Women showed-up and spoke-out for fellow women during the 76th Emmy Awards.
Taking place at the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, the three-hour event Sunday night garnering 4.3 million views not only featured several historic firsts for women showcasing their talents on the Hollywood screen, but it also gave them the space to empower other women during their speeches.
Liza Colón-Zayas became the first Latina to win an Emmy for outstanding actress in a comedy series for her work on “The Bear,” which centers around an elite chef who returns to Chicago to run his dead brother’s disorderly sandwich shop. Colón-Zayas is among the only 8.9% of Latino actors that are cast for roles — a fact that adds even more significance to her moment.
“To all the Latinas who [are] looking at me — keep believing and vote,” Colón-Zayas, 51, said, referencing the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 5. “Vote for your rights.”
“Murphy Brown” star Candice Bergen also referenced politics in her comedic speech, sending a jab at J.D. Vance’s “childless cat lady” comments.
Bergen famously angered Vice President Dan Quayle in 1992 when her character, Murphy Brown, raised a child as a single mom. “Today, a Republican candidate for vice president would never attack a woman for having kids,” Bergen, 78, said. “So, my work here is done.”
“Meow,” she added.
Besides Liza Colón-Zayas, “Shōgun” actor Anna Sawai also made history as the first Asian woman to win an award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series. Speaking roles among Asians have risen from 3% in 2007 to 16% in 2022. While onstage, Sawai thanked an important woman in her life — her mom — and dedicated the award to women everywhere.
“This is to all women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone,” Sawai said.
The historic wins prove even more meaningful as gaps in female representation in Hollywood still exist. Women only made up about 22% of all producers, writers, directors and other major behind-the-scenes occupations in top grossing movies during 2023, one report found. And while men’s representation in acting surpasses women only by 7.4%, women of color are still underrepresented. The University of California, Los Angeles, reported that there were no Native American lead actors in the top theatrical films during 2023.
But the Emmys show that Hollywood may be moving in a different direction – particularly when it comes to male allies. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai’s red handprint plastered on his face sent a message on behalf of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement: “I see you.”
Last but not least, Elizabeth Debicki’s award win for playing one of the most notable women of all time, Princess Diana, was also a profound moment.
“Playing this part based on this unparalleled, incredible, human being has been my great privilege,” the Australian actor said while accepting her award. “It has been a gift.”
