In a historic move, Cris Abrego, former co-founder and chief executive of Endemol Shine-owned studio 51 Minds Entertainment and current Chairman of the Americas, Banijay, has signed on to another high profile position as the Chairman of the Television Academy.  Abrego, a trailblazer in the television industry, brings a wealth of experience and a groundbreaking vision to his latest role. 

As one of the highest-ranking Latinos in television, Abrego has made inclusion a top priority for his team and within the entertainment industry. Under his leadership, Endemol Shine North America launched the global company’s first all-encompassing Diversity and Inclusion resource group in 2019. As a producer and executive, he spearheaded the development of groundbreaking reality shows The Surreal Life and Flavor of Love, which not only captured audiences but also became cultural phenomena.

Abrego’s innovative approach to storytelling and his commitment to diversity and inclusion set him apart in an industry that has recently undergone significant transformations due to a pandemic and the recent strikes by the entertainment guilds and unions.. 

Born and raised in the predominantly Latino neighborhood of El Monte, California, Abrejo began his career working on reality shows for television right after high school at Bunim-Murray.  Some of those shows included The Real World and Road Rules television shows freelancing as a coordinating producer for Fear and Making the Band. 

He rose quickly through the ranks and soon became known for his keen eye for compelling content and an innate understanding of the evolving television landscape, he co-founded 51 Minds Entertainment, a production company that played a pivotal role in reshaping reality television.

Renowned as a creative entrepreneur, entertainment executive, award-winning producer and philanthropist, Abrego is the CEO of the recently launched Hyphenate Media Group, a media holding company and premium-content studio he co-founded with his longtime collaborator, Eva Longoria. He has served on the Academy’s executive committee and as chairman of the Television Academy Foundation since 2021.

As the first Latino chairman in the Television Academy’s history, Abrego brings a fresh perspective and an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity. His extensive experience in producing diverse content aligns seamlessly with the Academy’s mission to recognize and celebrate the richness of television storytelling.

“I am honored to step into this role and feel the significant weight of responsibility in leading the Television Academy into the future, especially in this transformative moment in our business,” said Abrego. “Our members represent one of the most powerful and exciting industries in the world — our content drives local and global economies and has a formative impact on our culture. As the entertainment ecosystem continues to undergo seismic shifts, I look forward to linking arms with our new officers and governors to lead our Academy and support our membership as we forge the path ahead together.” 

 Abrego’s future as the head of a major entertainment organization, like the Television Academy, we hope comes with a promises to shape a landscape that is reflective of the diverse stories and voices that make up our global community. Abrego’s leadership can usher in a new era for the Television Academy, emphasizing the importance of representation, equity, and innovation. His unique vantage point, shaped by years of industry experience and a dedication to pushing boundaries, positions him as a catalyst for positive change within the organization.

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CLICK HERE For a Full List of Latinos Eligible for An Emmy Nomination

By Justina Bonilla & Bel Hernandez

As the Television Academy Primetime Emmy Awards begin the journey to the awards ceremony and the selection of the 2020 Emmy winners on September 20, 2020 at 5 PM PST on ABC, we point out that this year there is a record number of Latinos (over 150) who are being considered for a nomination. 

The official announcement of the 2020 Primetime Emmy nominees will be streamed on emmys.com on Tuesday, July 28th beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT.

The list of Latinos eligible for Primetime Emmy nominee consideration was definitely in the upswing this year.  It might be an indication that finally the Latino themed shows and/or Latinos/as in lead roles on networks and streaming platforms shows, are being written with enough of a storyline that truly offers the actor the ability to show their skills and  be noticed.  To their credit, the networks/streaming platforms are finally showing their support by submitted Latinos/a talent for consideration.

However, none of this happens without the scripts that provides the vehicle for the actor to shine. Shows created by Gloria Calderon-Kellett (One Day At a Time), Tanya Saracho, (Vida), Linda Ivette Chavez (Gentefied) and Marvin Lemus (Gentefied) are the major reason of why so many Latino/as are in consideration this year.

Whether it be in an all Latino themed show or with Latino/a series regular, there is an uptick in participation in the 2019-2020 television season.  With over 150+ Latinos appearing in front of the camera, starring as the “topliners”. 

