Ariana DeBose just made history at the 2022 Oscars—but was it enough?

During a post-Oscars news conference on March 27, the West Side Story actress—who played Anita in the Steven Spielberg musical drama remake—shared with reporters why she doesn’t necessarily see her win as a “historical moment.” 

It’s like a layer after another layer. I believe this is the first occasion that a male role has been honored twice,” she stated. Rita MorenoThe 1961 film’s Anita was a previous victory for. “But I think it’s really important to note that our Anita—while they share a name—they are different women. Her Anita is legendary and iconic. Now, my Anita has been shined upon and that’s something I am proud of because she was a woman who stood up for herself.