Ariana DeBose has made history this awards season with her win for best actress in a supporting role for West Side Story at this year’s Academy Awards on Sunday.
As she took the stage to give an inspiring speech, DeBose became the first openly queer woman of color to win in the category.
“Even in this weird world we live in, dreams do come true,” the Afro-Latina actress expressed as she clutched her Oscar for her role as Anita in the musical film.
Quoting “Somewhere,” one of the many moving songs in West Side Story, DeBose dedicated her win to the LGBTQIA+ community: “For anyone who has ever questioned their identity, there is indeed a place for us.”
DeBose has previously won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for this role.
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