“Topliners”, is defined in the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping the perception of Latinos as part of the American social mainstream, in their 2019 study Above The Line Latinos In Media as; a) the actor or actress in the protagonist role, b) a show’s host or judge; or c) a co-lead in an ensemble cast., as exemplified in the TV series Mr. Iglesias (Netflix) and One Day at a Time (Pop). 

While there is an increase of Latinos in topliner shows, such Nexflix’s On My Block , One Day at a TIme and Gentefied, and Latinos in lead roles in various series, such as Brooklyn Nine Nine, What We Do in the Shadows, overall Latino representation is still minimal. It does not look any better, as this year has also seen the recent cancellations of Latino themed TV shows, including ABC’s The Baker and the Beauty, Starz’s Vida, Freeform’s Party of 5, and Hulu’s Broke. The surprising killing off of actor Nicholas Gonzalez’s character of Dr. Melendrez on The Good Doctor was a major step backwards for ABC since Gonzalez’s was beloved by fans but more importantly showed Latinos a very positive role.

The cancellation of not one, but three Latino themed show continues to send a message, that diversity, to the Hollywood powers that be, does not include U.S. Latinos.

According to the LDC study, the majority of Latino topliners on the small screen are most visible on broadcast network shows at 11.1%, followed by OTT (streaming platforms) at 8.8%, then premium cable shows at 6.8%, and finally, the lowest visibility being 5.6% on cable shows. 

In acknowledgement of the small advancement of Latino/a representation on broadcast, streaming platforms and cable, Latin Heat is releasing its own prediction list of who we would like to see get that Primetime Emmy nomination.  Our choices are based on IMDB ratings as of the writing of this article, and audience reaction to the show.  We have made two selections under for each category, a “Top Bet” and a “Long Shot”.

In acknowledgement of the small advancement of Latino/a representation on broadcast, streaming platforms and cable, Latin Heat is releasing its own prediction list of who we would like to see get that Primetime Emmy nomination.  Our choices are based on critical acclaim, audience response, and IMDB ratings as of the writing of this article.

Latin Heat selected two persons for each category with the following rating: “Top Pick”; “Sure Bet” and the ones we would like to see get a nomination but are probably a “Long Shot”.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:

Top Pick:  Gabriel Iglesias – Mr. Iglesias, Netflix

Long Shot: Arturo Castro – Alterlatino with Arturo Castro, Comedy Central

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:

Top Pick: America Ferrera – Superstore, NBC

Top Pick: Justina Machado – One Day at a Time, Netflix and Pop TV

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:

Top Pick: Fred Armisen – Los Espookys, HBO

Sure Bet: Jason Genoa – On My Block, Netflix

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:

Top Pick: Rita Moreno – One Day At a Time, POP TV

Top Pick: Stephanie Beatriz– Brooklyn Nine, NBC

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series:

Sure Bet: Diego Luna – Narcos: Mexico, Netflix

Long Shot: Carlos Miranda – Vida, Starz

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:

Top Pick: Alice Braga – Queen of the South, Netflix

Top Pick: MJ Rodriguez – Pose, Netflix

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:

Top Pick: Nicholas Gonzalez – The Good Doctor, ABC

Top Pick: JD Pardo – Mayans MC, Hulu

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:

Top Pick: Melissa Barrera – Vida, Starz

Sure Bet: Danay Garcia – Fear of the walking Dead, Hulu

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie:

Long Shot: Rosario Dawson – Briarpatch, Hulu

Long Shot: Dani Montalvo, I Was Lorena Bobbit, Lifetime

Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance:

Top Pick: Anthony Mendez – Jane The Virgin, CW

Long Shot: Lin Manuel Miranda – My Favorite Shapes by Julio Torres, HBO  

Outstanding Variety Talk Series:

Top Pick: The Real, (with Adrienne Bailon) Syndicated

Sure Bet: Jimmy Kimmel (with Guillermo Rodriguez) – Jimmy Kimmel Live!, ABC

Good luck to all! CLICK HERE for the complete list of Latino/a who up for consideration for a Primetime Emmy nomination (Listed by Show Title).

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