Selena Gomez, Sofia Vergara, & Nava Mau Make History with Emmy Noms

The lack of Latinx representation in Hollywood persists so when our community gets recognized by awards shows, it feels like that much more of a win. The Latinx community is the only ethnic group to be severely underrepresented across TV broadcast, cable, and streaming. But we’re also slowly starting to see our contributions honored in Hollywood recognized in award shows like the Emmys. With the 2024 Emmy nominations being released this week, several Latinas have made history with their nominations. Mexican American actress Selena Gomez (for Only Murders in the Building), Colombian actress Sofia Vergara (for Griselda), Mexican actress Nava Mau (for Baby Reindeer) made history with their nominations. Gomez is now the most Emmy-nominated Latina producer in the history of the awards and this is also the first time she’s received an Emmy for acting. And not only is this Vergara’s fifth Emmy Award nomination, but the Barranquilla-born actress is also the first Latina born in Latin America nominated for the Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category. Mau’s nomination makes her the first trans woman and first trans Latina to be nominated in her award category.

Gomez earned two, a nomination for Best Comedy Series to recognize her work as an executive producer on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and another for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Mabel in the same series. The series broke the show record with 21 nominations and Gomez, who is one of seven executive producers on the series, is now the most-nominated Latina producer in the category’s history. Vergara earned the nomination for her role as Griselda Blanco in the Netflix original Griselda. Anya Taylor-Joy, who has Argentinean ancestry, was the first Latina to be nominated (and win) in the same category back in 2021 for The Queen’s Gambit. Meanwhile, Nava Mau, who stars in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer was nominated for best supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie.

“Griselda was my first dramatic role ever, and it took us 15 years to bring her to life. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who was a part of this series,” Vergara said in an Instagram post announcing the news. “I never dreamed that after ‘Modern Family’ I would be able to be a part of something as special as ‘Griselda.’ I’m honored to be recognized alongside Jodi, Brie, Juno, and Naomi, incredible women who gave us incredible TV this year. Thank you to the television academy for this incredible honor! ❤️”.

“For trans actors we just don’t get a lot of opportunities to develop our craft, grow as artists, and to be recognized for all that we are and all that we can be,” Mau told Deadline. “It has been a priceless experience being a part of this show. Every step of the way, I could feel the way the experience was transforming me, my life, and what feels possible. To be recognized by my peers in the Academy is a celebration of that transformation.”

Additionally, Afro-Latina actress Liza Colón-Zayas was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in FX’s The Bear, marking the first time she’s received the honor. Latinas behind the camera are being recognized too. Mexican writer, director, and producer Issa López was nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series for her work on the fourth season of True Detective: Night Country, which has notably become one of the most critically acclaimed seasons of the show. We love seeing Latinas succeed in every aspect of TV production and are excited to see them be honored and celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to television history.

“19 Emmy Noms…My heart is singing. So many of my best friends got a nod. We made it out of love– and to see that love coming back feels great,” López posted on Instagram.

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 16 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT and will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.