Yesterday (March 13), Ariana DeBose took home yet another win for her role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story at the 27th Critics Choice Awards.
DeBose, who plays Anita in the film, won a Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress, and the 31-year-old was quick to show her shock as she took the stage to accept her award.
“Oh my word! Wow, this is wild. I wrote some things down and yet my phone is over there. That’s unfortunate,” DeBose laughed, and went on to share her thanks to the critics who “rallied” around the cast to make this film happen.
“Critics, you matter, and I am so, so, so grateful for your support of West Side Story,” DeBose said. “There were so many people who questioned whether or not this film should be reimagined, and you rallied around us, you loved us, every single one of us, and I am very, very grateful for that.”
DeBose also took the time to give a shoutout to her fellow nominee, co-star and original actress who played the role of Anita in the original film, Rita Moreno.
“To my fellow nominees: You are all so stinking glorious and I love you so much. You inspire me, and especially one fellow nominee, the great Rita Moreno,” DeBose said. “Seriously, you made space for me to thrive beside you — I am not in front of you, I am not behind you, I am beside you. And that is the greatest gift you could’ve ever given me.”
After sharing her love and praise for her co-star and this opportunity, DeBose finished her speech off with a few words of wisdom for any viewers watching the award show.
“Last thing I’m gonna say, because you never know who’s watching, to all young people. It doesn’t matter how you identify or who you are, you are unique, you are talented, you are seen, you are valued, you are loved and you matter. Please don’t ever forget that.”
What do you think about Ariana DeBose winning best supporting actress at this year’s Critics Choice Awards? Let us know how you feel by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
You can watch the full speech below.
For more coverage from the 2022 Critics Choice Awards, click here.
