The2024 Emmy Awards, which aired on ABC on Sept. 15, recognized a wide range of programming with an equally diverse roster of nominees, a fact that Cris Abrego himself making history as the first Latino chairman of the Television Academy presiding over the nights events stressed in his remarks to the audience:
What Academy members have made clear, year over year, is that when outstanding, premium, inclusive content is greenlit and given the budget, support and runway for success, they will find it and reward it.
The nominees, winners and presenters this year included such Latino stars asSofia Vergara, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, John Leguizamo, Selena Gomez, Nestor Carbonell (winner of the outstanding guest supporting actor in a drama series for his role inShogun),Gina Torres, Jimmy Smits,George Lopez, Fred Armisen, Ariana DeBose and Nava Mau.
Lets take a look at some of the talented Latinos honored at the Emmy Awards over the last seven decades.
1.
Three Latinas make history
It wasLiza Colon-Zayaswho took home the Emmy, making history as the first Latina to win the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series category for her role as Tina inThe Bear.
But two other Latinas made history just by being nominated in 2024: Mexicos renowned Issa Lopez became the first Hispanic to be nominated foroutstanding directing, garnering nominations as well for executive producing and writing the fourth season of HBO MaxsTrue Detective: Night Country; while Selena Gomez became the Latina executive producer with the most nominations for her third straight year of recognition for outstanding production in a comedy series forHulusOnly Murders in the Building for which she also was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
2.
The first winner
Ecuadorian-born Albert Paulsen became the first Latino to win an Emmy in 1964, for his supporting role in the episodeOne Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovichof the seriesBob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre.
3.
A legendary winner
Puerto Rican-born actressRita Morenoranks among the EGOT winners (those who have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards).
She has scored two Emmys: the first in 1977, for her appearance onThe Muppet Show, and the second in 1978 as the lead actress in the seriesThe Rockford Files.
4.
Bringing home the Emmy
Mexican-born actor Ricardo Montalban is remembered as the enigmatic Mr. Roarke on the television seriesFantasy Island, but he won an Emmy in 1978 as a supporting actor in the seriesHow the West Was Won, whose three seasons aired on ABC.
