Compiled by Mary Ann Cooper

In this media issue, we take a second look at a 2019 groundbreaking study on diversity in Hollywood, focusing specifically on Hispanic talent and representation. The study, entitled “Latinos in Film: Erasure on Screen & Behind the Camera Across 1,200 Popular Movies,” was published by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), and Wise Entertainment, revealing the depth of exclusion and misrepresentation of Latinos in the entertainment industry.

Arguably, not much has changed since this report sparked concern and frustration among Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

The study found that Latinos only held 4.5% of speaking roles and 3% of lead or co-lead roles across 1,200 popular films in the last decade. When Latinos played leading roles, 28% were criminals, 17% were poor or low income, and 21% were “angry.” The report also demonstrated issues with workforce diversity; just 4% of film directors, 3% of producers, and 3% of casting directors were Latino.

“The lack of Latino representation in the entertainment industry continues. It is clear by this report that Latino representation in Hollywood is not a priority. Hollywood executives must do better when it comes to casting and film crew hiring across the industry to ensure that there is real representation, not only of Latinos, but of all communities of color on their film sets,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), co-chair of the CHC Task Force on Diversity. “We need to encourage the next generation of entertainers and filmmakers that there is a place for them in every position of the industry and that success in Hollywood is not a distant dream.”

At the time of report’s release, the CHC met with Charles Rivkin, president and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), to discuss how Congress can work with studios to improve Latino diversity. Chairman Castro, Senator Menendez, Congressman Cardenas and CHC leadership also sent a letter to the MPAA requesting information on their efforts to increase diversity in the film industry and their overall strategy to increase Hispanic representation in the film and television industry.

“The findings of this study reaffirm our concerns that Latinos are being excluded and misrepresented across Hollywood. Disturbingly, when Latino characters are included, it only serves to reflect simplistic and negative stereotypes about our communities. While we are proud of the few success stories and the occasional diverse film with a Latino cast, it’s clear that the film industry has a long way to go,” said CHC Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20). “Our Congressional Hispanic Caucus is working to promote diversity across industries, from tech to education and entertainment. This study - while disappointing - opens the door to renew our conversations with Hollywood decision-makers, studios and content creators on how we can work together to ensure Latinos are accurately portrayed and included at every level of the film industry. Moving forward, we will continue fighting for diversity and will hold Hollywood accountable to take steps to reflect the breadth of the American people in their workforce.”

“This study, unfortunately, confirms that to this day, Latinos remain disproportionately underrepresented in Hollywood both behind and in front of the camera,” said Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Diversity. “Despite record movie attendance by Latinos, and our growing economic, political and cultural influence across America, our community is still largely missing from today’s hit films.” Menendez also raised concerns that when Latinos appear as stereotypical characters in films, they reinforce false and negative images of Latinos in the public eye.  Menendez concludes, “America’s film industry has incredible influence over our society and culture, and I will not let up the pressure until we see a fair reflection of our Latino community on the big screen.”