“When you recognise one of us, you recognise all of us”
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY JOHN RUSSO
It’s been quite the year for West Side Story star Ariana DeBose. Earlier this year, she and Kristen Stewart made history in a milestone moment when for the first year ever, two openly LGBTQI actors were nominated for an Oscar within the acting categories. Last Sunday, Ariana went on to break more barriers at the 28th Annual SAG Awards where she took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story. Her win also marks the first time an Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of colour has done so.
#WestSideStory star Ariana DeBose has become the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to win a SAG Award https://t.co/djqs5WjDlw pic.twitter.com/nvCc4ag7EE
— Variety (@Variety) February 28, 2022
Her heartfelt acceptance speech shows how much this win has meant to her.
“It’s taken a long time for me to feel comfortable calling myself an actor. My roots come from the dance world and the Broadway stage, and the Anita that we see on the screen took every bit of me – she took 10 years to make.
“I’m extremely proud of her and of our film, and I really do believe that when you recognise one of us you recognise all of us in a way.”
Ariana also took a moment to praise those in the audience who she admires, such as the bisexual icon Lady Gaga. “I’ve watched so many of you for a very long time, you have inspired me and you continue to do so and I am just thrilled to be among you, so thank you.”
She’s come so far over the years. In another emotional moment ahead of the event, she was interviewed by Laverne Cox who showed the actor a clip of her at 18 years old on So You think You Can Dance. When asked if that version of her self could have imaged that she would be in this position right now, Ariana became tearful as she responded, “No, it’s amazing. This is what dreams are made of.”
“This is what dreams are made of.” ❤️ It’s all sinking in for West Side Story’s @ArianaDeBose at the #SAGAwards. pic.twitter.com/JveL0ONh1K
— E! News (@enews) February 27, 2022
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