Ariana DeBose Just Made History With Her Win at the 2022 Academy Awards

West Side Story star Ariana DeBose just made history with many first at the 2022 Academy Awards.

Ariana was stunned as they announced her name as the winner. In her speech, she thanked her family and friends and told to Steven Speilberg "you're stuck with me now."

The actress, who is taking home the award for her role as Anita in the 2021 Steven Speilberg remake of the iconic Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein musical, is the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to win the award. She was also the first to ever be nominated as well.

"When people ask me about representation, I frequently say, 'If you can see it, then you can be it.' I believe in our young people; we need them," Ariana told Variety after her nominations were announced. "And they need to see themselves in the work that we make. So if I can do that for one or two young people in the world, then it will have been worth it."

In her speech, Ariana also talked about her experience being a queer Afro-Latina in the industry making her creative dreams come true. And yes, it was just as emotional as you expected.

"Now you see why that Anita says, 'I want to live in America,' because, even in this weary world we live in, dreams do come true," she said. "Lastly, imagine this little girl in the backseat of a white Ford Focus. Look into her eyes [and] you see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that's what I believe we're here to celebrate."

This is also only the third time a pair of actors have won the award for the same role in different films and the first time two women have won. Rita Moreno previously won for Best Supporting Actress back in 1962 where she gave one of the most iconic Oscar speeches of all time.

"I'm so grateful your Anita paved the way for tons of Anitas like me. And I love you so much," she told Rita in her speech.

"It’s really special," Ariana told Variety. "She’s a special talent and a really special woman to me and to the industry, and I’m honored to be alongside her for this entire journey."

We can't wait to see her break down some more barriers in the future!

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