'The Bear' Star Liza Colón-Zayas Encourages Latinas to "Keep Believing and Vote" As She Wins First Emmy

The Bear actress Liza Colón-Zayas gave an important call to action while making history at the 2024 Emmys.

The Puerto Rican actress was surprised when she won this year's award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, becoming the first-ever Latina actress to win the category for her fan-favorite role as Tina in The Bear season 2. Wearing a sparkling emerald-green gown, Colón-Zayas began her speech by giving a shout-out to her husband David Zayas, who also played her on-screen spouse in The Bear season 3.

"Thank you to my husband, David Zayas. He told me to write a speech and I didn't because I didn't think it would be possible," the star said, before honoring the other actresses nominated in the category. "How could I have thought it would be possible to be in the presence of Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett and Janelle [James] and Sheryl Lee Ralph and Hannah [Einbinder]. I love you all."

The actress, who plays chef Tina Marrero on the FX on Hulu comedy, then thanked and honored the women in her life and The Bear's cast and crew. "I revere you to the bottom of my heart, and other women, and my mommy. My family, my grandkids, thank you. And thank you to my beautiful cast. Chris Storer, Joanna [Calo], thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me a new life with this show."

She concluded her speech with a message to all her fellow Latina women looking up to her. "And to all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights."

The moment brought the room to a healthy round of applause, including heartwarming cheers from her fellow trailblazing actress, Sofía Vergara.

Colón-Zayas joins Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach in taking home awards for The Bear's second season. The FX comedy received 23 nominations this year, surpassing 30 Rock's record for the most-nominated comedy series in Emmys history.