Ariana DeBose makes history as first queer woman of colour to win SAG film award
West Side Story star Ariana DeBose has made LGBTQ+ history as the first queer woman of colour to win a SAG individual film award.
On 27 February, the 31-year-old won the title of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. The monumental achievement has also marked the first time an Afro-Latina actress has taken home the acting accolade.
Upon receiving her award, The Prom star took to the stage and gave an emotional speech. “Thank you. My heart is beating in my chest right now.
It’s taken a long time for me to feel comfortable calling myself an actor,” she said. “My roots come from the dance world and the Broadway stage, and the Anita we see on screen took every bit of me but she took 10 years to make and I’m extremely proud of her and our film. “And I really do believe that when you recognise one of us, you recognise all of us so thank you SAG-AFTRA for this recognition.” Before heading off the stage, she thanked an array of people, including Steven Spielberg, the crew and her fellow castmates.
