Liza Colón-Zayas made history as the first Latina to win the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Despite not having a prepared speech, she made a powerful statement encouraging Latinas to vote for their rights. Colón-Zayas, a Bronx native from a Puerto Rican family, won the award for her role as line cook Tina Marrero in “The Bear,” a show that received 23 nominations at this year’s Emmys. She expressed her disbelief at winning against prominent nominees such as Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett.
Colón-Zayas chose not to write a speech in advance, ignoring her husband’s advice, as she didn’t think it was possible to win in her category. However, she thanked her fellow nominees and expressed her love and reverence for them. She also expressed gratitude to her mother, grandchildren, and the cast and crew of “The Bear” for giving her new life with the show. The nomination was a significant milestone for Colón-Zayas, as it validated her years of struggle and doubt about her talent. Being recognized by the world and her peers alongside legendary actresses like Carol Burnett and Meryl Streep was a pivotal moment for her.
The Emmy win for Colón-Zayas marked a significant achievement not only for her career but for Latina representation in the entertainment industry. As the first Latina to win in her category, she serves as an inspiration for aspiring Latina actors and emphasizes the importance of representation on screen. Her victory sends a powerful message about the talent and potential of Latinas in the industry and the need for increased diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
Colón-Zayas’s emotional reaction to her win and heartfelt speech reflect her gratitude and appreciation for the recognition she received. Her acknowledgment of the support from her family, colleagues, and the industry as a whole demonstrates the impact of validation and acceptance in an actor’s career. The journey of self-doubt and perseverance that led her to this moment reflects the struggles and challenges faced by many actors in the industry, especially those from underrepresented communities.
As Colón-Zayas celebrates her historic win, she highlights the importance of visibility and voice for Latinas in Hollywood. Her call to action for Latinas to vote for their rights amplifies the significance of representation and empowerment in the industry and beyond. By breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, Colón-Zayas paves the way for future generations of Latina actors to pursue their dreams and strive for recognition and success on a global scale. Her win is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of diversity in shaping the future of entertainment.
