Sofia Vergara is a Primetime Emmy Awards staple, thanks to her work on multiple Emmy-winning show, ABC's "Modern Family."
However, with four nominations to her name, the 42-year-old actress was asked to present at this year's ceremony, only to have her body, and not her body of work, used as a prop.
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences President Bruce Rosenblum, who presented alongside Vergara, asked her to step aboard a rotating platform and pose, silently, while he finished reciting his prepared remarks. Though the "Machete Kills" star seemed game for the task at hand, online critics and notable personalities were quick to call out the Emmys for condoning what they considered to be a "sexist" act.
Canadian musicians Tegan and Sara were among the first to take notice of the academy's stunt, and publicize their distaste on Twitter.
Journalists including Katie Couric, The Atlantic's Matt Ford, and Buzzfeed's entertainment account were also quick to weigh in and call out the Emmys for the joke.
A spokesperson for the Emmys has yet to comment on the event. Julianna Margulies, likely unintentionally, referenced the wealth of roles for women in television in her acceptance speech for Best Actress in a Drama Series for "The Good Wife," which has since been paired with a revolving gif of Vergara on the pedestal.
But, backlash aside, it's Vergara who got the last laugh.
"Modern Family" took home the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy for the fifth straight year.
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However, with four nominations to her name, the 42-year-old actress was asked to present at this year's ceremony, only to have her body, and not her body of work, used as a prop.
UPDATE: Vergara has fired back at critics who called the segment sexist. "I think it's absolutely the opposite. It means that somebody can be hot and also be funny and make fun of herself," she told Entertainment Weekly.
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences President Bruce Rosenblum, who presented alongside Vergara, asked her to step aboard a rotating platform and pose, silently, while he finished reciting his prepared remarks. Though the "Machete Kills" star seemed game for the task at hand, online critics and notable personalities were quick to call out the Emmys for condoning what they considered to be a "sexist" act.
Canadian musicians Tegan and Sara were among the first to take notice of the academy's stunt, and publicize their distaste on Twitter.
What is happening. Is this to highlight the sexism of the universe? @TheEmmys
— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) August 26, 2014Journalists including Katie Couric, The Atlantic's Matt Ford, and Buzzfeed's entertainment account were also quick to weigh in and call out the Emmys for the joke.
I love @SofiaVergara but did anyone find that schtick somewhat offensive?
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) August 26, 2014Did anyone else just watch Glenn Greenwald objectify Sofia Vergara on national television, or is there a gas leak here?
— Matt Ford (@fordm) August 26, 2014Sofia Vergara is an accomplished actor. The #Emmys would like you to LOOK AT HER BUTT.
— BuzzFeedEntmnt (@BuzzFeedEnt) August 26, 2014A spokesperson for the Emmys has yet to comment on the event. Julianna Margulies, likely unintentionally, referenced the wealth of roles for women in television in her acceptance speech for Best Actress in a Drama Series for "The Good Wife," which has since been paired with a revolving gif of Vergara on the pedestal.
“What a wonderful time for women on television.” — Julianna Margulies #Emmys #Emmys2014 http://t.co/lTYfyxlyl0
— Jeevan Brar (@JeevanBrar) August 26, 2014But, backlash aside, it's Vergara who got the last laugh.
"Modern Family" took home the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy for the fifth straight year.
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