This is her first Oscar nomination and win. DeBose has received recognition for her role as Anita in the musical film.
As DeBose took the stage, she emotionally said, “Even in this strange world we live in, dreams do come true.”
She also thanked her mother, who came as her guest and was in the audience. DeBose spoke movingly about her experiences as a queer Afro-Latina woman.
“For anyone who has ever questioned their identity, there is actually a place for us,” she said, citing her film.
DeBose has already won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild award for the role.
In 1962, Rita Moreno won the same award for the same role. Moreno starred as Anita in the original film, West Side Story, and made history herself as the first Hispanic actress to win the Best Supporting Actress category.
Moreno played drugstore owner Valentina in the remake.
Debose also paid tribute to Moreno in her acceptance speech on Sunday, thanking her for paving the way for other “Anitas” in Hollywood.
“Ariana DeBose is an immensely talented actress and a tremendous advocate for LGBTQ people and people of color,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO, in a statement Sunday. “Not only did she make history tonight as the first queer woman of color to win an Oscar, but she also sent a beautiful and timely message to young LGBTQ people. I hope LGBTQ youth around the world have seen them win, heard them speak and realize that they should dream big too.”