Ariana DeBose has made history as the first openly queer woman of colour to win an Academy Award for acting.
On 27 March, the 31-year old took home the Best Supporting Actress Award for her portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.
Upon receiving her award, the Hamilton star took to the stage and gave a heartwarming and inspiring speech.
“Now you see why Anita says ‘I want to be in America’ because even in this weary world that we live in, dreams do come true, and that’s really a heartening thing right now,” she said in between tears.
She then thanked the “divine inspiration” Rita Moreno, who originally portrayed Anita in the 1962 film.
“I’m so grateful your Anita paved the way for tons of Anitas like me, and I love you so much,” she exclaimed.
In 1962, Moreno made history as the first Latina woman to take home an Academy Award.
Towards the end of her speech, DeBose offered inspiring words for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.
“Lastly, imagine this little girl in the backseat of a white Ford Focus, look into her eyes and you see an openly queer woman of colour, and Afro-Latina who found her strength in life through art,” she said.
“So to anybody who has ever questioned your identity ever or you find yourself living in gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us.”
The monumental achievement also marked the first time an Afro-Latina actress has won the coveted acting accolade.
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The Shmigadoon! star and Moreno have also joined the small group of actors to win an Academy Award for the same role.
DeBose’s Oscar moment comes a few weeks after she took home both the Screen Actors Guild Award and BAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress.
Since its debut on 10 December, West Side Story has received critical acclaim for its updated portrayal of the classic story.
But while critics enjoyed the intricate cinematography and musical numbers, many gravitated to DeBose and her passionate performance.
However, in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, DeBose revealed that she was unsure if she had landed the part.
“I was like, I have no idea what is happening anymore. I’m just going to get on the ride,” she said.
She also praised Speilberg for the amount of freedom she was given to make the character her own.
“I was like, okay, so I’m just going to go in be prepared for him to tell me exactly what he wants me to do and how he wants me to do it,” she explained.
“He blew my mind because he was just like, ‘Well, what do you want to do?’ and he let me run wild… He was like ‘I hired you because you are my Anita, I trust you with her.’ I think it’s the greatest gift that he gave me was to empower and trust myself.”
Watch her full acceptance speech below.
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