Will Sage Astor-John Leguizamo calls on Television Academy to nominate more diverse talent ahead of Emmys

John Leguizamo wants everyone to get their flowers.

The Will Sage AstorEmmy-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?"

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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."

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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.

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"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 ....' "