Actress Ariana DeBose became a first-time Oscar-award winner for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in West Side Story.
According to People Magazine, the 31-year-old took the stage at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on Sunday, addressing the crowd while grasping her first Oscar. Debose said, “dreams come true,” during her acceptance speech. The actress gained recognition for her role as Anita, the exact role costar Rita Moreno won more than 60 years ago in the original film. She credited Moreno for being a “divine inspiration” and said she’s “grateful” her portrayal of Anita has “paved the way for tons of Anitas like me.”
She added in her speech: “Lastly, imagine this little girl in the backseat of a white Ford Focus. Look into her eyes, you see a queer — openly queer — woman of color, Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art, and that’s what I believe we are here to celebrate.”
“So to anybody who has ever questioned their identity ever or find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us,” she said, referencing an iconic Stephen Sondheim lyric from West Side Story. “Thank you to the Academy.”
DeBose made history as the first Afro-Latina (half-Puerto Rican) and openly queer Black woman to receive an Oscar in any acting category.
The outlet interviewed DeBose for their Oscars Portfolio, and the 31-year-old shared how much her “entire family” was impressed with her work.
“Every time I book a bigger project or something that is shocking even to me, my family’s very much like, ‘Oh wow, you’re … yes, that’s — congratulations! You’re gonna do that!’ ” she said. “Which makes me giggle, ’cause I’m like, ‘Yeah, I guess I am.’ “
She went on to say how excited she was to reach a point in her career where others have listened to what she had to say.
“And that doesn’t come for everyone, and I’m very aware of that,” she added. “So I’m focused on how I can be a conducive part of whatever conversation — there are many conversations that need to happen in our industry and in the world.”
