Ariana DeBose is the first Afro-Latina and queer woman of color to win a SAG’s award. She was recognized for best supporting actress in her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.”
The Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) recognizes outstanding performances in movies and prime time television. It also is considered one of the most reliable predictors of being nominated for an Academy Award.
Debose stated, “It’s indicative that doors are opening, it’s an honor to an Afro Latina queer [woman] of color, a dancer, a singer, and an actor.”
Debose expressed her understanding about the importance of the firsts she is achieving for Afro-Latina actors; she believes it is a sign that won’t be the last.
She felt honored to have been considered on the same ranks as forerunners Chita Rivera and Rita Moreno’s.
Debose states the legacy of the role “includes both Chita and Rita and now Ariana and that’s really special to me. And we’re all very different types of Latinas. There’s not one way to be Latina or Hispanic. There are many beautiful ways and each and everyone is a testament to that.”
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