Liza Colón-Zayas, known for her role as Tina in The Bear, has made history by becoming the first Latina to win the Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy. Her win marks a significant milestone, not only for her career but also for Latina representation in television.
“This is epic,” Colón-Zayas shared in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*. “To be among women I love and admire, like Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett, is an honor, and this win is not just for me, but for women and people who look like me.”
A Historic Moment at the Emmys
At the 2024 Emmy Awards, Liza Colón-Zayas was honored for her exceptional performance as Tina in The Bear, an FX comedy series that has become a fan favorite. During her acceptance speech, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to her husband, David Zayas, stating, “Thank you to my husband David Zayas. He told me to write a speech, but I didn’t because I didn’t think it would be possible.”
Colón-Zayas was visibly moved as she stood alongside the stars of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Kaitlin Olson, and Rob McElhenney, who presented her with the award. Reflecting on her win, she humbly acknowledged the other talented nominees. “How, how could I have thought it possible to be in the presence of Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Hannah Einbinder. I love you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Empowering Latinas Everywhere
In her moving speech, Colón-Zayas took the opportunity to speak directly to her community. “And to all the Latinas looking at me, keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights,” she encouraged. This powerful statement highlighted the significance of representation and the importance of using one’s platform to inspire positive change.
This historic achievement celebrates her talent and sends a message of empowerment to Latinas around the world. Her words resonated with the audience, adding a deeper meaning to her Emmy win.
The Bear’s Triumph
The Bear dominated the Emmys, with three acting wins in the first hour. Ebon Moss-Bachrach took home Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy, while Jeremy Allen White secured his second consecutive win for Best Actor. The show’s creator, Christopher Storer, later won the Best Directing a Comedy award, setting a record for the series with 11 wins in a single season, surpassing its previous tally of 10.
“Thank you for giving me a new life with this show,” Colón-Zayas said as she concluded her acceptance speech. Her heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew of The Bear emphasized the collective effort that made the show a success.
A New Chapter for Representation
Colón-Zayas’s win is a significant step forward for diversity in Hollywood. As she takes home her first Emmy, her accomplishment symbolizes hope and opportunity for underrepresented groups in the industry. “I’ve done something,” she reflected. Indeed, her victory has done more than elevate her career; it has opened doors for many others.
Liza Colón-Zayas has proven that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and self-belief. Her message to keep believing will inspire future generations.
