This Sunday, March 27, was one of the happiest days in Ariana DeBose’s career because she won the Oscars for best supporting actress for her role in West Side Story.

But in addition, this made her the first queer woman to raise a statuette, something that she did not miss out on to send a powerful message of inclusion that moved many in the audience.

The American with Puerto Rican roots won this recognition thanks to her role as Anita, something that, curiously, Rita Moreno had already achieved in the same character 60 years earlier.

It is the third time that this has happened, as Marlon Brando and Robert DeNiro had already achieved it for the classic Don Vito Corleone and the Joker played by Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix.

Ariana DeBose recalled the power of staying true to yourself

“Imagine this girl in the backseat of a white Ford Focus. Look into her eyes, you see an openly queer and Latina woman of colour who found her life and her strength in art,” she began by telling her in an emotional acceptance speech.

“That’s what I think we celebrate here. So if anyone has ever questioned your identity, I promise you, there is a place for us”, She declared when collecting the award.

“Even in this strange world in which we live, dreams come true”, he concluded, stealing the applause and admiration of those present at the 2022 Oscars.

With this title, Ariana DeBose is only the second woman of Latin roots to win a statuette and the first queer woman to take home an Oscar in an acting category.

Experts have catalogued the 31-year-old artist as the great revelation of the cinematographic course with her participation in the film by Steven Spielberg, also nominated for an Oscar.

“There’s still a lot to do, but when you’ve worked so hard on a project, giving your blood, sweat, tears and love, to see it get recognition is always special. Thank you,” she said days ago when taking the Golden Globe.