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a14 people & arts
Thursday 17 March 2022
Q&A: DeBose tries to stay grounded ahead of big Oscars night

that is what is really thrilling. These
nominations, they span the acad-
emy, they're not just acting nomi-
nations, they're crafts nominations.
And when we talk about progress,
we have to talk about getting
people in front of the camera and
behind the camera and into the
writers rooms and in positions of
power, so we can continue to tell
our stories in an authentic way and
expand the way that we get to tell
our stories.
AP: Did Rita Moreno give you any
advice for the big night?
DeBOSE: Oh no, she just said, "En-
joy it, honey!" Which honestly is the
best advice you could give. Be-
cause, what else are you gonna
do?
AP: Do you pay any attention to
Vegas odds or the film critics who
weigh in on whom they think will
win?
DeBOSE: No! (Laughs) I mean, I'm
aware of terms like front-runner,
and I'm aware of the excitement
surrounding the supporting actress
category. And quite frankly, there
should be excitement! They're in-
credible women included in this
category. To celebrate all the dif-
ferent kinds of work, the different
types of work, I think it's a thrilling
space to be included in. I mean, I
get to represent the communities I
belong to, I get to represent a film
I'm proud of and work I believe in,
Ariana DeBose arrives at the 94th Academy Awards nominees luncheon on Monday, March 7, 2022, in Los Angeles.
Associated Press and I get to sit next to people like
Dame Judi Dench. What!? It's just
incredible.
By SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS "This is an extraordinary experi- No. 1, the work got made; No. 2, AP: Costumes play a big role in
Associated Press ence. It's singular," she added. "It's it got seen, and that it's been re- "West Side Story." Can you tell us
NEW YORK (AP) — Rita Moreno impossible to describe and I won't ceived this way. Because so often, what you loved about the cos-
told her "Enjoy it, honey!" and that's be able to describe it until well af- as artists we make work that isn't tumes and how they helped inform
what Ariana DeBose has been do- ter it's done. I'm trying to remain a seen or isn't received well. So, to your mood and character?
ing this awards season. human." me, this is such a gift. It's given me DeBOSE: Well, Paul Tazewell, our
The actor, who has been sweeping In a year that saw many Latinos the opportunity to be seen as a hu- incredible costume designer, gave
every accolade for her fiery por- nominated after there were barely man, to be seen as an artist and me such a gift with Anita's dress-
trayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg's any in 2021, DeBose, who is Afro- to represent all of the communities es. I think we most noticeably talk
"West Side Story" — the same role Latina and gay, also spoke about that I belong to in a way that I'm about the "America" dresses. She's
that won Moreno the Academy diversity and how she is just happy very hopeful will keep the conver- no longer wearing purple (like in
Award in 1962 — is heading into to represent the communities that sation moving forward. the 1961 original movie); this Anita
the Oscars on March 27 as an un- she belongs to. AP: Without including yourself, you is a beam of light, she is a literal
disputable favorite in the best sup- Remarks have been edited for celebrated many of the Hispanic, sunbeam in the gorgeous mustard
porting actress category after sev- brevity and clarity. Latin American and Spanish artists yellow with the red skirt. She looks
eral key wins at the Screen Actors ___ Oscar-nominated this year in an like she's on fire, she's full of love
Guild Awards and Sunday's BAFTA AP: Now that some time has passed Instagram post. What do you feel and passion. And that was a gift,
ceremony. since the release of the film and when you see such range of can- because it is indicative of her life-
It's been a long whirlwind journey the nominations, have you had a didates after there were barely any force. And every time she spins it's
of traveling the globe, meeting chance to look back and process last year? an expression of her joy. I love that.
huge stars and public speaking, all that's happening to you? DeBOSE: I think it's important. I'm It was a great opportunity to use a
but DeBose is doing everything she DeBOSE: I think I need a little bit thrilled to see the work highlighted skirt as a prop.
can to stay grounded. more time to fully understand ev- and celebrated. I did realize after AP: Speaking of wardrobe, do you
"I try to keep my feet on the ground erything that's happening. Then, the fact that I didn't include my- know what you'll be wearing at the
and my heart in the heavens," she I feel good! I'm full of gratitude, self in that post, but I figured I talk Oscars?
said in a recent interview via Zoom you know. I won't say that it's not about my work all the time on my DeBOSE: I haven't fully decided
from her home in New York City, an emotional time, I feel all of the social media, so let's celebrate the yet, but what I lean towards I think
explaining that she sleeps when emotions! There's a little bit of pres- work of other folks! The real real of will feel kind of like a surprise to
she can, turns her phone off, plays sure, but there's genuine excite- it all, especially right now, is that some people. I can tell you is VERY
with her cat and dogs and tries to ment, and it's a wonderful time to yes, my nomination is a significant Ariana DeBose, is quintessentially
check in with her friends. be an artist. I'm just excited that, moment, but it is one of many and everything that I am.q