John Leguizamo Calls for More Latino Representation in Hollywood

John Leguizamo wants Latino children to see themselves on screen, in characters who aren’t getting arrested or killed off in the first few minutes of a show.

The actor delivered that message while accepting a Career Achievement Award at the Critics Choice Association’s sixth annual Celebración of Cinema & Television.

Held Friday, Oct. 2, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, the event recognized “standout performances and work” by Latinos in entertainment.

Leguizamo was honored for his four decade career, with his most recent role in The Odyssey. During his acceptance speech, the actor, comedian and activist talked about what meaningful representation looks like.

“I know as a Latino we get emotional when a Latin child in this country can turn on a screen and see their own face, their own name, their grandmother’s accent, not getting arrested. Not dying in minute nine. Just living. Just being a whole person,” he said.

While there has been progress, Leguizamo said the fight for more positive portrayals continues.

“That’s the dream. It is an embarrassingly small one, but they have made us fight over it for over a hundred years,” he continued.

The actor encouraged Latinos in Hollywood to keep going, even when they feel like giving up.

“So keep creating, keep failing forward, and don’t ever let anybody quiet your voice, including the one inside your own head telling you that you’re not good enough,” he shared.

Leguizamo was among a group of honorees for acting, directing and producing.

The Paper actor Oscar Nuñez earned the Vanguard Award. Actor and puppeteer James Ortiz received the Innovator Award for Project Hail Mary.

Aimee Carrero was given the Supporting Actress Award – Series for Your Friends & Neighbors. Inde Navarrette picked up the Breakthrough Actress Award – Film for Obsession, and Laysla De Oliveira earned the Breakthrough Actress Award – Series for Lioness.

Rodrigo Teixeira took home the Producer Award for Paper Tiger. Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, known as Los Javis, picked up the Director Award for La Bola Negra. Beth de Araújo received the Breakthrough Director Award for Josephine.

Scrubs actress Judy Reyes received the Trailblazer Award for her work in film, TV and theater. On stage, she talked about the importance of representation.

“Representation is everything. What I love most about this work? Being part of a creative community completely dedicated to telling the story,” she said. “Art is important. Art is legacy. Art is history, and as immigrants especially, art is how we tell our stories.”