Ariana DeBose on Her First Oscar Nomination: ‘This Function Embodies Each Side of Me’

Ariana DeBose wasn’t fairly dancing within the streets Tuesday morning, however when you occurred to be strolling alongside a sure New York Metropolis river round 9 a.m., you might need thought she was simply one other loopy New Yorker.

“I’m fairly certain I scared each runner on the trail with my shrieking and leaping up and down,” she stated by telephone Tuesday morning, recalling the second she realized she had been nominated for her first Oscar, for greatest supporting actress for her efficiency as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s remake of “West Side Story.”

With the nomination, DeBose and Rita Moreno, who gained the Oscar for a similar position within the 1961 movie and stars within the new adaptation in a special position, made historical past: They turned the primary actors of coloration and the primary ladies to be nominated for a similar character.

And, ought to DeBose win, they might turn out to be solely the third pair to perform the feat. The opposite two are Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone (“The Godfather” and “The Godfather Half II”) and Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix because the Joker (in “The Darkish Knight” and “Joker”).

However first, DeBose will face some formidable competitors within the class: Aunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”), Jessie Buckley (“The Misplaced Daughter”), Judi Dench (“Belfast”) and Kirsten Dunst (“The Energy of the Canine”).

In an interview on Tuesday morning from her house in New York, DeBose mentioned the importance of being nominated for a job that displays her id, the perfect recommendation Moreno gave her and what’s subsequent. These are edited excerpts from the dialog.

Congratulations! Are you usually awake proper now?

Usually I’m up and going — it’s been a really busy season. However final evening I had a little bit of anxiety-ridden insomnia. I didn’t sleep in any respect. I used to be very anxious about this morning. For everybody, not simply on a private word, however for our movie.

You and Moreno have the prospect to make historical past as solely the third pair of actors — and the primary ladies and folks of coloration — to win for taking part in the identical position, on this case, 60 years aside. What does it imply to you to have the ability to comply with in her footsteps?

The nomination validates the truth that many interpretations are legitimate and good. It’s completely potential to create a personality primarily based on the identical preliminary textual content and have it stand by itself subsequent to an already celebrated and iconic portrayal of that character. Anita is an excellent character, and one which I’m so pleased with. It’s simply nice as a result of we’re Latinas, we’re right here and it’s a extremely stunning factor to be seen.

Have you considered what you’re going to say when you win? I assume you’ll be a little bit extra ready than Rita. (Moreno famously delivered one of many shortest acceptance speeches in Oscars historical past when she gained in 1962: “I can’t consider it! Good Lord. I depart you with that.”)

Truthfully, I’ve not. As a result of I used to be like, “Take a look at that class!” I’m simply genuinely joyful to be in it. I haven’t bought previous that half but. I hope that if I have to say one thing, I’d be sensibly eloquent about it. However, if not, Rita’s fail-safe is at all times place to divert to. [In Rita voice] “Oh my gosh! Thanks!” What an iconic acceptance speech.

It was sort of excellent.

By no means extra pleasure and true gratitude. And I imply that sincerely — it’s written throughout her face. It’s an important factor to observe.

She has at all times led with, “Ariana, lean into all the things that makes you distinctive.” And that’s what I did with the character, and it’s what I do within the midst of this loopy journey. I lean into issues that make me distinctive each as an artist and as a human, and I attempt to share and rejoice these issues. It’s crucial that younger folks notice they’ve risk, and if they’ll see that in my work, then I’m doing one thing proper.

You come from a dance background, so I’m certain Anita’s loopy dancing abilities weren’t too arduous to grasp. However is there something you needed to study for the movie that was particularly difficult?

I’m not fluent in Spanish. So I used to be very targeted on the language and never solely ingraining myself in it, however discovering her accent, understanding what was required of that when it comes to how lengthy she’d been in New York Metropolis.

You’ve stated you had been nervous about your efficiency on the first screenings. What was the second you knew you’d succeeded?

I nonetheless don’t know if I bought it proper. I’m thrilled that folks love the interpretation. As an artist, I see one million issues that I’m like, “Gosh, I want I’d have accomplished that higher.” However what makes me really feel safe in it’s that I’ve heard from loads of younger folks, particularly younger Latinas, who say they see themselves within the work.

You’ve stated your Afro-Latina id was one thing you fought to have be an integral a part of your character, out of your first assembly with Spielberg. How does it really feel be nominated for a personality who’s a robust girl who can personal her id with none compromises like darkened pores and skin, as Moreno’s was within the unique movie?

This position embodies each aspect of me, each as an artist and a human. It’s uncommon that you simply come throughout a component like this that celebrates the fullness of your ability set and honors your lived expertise and your id. So it is rather particular. And we’re simply beginning to get into the area the place we are able to have these conversations, the place we are able to get into the nitty-gritty of the place Afro-Latinas fall inside not solely Hispanic tradition however Black tradition, as a result of we belong to each. It’s necessary that we mirror that in our scripts and the initiatives we greenlight. And I say that particularly to AfroLatinidad, however illustration throughout the board is crucial.

Your roles prior to now few years have run the gamut, out of your Tony nomination for “Summer season: The Donna Summer season Musical” to your breakout position as a progressive schoolmarm within the musical Apple TV+ sequence “Schmigadoon!” What’s subsequent for you?

I don’t know. [Laughs] I don’t consider in limiting myself. I don’t like labels and I don’t like packing containers, which is sort of ironic since we discuss loads of issues that I determine as. I’m in a second with regard to my profession the place I’ve by no means had the kinds of alternatives which might be coming my manner. It’s a blessing to have selection.

You broke out your faucet abilities in “Schmigadoon!” final 12 months. Every other secret abilities you need to showcase?

Who is aware of? Perhaps someday I’ll fly trapeze for a undertaking. Perhaps I’ll do extra motion stuff.

I’m certain there are many Marvel motion pictures ready for you.

Oh, gosh. That’s fairly the universe. We’ll see.