Another big win: NC native Ariana DeBose wins SAG award for ‘West Side Story’

Ariana Debos added to her award cash Sunday night, taking home a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her role in "West Side Story."

DeBos, who grew up in Raleigh and Wake Forest, has already won a Golden Globe and a Los Angeles Film Critics Award for "West Side Story" and has been nominated for an Oscar. The Oscars ceremony is on Sunday, March 27 on ABC.

DeBos is best known for his stage work in "Hamilton" and "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" and the Netflix films "The Prom" and "Schmigadoon" on Apple TV+.

The 31-year-old triple-threat actress/dancer/singer plays Anita in the new Steven Spielberg film "West Side Story," a remake of the Oscar-winning 1961 musical. It is the same role for which Rita Moreno won an Oscar in 1962.

Also in the supporting actors category were Debos: Caitriona Balfe ("Belfast"), Cate Blanchett ("Nightmare Alley"), Kirsten Dunst ("The Power of the Dog") and Ruth Nega ("Passing").

Her award, second of the night, was given by Martin Short and Selena Gomez. "My heart is beating in my chest right now," Debos said as he began his speech.

"It took me a long time to feel comfortable calling myself an actor," she continued. "My roots come from the dance world and the Broadway stage, and Anita that we see on screen took everything I do, but it took 10 years to make and I'm so proud of her and our film. And I really I believe that when you recognize one of us, you identify all of us in a way. So thank you SAG AFTRA for this recognition."

DeBoss then thanked his "West Side Story" colleagues and director Spielberg.

"Steven Spielberg, I mean, my god, thank you for believing in the potential of not only my talent but my colleagues. Thank you to the entire cast and crew of 'West Side Story,' because there is so much love, and it's a beautiful cinematic. The experience is there and I'm thrilled that people actually get to see it.

DeBos also thanked everyone in the audience, "Dear God, hi Lady Gaga, you are amazing."

She continued: "I've seen so many of you for a very long time and you've inspired me and you continue to do so and I'm just thrilled to be among you, so thank you."

Screen Actors Guild Awards only honor performances and awards are voted on by members of the Screen Actors Guild. Awards are given for both film and television.

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