John Leguizamo Boycotts 2020 Emmy Awards Over Lack of Latino Nominees

By Madelaine D. Sep 19 2020, 04:45 AM EDT

John Leguizamo decided to take a stand and boycott this year's Emmy Awards due to lack of Latinx representation and stories in Hollywood, both in film and TV.

"If you don't have Latin people, there's no reason for me to see it. What's the point?," Leguizamo told Yahoo Entertainment as he announced that he is boycotting the prestigious event.

For him, it is unbelievable that Latinx stories are not being told, and he believes it is because the executives don't get them and don't care about the Latinx.

Latinx shows and actors got zero nominations in any of Emmys' major categories this year.

"We're less than one percent of the stories being told by Hollywood streamers and networks, that's cultural apartheid," Leguizamo said.

John Leguizamo Boycotts The 2020 Emmy Awards — 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards - Red Carpet SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: John Leguizamo attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 12, 2020 in Santa Monica, California. Matt Winkelmeyer

The Television Academy addressed the need for representation in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. It said they feel it is a very positive sign that the well-deserved recognition of performers of color has increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3 nominees across all performer categories over the past decade.

"That increase in representation has not been equal for all groups, and clearly, there is still more to do to improve both gender and racial representation across all categories," the academy noted.

The 56-year-old actor's latest movie, "Critical Thinking," premiered on September 4. It includes a predominantly Latinx and Black cast that motivates Leguizamo to be part of the film.

The movie is based on actual events that tell about five Latinx and Black teens from an underprivileged Miami neighborhood, who become the 1998 National Chess Champions. Leguizamo played the role of an inspirational chess coach and made this movie his directorial debut.

"I'm just dying to see positive Latin stories out there," the actor said.

John Leguizamo has been in the industry for more than three decades, and he has received four Emmy nominations, which include the 1999 win for his variety special "Freak." The actor said there is more to be done to improve diversity in Hollywood.

Leguizamo noted that it is not ok to ignore the Latin artists because Latinx is the largest minority group in the U.S. and the biggest voting block.

"We're going to decide who the president is this year," he added.

The social media people called out the Emmys for the exclusion of Latinx-centered shows. Across social media platforms, the hashtag #LatinosAreOnTvToo circulated with many reacting to the snub.

"The cards have always been stacked against us (Latinx), yet we are incredible thrivers. We're thrivers and survivors - and we're still here contributing $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy every year," Leguizamo said.

The actor turned director encouraged "la raza" (the race) to stay positive.

"We just need to have somebody, you know, give us a pat on the back and represent us correctly," he said.

The film "Critical Thinking" is still streaming on Amazon Prime. You may also buy or rent it on iTunes, Vudu, DirectTV, and FandangoNow.

The 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards will have a live telecast that will air on Sunday, September 20, at 8 p.m. (PT) on ABC.