Image Source: Entrepreneur
Actress Eva Longoria is taking a stand for people of color, especially Latinos and their representation on-screen.
Eva Longoria is considered as one of the finest actresses in the industry has expressed her desire to ensure that the industry should give people of color, especially Latinos the representation they deserve on-screen and wants to change the gatekeepers.
In a recent interview with Axios, Eva Longoria shared, “Hollywood is “not built to welcome people who don't have experience, and traditionally, people of color, especially Latinos, have not been in a place where they can get that experience.” The actress says this after reports suggest that a lot of Latino-led shows have been canceled after a few seasons despite receiving good reviews and a loyal audience. The latest Latino-lead show to get canceled is Nickelodeon’s ‘The Casagrandes’.
Eva Longoria mentioned that the problem is the lack of diversity among the executives that leads to limited opportunities for Latino or people of color to gain experience and build trust among the higher authorities and audiences to run a show. She adds, "I wish the gatekeepers would give more time to see something grow, but in this moment, content is moving so fast and so they don't have time to let it sit.”
The actress mentions that just creating opportunities would not bring in the desired change but advocating oneself about the constant change in the society and being willing to make a change according to today’s situation is going to help the people of color to get the representation they deserve. According to the 2020 UCLA ‘Hollywood Diversity Report’, there are more than 18% of the population that consists of Latinos but only 5.3% of the hare of broadcast TV roles in the 2018-19 season.
Eva Longoria wishes to see actors who like her on-screen. Image Source: Hollywood Reporter
Eva Longoria who is gearing up for her directorial debut feature, ‘Flamin’ Hot’ shared with Variety in September 2021, “There is an illusion that there is representation because a few key people are doing well. Studios love to throw the word ‘diversity’ around because it’s the trendy thing to do, with programs and fellowships and internships. But if nothing leads to jobs, all they get to do is have a press release and check a box without any real systemic, sustainable change. The numbers don’t lie.”
According to reports, there are just 7% of the major films that feature Latino or Hispanic actors in the lead role and whenever they are shown on-screen they are portrayed under the stereotypical roles that are involved in some criminal activity, poverty, or immigration. In 2019, more than 1/3 of the Hispanic and Latino lead movies depicted them as criminals.
Eva Longoria who is the co-founder of Poderistas, an online community by Latinas for Latinas aiming to harness their power believes that Latino creators could only pave their way into the industry if they are able to tell a unique story that would actually blow people’s minds away and leave them asking for more. She gave an example of a Korean show, ‘Squid Game’, that was able to resonate with the audience as the core message of the show was against Classism. The part of the problem is also the streaming platform the content is put out for the audience and how much money is in the production and marketing of the show.
The actress shared in 2020 "As a Latina, I want to see more actors who look like me onscreen and behind the camera. I started my own production company to create content from our community, and I became a director and producer to be in a position to hire people who look like me." Eva truly believes that her involvement with LA Collab will enable her to open more doors for many more Latin creators and create opportunities for artists of color and create an environment in the industry that elevates and celebrates the diversity and richness of Latin culture.
