SAG Awards 2022: Ariana DeBose Bags 'Outstanding Performance' for Her 'West Side Story' Role

Ariana Debose made another historic win for the Latino community, as she bagged an award on this year's Secret Actors Guild (SAG) awards held on Sunday.

DeBose won the "Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in Supporting Role" category for her performance as "Anita" Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story," Entertainment Tonight reported.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, DeBose was nominated alongside Cate Blanchet for "Nightmare Alley," Ruth Negga for "Passing," Catriona Balfe for "Belfast," and Kirsten Dunst for "The Power of the Dog."

"I was a little caught off guard when they were suddenly at the category, which by the way being in that category with so many women that I find so completely inspiring was already overwhelming," DeBose said while at the backstage of the SAG awards 2022.

Ariana DeBose Said Opens Up How Important 'Anita' is to Her

In her speech, DeBose revealed that it took her time to call herself an actor. She then explained that her roots came from the dance world and the Broadway stage, adding that the Anita she portrayed in the "West Side Story" "took every bit" of her and that the character took 10 years to make.

"I'm very proud of her and of our film," Ariana DeBose added, per Entertainment Tonight.

DeBose then said what Anita means to her.

"The legacy of Anita means a great deal to me for many different reasons. I'm still a Broadway girl at heart and we speak frequently about Rita Moreno as we should. She's legendary," DeBose said.

The actress furthered that the original actress who played Anita was Chita Rivera on stage, which according to her, paved the way for her on the Broadway stage to do what she does.

"To be part of the legacy of Anita that includes both Chita, Rita, and now, Ariana, it's really special to me," the "West Side Story" actress emphasized.

She also thanked Steven Spielberg for "believing" in the possibility not only of her talent but also of her colleagues.

"It is a further recognition that we are valid and our stories matter. I am so proud to have represented my communities as an Afro-Latina, as an openly queer woman, woman of color," DeBose said.

Ariana DeBose Reveals She Said No to 'Anita' on 'West Side Story'

After receiving her awards from the SAG Awards 2022, she told Today that she refused to come on the audition four times for the role because she had a Broadway show during that time.

However, the film's casting director insisted on her coming. DeBose then revealed that she came to the audition the next morning but asked for more time to prepare since she would be showcasing her dancing, singing, and acting skills.

"As a woman of color, when you walk into a room like that, you better be prepared... And if you're not, that's a missed opportunity," DeBose said, explaining that people like her only land as few opportunities as she had.

During the interview, Ariana said that she passed through the singing and dancing part of the auditions, but she told Spielberg that she would not read her lines. The casting director came in and explained that the actress was starring in a show and needed more time to prepare.

Ariana noted that the moment took courage for her, but it felt important for her to do the audition right. When she finally did the audition, Debose got the role of Anita.

Ariana Debose then added that Rita Moreno helped her in fulfilling her role in the "West Side Story."

"I'm very grateful to have someone like Rita on my side... She's been supportive as she possibly could have been... she really came to the table and was supportive," DeBose noted.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Ariana DeBose: Award Acceptance Speech | 28th Annual SAG Awards - From TNT