Ariana DeBose wins the award for best supporting actress in the 94th edition of the Oscars. She, the actress, earned her acclaimed award for her brilliant portrayal of “Anita” in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story”. A victory that marks history
In an important fusion of past and present, the Academy awarded an Oscar to the actress who played Anita in West Side Story, 60 years later. Ariana DeBose won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Steven Spielberg’s remake of the classic musical, after Rita Moreno took home the exact same award, for the same role in the 1962 version of the same film.
This is a historic win, as it marks the first time an openly queer black woman has taken home an Oscar. During her emotional acceptance speech, Ariana DeBose emphasized the meaning of the moment and what it means for on-screen representation.
To win Ariana DeBose had to beat an incredible lineup of big names, including Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter), Judi Dench (Belfast), Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog) and Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard). Despite the undeniably fierce level of competition, DeBose was an unshakable favorite for victory. Most recently, the acclaimed actress took home awards as a Supporting Actress at this year’s BAFTA Awards, Critics Choice Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.Ariana DeBose’s words during the award ceremony
“Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus. Look into her eyes, you see an openly queer Latin black woman who found her life and strength in art, ”she said. “This is what I believe we are here to celebrate. So, to anyone who has ever questioned their identity, I promise you this: There really is a place for us ”.
DeBose continued: “Now you understand why Anita says ‘I want to stay in America,’” DeBose said. “Because even in this tired world we live in, dreams do come true”, which was greeted with loud applause from the excited crowd.
In the same speech, DeBose paid tribute to Rita Moreno, who was also in the audience, and thanked her for paving the way for Latinos in Hollywood.
“You are looking at me right now and I am very grateful to you. Your Anita paved the way for thousands of Anitas like me. And I love you so much, ”DeBose said. A tribute to a great actress: Rita Moreno
Rita Moreno, who historically became the first Latina to win an Oscar, spent a lot of time getting to know Ariana DeBose while filming West Side Story. Not only did Moreno and she executive produce the project, but she had a small role in Spielberg’s film as a shopkeeper named Valentina. As for the legacy of playing Anita, Moreno says he didn’t knowingly talk to DeBose.
“I knew what a delicate position Ariana was in,” Moreno told the New York Times. “I wanted her to be absolutely sure that I didn’t impose anything on her. So, as a good hostess, I decided to keep some of those thoughts to myself. She knew the enormity of it “.
Stella Grillo
