Ariana Debose Made History After Becoming First Afro Latina To Win an Oscar for 'West Side Story' Role

Ariana DeBose has snatched an Oscar award for acting, making history for being the first Afro Latina and first openly queer woman to have received an Academy Award.

DeBose won the best supporting actress category for her "West Side Story" role, reviving the character of Anita in Steven Spielberg's take of the classic film, according to an NBC News report.

The Afro Latina actress said that she believes that it is a time to celebrate the fact of what she represents, seeing an openly queer woman of color, an Afro Latina, "who found her strength in life through art."

She then called on anyone who is questioning their identity and finding themselves living in the gray spaces, promising that "there is indeed a place for us."

Ariana DeBose

DeBose paid tribute to her "West Side Story" predecessor Rita Moreno, who was in the audience, for helping break ground for Latinos in Hollywood.

The Afro Latina actress said in her acceptance speech that she is grateful and that "Your Anita paved the way" for other "Anitas" like her, according to a Variety News report.

DeBose made a reference to her character Anita's standout song "America," saying that is why Anita says, "I want to be in America."

DeBose said that in the "weary world" that we live in, dreams do come true.

Moreno, who became the first Latina to receive an Oscar, got to know DeBose while filming "West Side Story."

Moreno also served as an executive producer and had a small role in Spielberg's version of the film as a shopkeeper named Valentina.

Moreno earlier said that she knew what a delicate position DeBose was in. She added that she wanted her to be absolutely sure that she was not imposing on DeBose.

The veteran Latina actress revealed that she decided to keep some of her thoughts to herself, adding that DeBose knew the huge part of it.

Oscars and 'West Side Story'

The 1961 version of "West Side Story" landed 11 nominations and won 10, which includes Best Picture.

Spielberg's version was also widely praised, with the 2021 film receiving seven nominations at the Oscars, which also includes Best Picture.

DeBose contended with Jessie Buckley for "The Lost Daughter," Judi Dench for "Belfast," Kirsten Dunst for "The Power of the Dog," and Aunjanue Ellis for "King Richard."

DeBose has also received supporting actress prizes at this year's BAFTA Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Meanwhile, Rachel Zegler was invited to the Oscars. She played Maria in Spielberg's "West Side Story," according to The New York Times report.

Speculations were triggered after she posted a photo of herself in a blue gown on Instagram, wherein a follower commented that they cannot wait to see what Zegler will be wearing on Oscar night.

Zegler replied that she had not received an invitation to the ceremony.

Zegler is filming "Snow White" in London, and getting her to the Oscars will require Disney to rework schedules.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Ariana DeBose On Historic Oscar Nomination For 'West Side Story' - from TODAY