Ariana DeBose on Playing Anita in West Side Story, Meeting Spielberg & Giving Rita Moreno Her Bra

TL;DR

Ariana DeBose shares excitement about her role in Steven Spielberg's West Side Story and its long-awaited release.

Transcript

our next guest is a Tony Award nominated star of the stage who's leaping to the screen in the biggest way imaginable as Anita and the new Steven Spielberg version of Westside Story Westside Story opens in theaters only on Friday please welcome Ariana [Applause] de how you doing W this must be a very exciting week for you it is because how long now ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💋 Ariana DeBose is making her mark as Anita in Spielberg's West Side Story, showcasing her talents on both stage and screen.
• 😓 The anticipation surrounding the film was intense, fueled by a year-long delay before its release, which heightened excitement among the cast.
• 📽️ Spielberg's ability to keep the film a secret reflects his dedication to the project and desire for its cinematic experience to be unveiled in theaters.
• 🎥 DeBose treasuring her cultural heritage as an Afro-Latina connects her to the legacy of characters like Anita, emphasizing the importance of diversity in film.
• 🎭 The bond between DeBose and Moreno illustrates the mentorship dynamic present in Hollywood, celebrating shared experiences in the performing arts.
• 🪭 The premiere experience resembled Broadway, indicating a blend of theatrical energy and cinematic excitement, appealing to both theatergoers and movie fans alike.
• 😃 DeBose's reflections on her journey highlight the emotional rollercoaster of recognition and the joy of seeing hard work appreciated by audiences and critics.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the experience like for Ariana DeBose at the premiere of West Side Story?

Ariana described the premiere as incredibly exciting, likening it to a Broadway show, with enthusiastic audience reactions after every musical number. This atmosphere made the event particularly special, highlighting the joy and energy that the film aimed to bring to theaters, especially after a long wait for its release.

Q: How did Ariana DeBose react to the positive reviews of her performance?

Ariana expressed a mix of excitement and disbelief regarding the positive feedback she received, including talk of possible Oscar nominations. While some days she manages to take it in stride, other days she feels overwhelmed by the recognition, especially considering how hard she and the team worked on the film.

Q: What does Ariana say about her relationship with Rita Moreno?

Ariana shares a deep respect and admiration for Rita Moreno, who originally played the role of Anita. The connection they share is significant to DeBose, who feels grateful to continue the legacy of such an iconic character. Their interactions demonstrate a bond that transcends generations of performers in the industry.

Q: How did DeBose feel about the legacy of her role as Anita?

Ariana highlighted the importance of her role as Anita for the Latino community and for representation within film. She acknowledged that filling the shoes of previous actresses like Rita Moreno is challenging, but it inspires her, particularly as an Afro-Latina, to pave the way for others to see their potential in film.

Q: What was a memorable interaction between DeBose and Rita Moreno at the premiere?

During the premiere, Rita Moreno playfully engaged with Ariana, commenting on her outfit and even initiating a fun, unexpected moment by asking to see more of her attire. This friendly and humorous exchange indicates the close rapport they share and illustrates Moreno’s vibrant personality at 90 years old.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ariana DeBose expresses her excitement for the release of Spielberg's West Side Story after a long wait, highlighting the joy it brought the cast.

• The actress reflects on her previous encounter with Spielberg, emphasizing the meaningful connections made in the industry and how they led to her casting.

• DeBose shares her admiration for Rita Moreno and the legacy of the role of Anita, acknowledging the significance of representation in film and the importance of being an inspiration for young Afro-Latinas.