significant as it makes her the first Latina woman to receive this award. In her emotional speech, Liza emphasized the importance of representation and encouraged the Latino community to keep believing in their dreams and to vote for their rights. Her victory not only celebrates her talent but also highlights a significant step forward in the visibility and representation of Latinos in the entertainment industry.

@talentagencyguide Watch Liza Colón-Zayas’ powerful acceptance speech for her Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She is the first Latina to win in this category! 🌟 For Acting Resources, click the link in our profile 💻🎭 Online Acting Classes Available! Send us a message with your name, number, and email to get started. #acting #actor #actress #actorslife #film #theatre #actors #monologues #movies #drama #casting #hollywood #shorts #tiktok #bollywood #instagram #director #tv #taylorswift #filmmaking #trending #emmy #thebear #lizacolonzayas ♬ original sound – talentagencyguide

It’s also worth highlighting the nominations of several actresses like Nava Mau for Baby Reindeer. The Mexican-born performer’s nod not only celebrates her talent but also marks a significant step toward greater inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry.

Mau has been a powerful voice on television, tackling complex and relevant topics with a unique sensitivity. Her performance has been critically acclaimed, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotions and connect with audiences. This Emmy recognition underscores the importance of telling diverse and authentic stories on screen.

In addition to the Mexican actress’s triumph, the presence of other Latinas at the 2024 Emmy ceremony was also notable. Selena Gomez dazzled on the red carpet in a gown adorned with 600 hand-embroidered crystals. Her elegance and charisma captured everyone’s attention, reaffirming her status as one of the industry’s most influential figures.

Sofía Vergara also made a memorable appearance at the red carpet. The Colombian actress, best known for her role in Modern Family, was nominated for Griselda. She wore a spectacular red dress that highlighted her style and confidence. Vergara has been a trailblazer for Latina actresses in Hollywood, and her presence at this year’s ceremony emphasizes her continued impact on the industry.

Moreover, Eiza González, the Mexican actress and model, was one of the night’s most talked-about attendees due to her stunning sequin gown with a butterfly neckline and feathered cape. Her bold and sophisticated style made her one of the best-dressed of the evening.

Several productions featuring Latino talent were also recognized during the ceremony. The series Gentefied, which explores the life of a Mexican-American family in Los Angeles, received multiple nominations, highlighting the importance of telling authentic and relevant stories for the Latino community.

The Lack of Representation of Latinas in the Entertainment Industry

According to studies from the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at the University of San Diego, such as their report It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World, women are still underrepresented in the entertainment industry, especially Latinas.

In 2022, only 33% of films had female leads. Women made up just 38% of lead characters and 37% of those with dialogue throughout the film. Men comprised 80% of the characters.

Another interesting fact to understand the dynamics of award nominations like the Emmys is that there are reports showing that male critics outnumber female critics in all categories. It has also been shown that male critics give higher average ratings to films with male leads. These films tend to be more successful at the box office, partly because they receive larger budgets.

Looking at the directing field, in 2023, women remained significantly underrepresented as directors, making up only 16% of those working on the top 250 highest-grossing films and 14% of those in the top 100. Specifically at the Oscars, only 3 women have won Best Director since the year 2000.

Female representation does not improve when considering other identity elements such as race and ethnicity. In 2022, Black women represented only 21.6% of lead characters, Latinas barely reached 2.8%, and Asian women made up 10%.

Despite the current situation and the ongoing lack of representation, Nava Mau’s win and the presence of other Latinas at the 2024 Emmys are a testament to the growing recognition and appreciation of Latino talent in the entertainment industry. These achievements not only celebrate individual talent but also inspire future generations of artists to pursue their dreams and tell their own stories.