Latino Winners Once Again Mostly Absent from 2022 Emmys

Actors Zendaya and Colman Domingo and singer Lizzo stand close to eachother posing for a picture
Credit: Coleman Domingo's Instagram @kingofbingo

The Emmy Awards always stirs up excitement amongst fans when their favorite artists are nominated. With fan favorites and meme-worthy shows like “Euphoria” and “Stranger Things,” what’s not to be excited about? What’s not exciting is how once again, Latinos were largely absent from the nominations despite incredible performances by Latino actors.


One of the biggest snubs was Selena Gomez for her role as Mabel Mora in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” The show earned stellar audience reviews across the board and Gomez’s character “Mabel” is one of the most intriguing parts of the show. Naturally, many were upset that Gomez was overlooked for an award. Gomez did, however, get a nomination for producer of best comedy series, becoming the second ever Latina to receive this nomination.

Only two Latinos were nominated for this year’s awards. Guatemalan-American Oscar Isaac was nominated for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series Movie for his role in HBO Max’s “Scenes from a Marriage” but didn’t win. Colman Domingo, who is Guatemalan-Black, was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for “Euphoria,” becoming the only Latino to take home an award last night.

Emmys 2022 backstage: Colman Domingo ('Euphoria') wins for Best Drama Guest Actor | GOLD DERBYwww.youtube.com

While this Latino exclusion re-run is rightfully upsetting, not all was lost on the diversity front. The night was a big one for Black women, with Zendaya, Lizzo, Quinta Brunson, and Sheryl Lee Ralph all taking home awards last night.


Competition Program: 74th Emmy Awardswww.youtube.com

On another high note for representation, Netflix’s major hit “Squid Games” made history as the first foreign-language drama to win top honors at the television industry’s Emmy Awards, after creator Hwang Dong-hyuk won outstanding directing and Lee Jung-Jae, who was the protagonist of the show, won the Emmy for best actor in a drama series.

For Latinos on the small screen, the struggle continues.

a four image collage featuring queer actresses MJ Rodriguez, Aubrey Plaza, Tessa Thompson and Sara Ramirez

Amid the ongoing push towards equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, the influence of public figures who identify as part of this community is undeniably crucial. They contribute to this narrative significantly, their impact transcending their professional boundaries to create safe spaces and ignite discussions that shatter stereotypes and nurture inclusivity. Today, we shine a spotlight on four prominent Latina trailblazers who are making their mark:

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson, an Afro-Panamanian actress, has earned widespread recognition for her performances in films like "Creed" and "Thor: Ragnarok". Thompson is open about her bisexuality and uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry. Her role in "Thor: Ragnarok" is considered a landmark as Valkyrie is one of the first explicitly queer characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the explicitness of Valkyrie's bisexuality was contested in the cinematic release, Thompson has confirmed and embraced this aspect of the character. Thompson continues to champion diversity in media, raising the bar for representation in Hollywood.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza, of Puerto Rican and Irish descent, is widely known for her role as April Ludgate on "Parks and Recreation". Plaza publicly came out as bisexual in 2016, and she has since been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. By openly discussing her bisexuality, she has helped increase visibility and eliminate the stigma associated with non-heterosexual orientations. Additionally, her portrayal of queer characters, like in the film "Happiest Season", provides much-needed representation and adds to the authenticity of LGBTQ+ characters in media.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez, a Mexican-American actress, singer, and activist, is best known for her role as Dr. Callie Torres on "Grey's Anatomy". Ramirez, who identifies as non-binary and bisexual, has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Their portrayal of Dr. Torres, one of the longest-running queer characters on television, has significantly influenced the way bisexuality is understood and depicted in popular media. Off-screen, Ramirez is heavily involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy, serving on the board of organizations like True Colors United, which works to combat homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.

MJ Rodriguez

MJ Rodriguez, of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, has made history as a trailblazer for transgender individuals, particularly in the world of television. Rodriguez's groundbreaking role as Blanca Evangelista on "Pose" earned her critical acclaim and marked a significant milestone for trans representation on screen. Rodriguez is open about her identity as a trans woman, leveraging her platform to call attention to issues affecting the transgender community. Her achievements, both as an actress and activist, provide a beacon of hope and inspiration for transgender individuals worldwide.

Through their activism and their work in the media, these prominent figures are not only changing the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights and representation but also shaping a more inclusive and accepting future. In honoring their contributions, we also acknowledge the progress still needed and the ongoing efforts of countless others in the fight for equality and acceptance.