Ariana DeBose Becomes First Openly Queer Woman To Win Oscar for Acting

The West Side Story star Ariana DeBose has made Oscar history by being the first openly queer woman to win an award in an acting category. Giving thanks to Rita Moreno, who played Anita – DeBose's character – in the original 1961 film and won an Oscar for it 50 years earlier, DeBose spoke openly about being a queer woman of color.

"Now you see why Anita says I want to be in America because even in this weary world that we live in dreams do come true and that’s a heartening thing right now."

On the production, she added: "It was the summer of a lifetime and I am the most privileged and grateful to have spent it with all of you.

"My God, thank you Steven Spielberg, you’re stuck with me now."

She thanked Rita Moreno for "paving the way for tonnes of Anitas like [DeBose]."

"So to anyone who has ever questioned their identity ever … I promise you this, there is indeed a place for us."

Also nominated in the category were Belfast star Dame Judi Dench, The Lost Daughter’s Jessie Buckley, Kirsten Dunst for The Power of the Dog, and Aunjanue Ellis for King Richard.

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