Emmy Nominations: Hollywood embracing inclusion but the fight is not over

As someone that closely follows award shows the past few years have been really disappointing in the nominees. Show producers wonder why ratings are low and it is because the winners and nominees have become very predictable that we can just read about the results instead of tuning it. For example, this year's Academy Awards felt like such a step backward even though Parasite won. In a year filled with female-directed movies, major breakout performances from JLo, Awkwafina, Adam Sandler, Jodie Turner-Smith, Lupita Nyong'o, and more they were all snubbed in favor of the traditional Hollywood beliefs and values that make us feel frozen in time. The most exciting thing that has happened at an award show in the last few years was Olivia Colman's oscar win with her amazing impromptu speech because she didn't think she would win and Parasite's sweep. I was tired of watching so many amazing performances on screen and seeing them not get recognition because of outdated beliefs but then I realized that it isn't these shows that need these major award shows for validation it is actually the other way around.

For years people have been calling on Hollywood to become more inclusive and representative. Movies and TV think they do this with having Black side characters or reuse actors of color in multiple blockbusters to prove their inclusivity but this is not enough. It should also be apparent from behind the camera too in production, hair and makeup, cinematography, directors, network executives, writers, buyers, agents, and more. This should be an intersectional issue that doesn't stop at just race but includes people from different genders, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, and ethnicities. During these times where Black Lives Matter has finally gotten the platform and attention it has been advocating for and normal people are tired of the facades put up by celebrities and people in power, we demand a change that isn't just for a social media post or an award show speech but is a new path Hollywood will commit to.

In the past, we see actors of color nominated but rarely win seeming like an act of tokenism that we need to put an end to. It normally feels like a cop pout toa void any backlash toward major award shows but something about this year feels like something has finally hit voters that we need change and diversity should not just be a buzz word. These nominations sadly can sometimes determine pay raises and contract obligations and we need to make sure that shows are valued by their networks and people are earning what they deserve to be. Though there were gains for Black and Asian performers this year the lack of Latinx recognition is more apparent than ever.

This year's Emmy nominations showcase this shift in tone with a record-breaking 49 black actors in the major categories as well as representation in other categories normally not streamed during the broadcast. There are so many amazing black performers and black focused shows that have gotten snubbed in favor of something safer or whiter. Kerry Washington received four nominations in different categories while Issa Rae's critically acclaimed Insecure scored 8 nominations. The limited series Watchmen centering on the aftermath of the Tulsa riots and race themes starring Regina King was the most nominated show with 26 nominations. Zendaya earned her first nomination which was well deserved for Euphoria and major acting categories featured a majority of Black actors instead of the typical one Black actor a category. Ramy Youssef is the first Mulsim American to score a nomination, Maya Rudolph earned three nominations, Mahershala Ali scored a supporting actor nomination, and Jeremy Pope earned a best lead actor in a limited series. It is important to note that shows like Insecure don't need Emmy's for validation but it shows the Emmy's need these Black actors and their shows more than ever.

While the diversity of this year's Emmy's nominations is very exciting and signal change there are many snubs and shut outs that still need our attention and equity/equality has still not been achieved and we must work even harder. When we talk about including race or sexualities the bare minimum is done by only focusing on the Black community or White gay men and the work stops there. One group that is always left out or diminished by Hollywood. is the Latinx community. There were zero nominations for Latinx talent in major acting categories this year. A few years ago there was a protest at the Academy Awards for Latinx inclusion but for some reason, this movement never gains speed or attention in comparison to the Black Lives Matter or Pride movements. There needs to be more Lantix talent both in front and behind the screen and white executives need to stop turning their culture into stereotypes. Latinx people make up a large majority of Americans and their stories are still being treated as foreign. There are no shows left on TV right now with a majority Latinx cast on a major broadcast network. These awards should not bee seen as a participation award for shows with marginalized people but it should be called out that they are not seen on the same playing field as other major shows. They are used for the diversity check but the networks and streamers don't invest in their success the same way. Rita Moreno, Laura Gomez, Melissa Barrera, and Mishel Prada have been all killing it on their shows bringing inspiring performances that continued to be overshadowed. The Latinx community deserves a seat at the table and their voices heard.

It was a breakout year for transgender actors in Hollywood but it was not reflected in nominations. Normally we celebrate cis white straight males who play transgender characters and give them major awards and attention but it is never the same for transgender actors who play transgenders on the screen. The critically acclaimed Pose saw snubs for all of their transgender actors in the series about the New York ballroom scene. Mj Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, and Angelica Ross were neglected in the acting categories. Rodriguez is the heart of the show and Indya Moore went on Twitter to voice the lack of promotion by the network for Pose. It is crazy to see shows with such dedicated fan bases and actors who are doing some of the best work on TV being neglected or not valued the same as other shows on the streamers and networks. The trans community sees value when a non-trans person takes on a trans role and is showered with awards and glory. When will trans actors be treated like people and recognized for their groundbreaking work?
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We need to keep pressuring the Television Academy and other award voter groups to diversify its awards. The BAFTAS were so embarrassing with its all-white nominations this year and people of colors on and off screen deserve to be valued and have a seat at the table in Hollywood. It is time for TV and Film to finally reflect the world we see and stop avoiding it.