Ariana DeBose became the first Afro Latina and openly queer actor of color to win an Oscar. In her winning speech, DeBose stated that “dreams do come true.”

Ariana DeBose accepts the 94th Academy Awards for best performance in a supporting role for “West Side Story” at the Oscars 2022.

The long-awaited ceremony was moved back to Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre from its original date at the end of February due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

During her speech, DeBose paid tribute to Oscar winner Rita Moreno, who also won for the same role in 1962, commending her for “paving the way for tons of Anitas like me.” The actress maintained her identity as a queer woman as well as her African legacy.

Moreno made history 60 years ago when she became the first Latina to win an Oscar, which she won for the same role as Anita. But Moreno told “60 Minutes” last year that it wasn’t the starting point for her career as she hoped.

In the history-making moment, DeBose added: “Now you see why Anita says ‘I want to be in America’. Because even in this weary world that we live in, dreams do come true.”

DeBose and Moreno are also the first female Oscar winners for the same role. Previously, Oscars were given to Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Heath Ledger, and Joaquin Phoenix for playing the same role.

“It wasn’t like the phone was ringing off the hook,” Moreno explained. “After West Side Story, I couldn’t get a job except in gang movies, and then only in minor ones.”

“Imagine this little girl in the back seat of a white Ford Focus. When you look into her eyes, you see an openly queer woman of color, an Afro Latina, who found her strength in life through art. And that’s what I believe we’re here to celebrate,” DeBose said.  “So to anybody who’s ever questioned your identity ever, ever, ever or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us,” she added, quoting “West Side Story.”

Jessica Chastain, who won Best Actress and used her speech to speak out against discrimination and injustice, also had big wins at the Oscars 2022. Troy Kotsur of CODA became the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar, and Billie Eilish and Finneas won their first Oscar for Best Original Song.