West Side Story star Ariana DeBose dropped by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah this week to talk about her performance in the film and the industry at large. Check out the interview above, including her thoughts on Afro-Latina representation in the movie and why it’s a good start.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities to be seen, especially for artists of color. It feels like we’re all starting to have a different kind of moment right now, and most of our work is not only being seen but considered and valued in different ways. So, that’s really the heart of why I’m so excited,” said DeBose, who so far has earned a Golden Globe win, and nominations for a SAG Award and an NAACP Image Award, for her performance as Anita.
WATCH: Ariana DeBose (and Kate McKinnon) Sing West Side Story on Saturday Night Live
“Specifically related to West Side Story, my being Afro-Latina, that makes me especially proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish because we really are not represented on screen,” the star added. “I don’t think that any film is a perfect film but I do think the fact that my inclusion in this film works—We’re the beginnings of getting it right.”
The interview also featured DeBose talking about wanting to bring back variety shows, her scene partner Rita Moreno, and more.
