‘West Side Story’ Star Ariana DeBose on Her Historic Oscar Nomination: ‘It’s Overwhelming’
variety.comAngelique Jackson Among this year’s class of Oscars first-timers is “West Side Story” star Ariana DeBose, whose show-stopping portrayal of Anita in the movie musical earned her a best supporting actress Oscar nod.“Well, a lot can happen before 9:30 a.m.
on a Tuesday,” DeBose quipped, jumping on the phone with Variety just hours after learning the news.Despite all the excitement buzzing around her, DeBose feels unexpectedly calm. “It’s all an illusion,” she admits. “I was so anxiety-ridden.
I didn’t sleep at all last night.”In fact, when her category was called, DeBose was out on a walk with her best friend. They celebrate all big milestones together — he was her prom date — so it made for the perfect distraction.
As they strolled along the East River in New York, her team FaceTimed her. “We were by the highway, and I could not hear a thing, but their faces were so expressive that I took it as a good sign,” DeBose recalls. “I read lips in order to receive the news.”She adds: “I’m pretty sure I scared every runner on the East River [with my reaction].
Read more on variety.com
