In a fiery 15 minute diatribe that covered everything from cultural apartheid, American history to familiar strife, iconic actor John Leguizamo delivered the best speech of the evening at the Critics Choice Celebración of Cinema & Television.
Leguizamo, an Emmy Award winner, Special Tony Award recipient, and four-time Tony Award nominee known for movies that include “Carlito’s Way” and Spike Lee‘s “Summer of Sam” was honored with a Career Achievement Award.
“I had to do everything to infiltrate,” shared the actor who has appeared in over 100 films and seamlessly moves between blockbusters, independent dramas, and voice acting. “Animation, plays, television, indies, bad guys because we have to work twice as hard to get half as far and have to have five jobs to make what the next guy makes at one.”
An outspoken voice for cultural equity in Hollywood, Leguizamo talked about the lack of Latino representation on screen and his experiences in the industry citing his rejections and resilience.
“In the ’80s, I was the only Latino guy in the room, which was efficient because I was also the diversity initiative. That’s why these events matter.”
He also cited the significance of the award. “This award is not about followers. No app manufactures it. No trend replicates it. And rejection is real in this biz, and it’s 10 times more for us. You will hear no a thousand times more than you’ll hear yes.”
From his performance in Baz Luhrmann’s ”Romeo + Juliet” to his work in the ”Ice Age” animated franchise and most recently “The Odyssey,” directed by Christopher Nolan, Leguizamo’s career spans dramas, blockbuster franchises, comedy and theater.
“I am still here and I am still going strong! Black don’t crack and Brown don’t break down,” shared the actor who said his grandmother was the only one who ever told him he had talent. “She said it once and that was in 1977 and never again and I have been chasing that high ever since.”
Other honorees at the 6th annual event which celebrates standout performances and work, both onscreen and offscreen, from the Latino and Hispanic entertainment community were Judy Reyes, James Ortiz, Inde Navarrette, Oscar Nuñez, Laysla De Oliveira and Aimee Carrero who was presented her award by Oscar winning actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
Founded in 1995, the Critics Choice Association (CCA) is one of the largest critics organizations in the world, representing more than 500 media critics and entertainment journalists. It is known for presenting the annual Critics Choice Awards, honoring the finest in cinematic and television achievement for over three decades.
Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. Photos by Getty Images for Critics Choice
