Actress Ariana DeBose made historical past Sunday as the primary Afro Latina and overtly queer actor of shade to take residence an Oscar along with her win for Greatest Actress in a Supporting Function in "West Aspect Story." In her acceptance speech, DeBose mentioned "desires do come true."
"Think about this little lady within the again seat of a white Ford Focus. While you look into her eyes, you see an overtly queer girl of shade, an Afro Latina, who discovered her energy in life by means of artwork. And that is what I imagine we're right here to have fun," DeBose mentioned.
"So to anyone who's ever questioned your identification ever, ever, ever or you end up residing within the grey areas, I promise you this: There may be certainly a spot for us," she added, quoting "West Aspect Story."
Throughout her acceptance speech, the actress thanked the movie's director Steven Spielberg and Rita Moreno, who originated the position within the 1961 films, saying they had been instrumental in her efficiency.
Moreno made historical past 60 years in the past when she grew to become the primary Latina to win an Oscar, which she gained for a similar position of Anita. However Moreno advised "60 Minutes" final yr that it wasn't the beginning off level for her profession as she hoped.
"The telephone wasn't ringing off the hook," Moreno mentioned. "After West Aspect Story I could not get a job besides in gang films, lesser ones."