D'Pharaoun Un-e-Tai about his reaction to being confronted with the handprints on Amid's hands and why he “felt an obligation” to make a statement.

It's a striking image that caught people's attention as they scrolled through photos and videos from the Emmys red carpet on Sunday — D'Pharaoh Un-A-Tai, one of the stars of FX's comedy series Reservation dogHe had a red handprint painted on his face, which stood out against his chic all-black tuxedo ensemble.

In a city accustomed to provocative clothing and makeup, the bloody sign had a deep — and heartbreaking — meaning. A red hand over the face has become a symbol of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's Movement, which is raising awareness of the high rate of Indigenous women across the United States and Canada, many of whom are killed or abducted each year.

22-year-old Wun-A-Tai, a Canadian of Oji-Cree First Nations descent, told Deadline that he came up with the idea for the bold statement shortly after receiving an Outstanding Lead Actor as the first Indigenous performer. Emmy nomination for her role in a comedy series Reservation dog.

“This epidemic has been ignored for too long and has destroyed the lives of countless indigenous people,” he said. “I've been waiting for the right moment to make this statement, and when I received an Emmy nomination, I felt compelled to use the opportunity to spark these conversations.”

She hired makeup artist Martha Phelan to create the handprints. She is one of the countless indigenous people whose lives have been affected by the crisis, her sister a victim.

Un-A-Tae kept the face paint on throughout the Emmys, garnering national attention during the telecast, as well as several intimate scenes at the Disney afterparty. (A lead actor Emmy in a comedy series went to star of another FX series, the bear(by Jeremy Allen White.)

The meaning of his statement was lost on many of the Emmy attendees he encountered, but the actor hopes it will prompt some to learn about the issue.

“Most people were confused backstage and at the show and didn't fully understand the significance,” said Un-e-Tai. “I hope it inspires more conversation and curiosity within my industry about this and encourages those who are fighting for unheard voices.”