Anya Taylor-Joy, a 27-year-old highly acclaimed actress, has made a name for herself with remarkable performances in films like The Menu and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. However, it was her role as Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit that catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her a well-deserved Golden Globe.
But it wasn’t just her win that got people talking. Variety’s description of Taylor-Joy as a “woman of color” ignited a heated online debate. The article stated, “Argentinian Taylor-Joy is the first woman of color to win this category since Queen Latifah in 2008.” Many were puzzled by this label, and writer Valerie Complex expressed her confusion and disbelief on Twitter.
The internet quickly chimed in, with users pointing out that while Taylor-Joy is of Argentine descent, she may not fit the traditional perception of a woman of color. One user noted, “Anya Taylor-Joy is very beautiful and very cool, but she is not a woman of color.” Another user highlighted that being Latin American refers to a geographical or cultural area, not an ethnicity.
Their reactions highlighted the complexities of racial and ethnic identity, particularly in our diverse and multicultural society.
Born in Miami, Florida, Taylor-Joy is the daughter of a Scottish-Argentine father and a mother with English and Spanish heritage. Growing up in Argentina before moving to the UK, she has a rich and diverse cultural background. In an interview with Vulture, Taylor-Joy acknowledged the challenges of being categorized based on appearance and heritage. She stated, “I don’t look like a typical Latin person, and that’s not fair.”
Variety has since updated their article to provide a more accurate reflection of Taylor-Joy’s ancestry. The actress herself has spoken out about the need for proper representation in Hollywood. She expressed her concern about taking roles away from Latina actresses, stating, “I don’t want to be someone that you can just sub in for that role when I’m really white and blonde.” Her statement underscores her awareness of the complexity of racial identity and the importance of accurate representation in the entertainment industry.
Anya Taylor-Joy’s talent and success continue to shine, making her a rising star to watch in the film industry.
