Ariana DeBose Makes New Oscars’ History With Best Supporting Actress Win
Ariana DeBose made history at the 94th annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 27. The actress took home Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.
Congratulations are in order for Ariana DeBose. After sweeping this awards season, winning big at the BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards, SAG, and Golden Globes, she won her first Oscar for the same role Rita Moreno won exactly 60 years ago in 1962. DeBose beat out Jessie Buckley (The Lost Daughter), Judi Dench (Belfast), Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog), and Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard).
ariana debose swept the awards this season!!!! it’s everything she deserved!!! showstopper!!!!! pic.twitter.com/u9rd5OxR0c
— trin (@lovelltrin) March 28, 2022
DeBose addressed her predecessor, Moreno, in the crowd during her acceptance speech, stating, “You’re staring at me right now, and I’m so grateful. Your Anita paved the way for tons of Anitas like me. I love you so much.”
rita moreno and ariana debose. two academy award winners for anita in west side story. both their first nominations and wins. 60 years a part #Oscars pic.twitter.com/7If7BltCag
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) March 28, 2022
The West Side Story actress accepted her award, paying homage to her hit song in the film, “America,” opting for a fiery red crop top with matching tuxedo pants. The look also included a dramatic floor-length cape, courtesy of Valentino. She topped off the fashion statement with red platform heels and diamonds.
Her stylist, Zadrian Smith, revealed the bold fashion choice is, “A message from Ariana to all little girls who look like her, an idea of, ‘This is how I took this part and made it mine, you don’t need to conform to anything that anyone says you need to be.’”
Ariana’s win is historic for another reason. She became the second Latina to win for playing the role of Anita and the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award.
DeBose shared a memory with the audience, stating, “Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus. Look into her eyes, you see an openly queer woman of color and Latina who found her life and strength in art. That’s what I believe we are here to celebrate. 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.”
“There’s a place for us.” — “Somewhere” from West Side Story, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim // The closing line of queer, Afro-Latina actress @ArianaDeBose’s #Oscars acceptance speech just now.
— AC Dumlao | #ProtectTransKids (@mxacdumlao) March 28, 2022
Yes, I have been weeping.
Congratulations to Ariana DeBose on a well-deserved Academy Award. We cannot wait to see her continue to shine in upcoming films. West Side Story is available to stream on HBO Max.
Writer | Tweet me @court__giles
