Ariana DeBose Grateful for Oscar Moment Free of Controversy

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The collaboration between Oscar winners Ariana DeBose and Ke Huy Quan in the movie “Love Hurts” serves as an inspiring testament to the positive outcomes that often stem from award ceremonies.

Amidst daily Oscar scandals, DeBose is reflecting on the happenings that followed her 2022 best supporting actress win for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. The recognition she received for her portrayal of Anita paved the way for her to inspire another actor to chase their dream the following year. Remarkably, this turned out to be Ke Huy Quan’s best supporting actor role in the Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once, marking his triumphant comeback to acting after more than two decades.

Upon opening the envelope and announcing his name, a thought crossed my mind: ‘It’s wonderful he can experience this moment untainted by controversy,'” DeBose shares with The Hollywood Reporter. “This sentiment made me tear up because I truly believe he deserves such an honor.

Later that night at a post-event gathering, Quan proposed the idea of teaming up, an idea DeBose instantly agreed upon. It wasn’t until later that she found out Quan’s spouse, Echo Quan, was actually the one who had initially recommended her for the part of Rose Carlisle in Jonathan Eusebio’s film, Love Hurts.

Reflecting on the experience of filming “Love Hurts” in Winnipeg, DeBose humorously reminisces, “That’s when we wrapped up the movie, and I thought to myself, ‘There are a few key lessons: always listen to your spouse.’

On their first day working together on the set of “Love Hurts” in Winnipeg, DeBose and Quan were also asked to send a selfie to Steven Spielberg. This was because the highly respected filmmaker had cast them both in their significant studio debuts, which were nearly four decades apart: Deborah Ann Woll starred in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” in 1984, while Ariana DeBose appeared in “West Side Story” in 2021.

Ke has a fondness for selfies, so we decided to send one to Spielberg. He replied to the photo we sent with a message, saying something like, ‘Two people I admire greatly. I’m overjoyed to learn you’re collaborating.’ DeBose added, ‘He’s simply a kind and compassionate individual.’ Beyond his professional achievements, it seems we haven’t emphasized enough the beauty of who he is as a human being.

In Eusebio’s first film as director, DeBose portrays Rose, a legal advisor within a criminal organization. When her boss orders an assassination attempt on her life, Rose is miraculously saved by Marvin Gable, the organization’s smitten enforcer (played by Quan). They both flee separately to evade danger until Rose decides to take Valentine’s Day-themed revenge on those who threatened her.

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In Eusebio’s initial directorial effort, DeBose stars as Rose, a lawyer working inside a criminal network. Her life is targeted by her superior, but she is unexpectedly rescued by the organization’s affectionate enforcer, Marvin Gable (Quan). They both escape separately until Rose plans a Valentine’s Day-themed act of retribution against those who endangered her.

In a recent chat with THR, DeBose delves deeper into her eccentric character and future career plans.

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Winning an Oscar brings numerous advantages, but one of the most fulfilling might be passing on your victory to another deserving recipient the following year. This is something you got to experience when you presented to Ke Huy Quan in a heartwarming moment in 2023. Can you share what stands out most in your memory about that symbolic handover?

During that whole awards season, I vividly recall watching him with such admiration. His energy was radiant, filled with optimism and a keen awareness of the present. I appreciated his kindness toward everyone surrounding him. When we announced his name as the winner, I felt a sense of relief, knowing he could enjoy this moment without any controversy. It brought tears to my eyes because I truly believed he deserved it. His story is captivating, making it hard not to be moved by the way his journey has unfolded. Working with him on “Love Hurts” only solidified these impressions. He exceeded all expectations and proved himself an exceptional talent and a remarkable leading man. In my opinion, he’s simply amazing.

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During the awards season, I couldn’t help but be captivated by him. His energy was vibrant with hopefulness and mindfulness, making every moment feel special. I admired his support for those around him. When we announced his name as the winner, I breathed a sigh of relief knowing he could savor this victory without any drama. It moved me to tears because he truly deserved it. His life story is inspiring, and watching how his journey has unfolded so far left me in awe. Working with him on “Love Hurts” only confirmed these feelings. He lived up to all my expectations and then some. I can’t help but praise him as an incredible talent and a fantastic leading man.)

