Multilingual Moments Shine at the 76th Emmy Awards

The 76th Emmy Awards ceremony was a celebration of diversity, with several presenters and winners showcasing the global reach of television by delivering their remarks in various languages. From Spanish to Japanese, the event highlighted the industry's embrace of multilingualism and the power of storytelling that transcends borders.

Embracing the World's Tongues at the Emmys

Diverse Voices Take the Stage

The 76th Emmy Awards ceremony was a testament to the growing diversity and global influence of the television industry. Throughout the event, presenters and winners took the opportunity to address the audience in a variety of languages, showcasing the medium's ability to connect people across cultures and continents.One such moment came when actor John Leguizamo energized the crowd with a spirited "Wepa!" – a Spanish exclamation of excitement. Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, meanwhile, introduced the limited-series directing category in their native Spanish. These linguistic flourishes not only added a touch of international flair to the proceedings but also highlighted the industry's embrace of multilingualism.

Translating Triumph and Gratitude

The multilingual theme continued as the evening progressed. When Jodie Foster accepted an award, she thanked the crew of "True Detective: Night Country" in Icelandic, saying "takk fyrir!" – or "thank you so much" in the Nordic language. Similarly, Justin Marks, the creator and executive producer of the FX series "Shōgun," which dominated the Emmys with 18 wins, exclaimed "arigato gozaimasu!" – Japanese for "thank you very much" – as he took the stage.Marks' series, which features a predominantly Japanese cast and over 70% of its dialogue in the language, exemplifies the industry's growing commitment to global storytelling. In his acceptance speech, Marks acknowledged the support of his partners at Disney Television, Hulu, and FX, who "greenlit a very expensive, subtitled Japanese period piece whose central climax revolved around a poetry competition."

Passing the Mic to Global Talent

The international flavor of the Emmys was further highlighted when Marks invited his co-star, Hiroyuki Sanada, to address the audience in Japanese. Sanada, who was named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Lord Toranaga in "Shōgun," expressed his gratitude to the crew, directors, and masters who had paved the way for samurai period dramas.Marks dutifully translated Sanada's remarks, conveying the actor's message of appreciation for the "passion and dreams" that had "crossed oceans and borders." This moment not only celebrated Sanada's achievement but also underscored the collaborative nature of the industry, where talent from around the world comes together to create captivating stories.

Trauma, Transformation, and Triumph

The Emmys also shone a spotlight on the power of storytelling to process and transform personal experiences. Richard Gadd, the creator and star of the Netflix series "Baby Reindeer," won several awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series, for his work that drew from his own experiences with sexual assault and stalking.Gadd's journey from a one-man play to a critically acclaimed streaming series exemplifies the medium's ability to translate personal narratives into universal tales of resilience and healing. His co-star, Jessica Gunning, was also recognized for her supporting role, further cementing the series' impact.The 76th Emmy Awards ceremony was a testament to the television industry's growing embrace of diversity, multilingualism, and the transformative power of storytelling. From the exuberant "Wepa!" to the heartfelt "arigato gozaimasu," the event showcased the global reach and cultural richness of the medium, inspiring audiences around the world.