By Sandy Cohen, Entertainment Writer
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) --With hit shows like "Empire," ''black-ish" and "How to Get Away With Murder," diversity is the new normal in TV.
That was the message at a pre-Emmy party celebrating the industry's diverse talent on both sides of the camera.
"Diversity no longer means niche," said Jason George, head of diversity efforts for the actors union. "Diversity is mainstream."
The TV academy and the SAG-AFTRA actors union held its third annual pre-Emmy diversity reception Thursday at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. With little on the agenda other than to celebrate, stars including Daniel Dae Kim, Garcelle Beauvais and "American Crime" supporting actor nominee Richard Cabral ate, drank and mingled under the stars on the warm, breezeless night.
In a year when the Academy Awards were criticized for an all-white slate of acting nominees, TV actors are toasting the opportunities on the small screen for women, people of color and people with disabilities.
Diverse casting could even make history on Emmy night: If either Taraji P. Henson of "Empire" or Viola Davis of "How to Get Away With Murder" win for lead dramatic actress, she will be the first black woman to do so in that category.
George said "the 'Empire' effect" and "the Shonda Rhimes effect" have inspired agents and studios to intentionally seek actors "from the diversity categories" for lead roles.
Kim and Beauvais said Hollywood has to embrace diversity because viewers are demanding to see people who look like themselves on TV.
"We've got a long way to go yet, but there are strides made every year, whether it's for race or gender or sexual orientation," Kim said. "I think television, especially, is leading the way in being more progressive."
The Emmy Awards will be presented Sept. 20.
Art Directors Club of Europe sets finalists for ADCE Awards 2024
The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) has announced the finalists for the 33rd ADCE Awards, highlighting top creative talent from 22 countries.
An international jury gathered in Barcelona on October 29 and 30 to evaluate the best work of this year in European design and advertising, ultimately selecting the 2024 finalists entries.
Winners of the Gold Awards, along with Special Awards and the Grand Prix, will be unveiled at the ADCE Awards Gala Ceremony on November 22 during the ADCE Festival, while Silver, Bronze, and Shortlisted entries will be published immediately following the Gala on the ADCE website.
A total of 370 entries across 22 European countries have been selected as finalists. Final distinctions will include Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as special recognitions like the following:
European Star – honoring projects that reflect core European values such as democracy, freedom, justice, and peace.
Genius Loci – celebrating work that captures the spirit of specific places within Europe’s cultural heritage.
Green Star – recognizing projects that advance the circular economy, sustainability, or environmental protection.
Equal Star – rewarding creativity that challenges discrimination and stereotypes, promoting inclusivity.
This year’s ADCE Awards continue to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and values that characterize Europe’s artistic landscape.
The leading countries contributing to this selection include Germany with 108 finalist entries, Spain with 48, Austria with 33, Portugal with 30, Italy with 23, Switzerland with 21 and the U.K. with 20.
The finalists for the ADCE Awards 2024 can be accessed