Ariana DeBose Is The First Openly Queer Woman of Color To Win Best Supporting Actress At The Oscars...And The Second Anita From 'West Side Story'
Last night, Ariana DeBose became the first queer woman of color to win an Oscar for acting.
After Daniel Kaluuya and H.E.R. presented the actress with her award, DeBose gave a touching speech about belonging.
"Now you see why, that Anita says, 'I want to be in America,' because even in this weary world we live in, dreams really do come true.
"Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus, look into her eyes: You see a queer, openly queer woman of color, an Afro Latina who found her strength in life through art. And that's what I believe we're here to celebrate.
"Yeah, so, to anybody who has ever questioned your identity ever, ever, ever, or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us. Thank you to the Academy and thank you all."
DeBose won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story - but she wasn't the first to do so in this role. She made sure to take the time to thank "the divine inspiration that is Rita Moreno," who won the exact same award for the exact same role in 1962 - and who consulted on the new film.
"You are staring at me right now and I'm so grateful. Your Anita paved the way, the way for tons of Anitas like me. And I love you so much."
DeBose's next role will be in the Sony/Marvel production Kraven The Hunter, as a character named Calypso, rumored to be a love interest.