And it was later that night that the two of you floated the idea of working together? 

Absolutely, Ke expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with me, and I reciprocated the feeling, suggesting we might create something unique and out of the ordinary. As it turned out, his wife, Echo [Quan], seemed to recognize me as “Rose” even before our formal meeting during the production of Love Hurts. This detail was revealed to me later on, not at the Oscar night event itself. The funny thing is, when we eventually met in Winnipeg, it all made sense.

Here are a couple of key lessons: always listen to your spouse’s insights. (A chuckle here.) Also, I no longer believe in mere coincidences. Instead, I appreciate the serendipitous alignment of our paths that allowed us to produce this film, which promises to be an enjoyable watch.

While it’s often the case that you encounter individuals at gatherings and discuss potential collaborations in the future, does it typically happen infrequently that such collaborations actually materialize?

Absolutely! While I enjoy attending large events, I find that the promises made in such settings often go unfulfilled. It’s wonderful when, on occasion, those commitments are carried out as planned.

Since Ke won an Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once, and you recently worked with Jamie Lee Curtis who also won for the same film (they play mother and daughter in Amazon’s upcoming Scarpetta series), are there chances that Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu could be potential collaborations next? Or perhaps you aim to work with the entire cast from the movie?

(Laughs heartily.) I’ve got to admit, these two ladies are my favorites! Stephanie Hsu and I share a connection from our Broadway days, and let me tell you, I hold her in high esteem. As for Michelle Yeoh, I’ve been a fan of hers for years. Honestly, I feel we undervalued her performance as Madame Morrible in Wicked. The monkey shot? That was the moment I said, “I’m all in for Michelle Yeoh!” Ever since I first saw her in Tomorrow Never Dies, I dreamt of being a Bond girl like her. And don’t even get me started on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Honestly, I can’t fathom why we didn’t shower her with awards back then, but I’m ecstatic for her and Stephanie. If the opportunity ever arises to collaborate with them, you bet I’d jump at it!

In addition to your shared Oscar background, it’s worth noting that both you and Ke have worked with Steven Spielberg. Your major studio debuts were in his films: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) for you, and West Side Story (2021) for Ke. Did you two send him a photo on your first day working together on set?

We took a selfie because Ke enjoys them so much, and it turned out that we did. Spielberg is an incredible person, and we occasionally keep in touch with him. He responded to the picture we sent with a message saying, “Two people I adore. I’m so happy to see you collaborating.” He’s simply a warm-hearted individual. I hold Steven in high regard, and while his talent is remarkable, I believe it’s equally important to acknowledge his exceptional qualities as a human being.

Marvin (Quan) managed to break free from his shady past, while Rose (DeBose) finds it hard not to ponder over hers. How do you relate to your past? Do you make a conscious effort to concentrate on the now instead?

In essence, my approach is to draw lessons from the past, yet not be bound by it as we forge ahead. This year, symbolically, is the Year of the Snake, a time for shedding old layers. I often reflect on past decisions, instances, or experiences to identify patterns and areas for improvement, but I don’t let them fully define who I am today. Every day brings change, and our paths are unique, so it’s crucial to learn from the past and then press forward.

Could it be that some of Rose’s resentment stems from the fact that Marv managed to move forward in his life while she hasn’t been able to do the same, given that he was the one who saved her life?

It seems her resentment stems from the feeling that they could have progressed together, leading me to believe she may struggle significantly with feelings of abandonment rather than disapproval of his advancements. While individuals often make decisions on their own, it’s essential to note these choices aren’t always welcomed or understood. However, when someone is deeply connected and perceives the other as acting from fear, it can lead to a buildup of resentment.

Do you agree with her philosophy that “hiding ain’t living”?

Absolutely, and I’d like to emphasize that this viewpoint is particularly relevant in today’s context, given the widespread anxiety in the world. Some people may find it necessary to conceal their identities for safety reasons. However, I strongly believe that concealing oneself equates to a diminished existence, and I don’t think we should impose such a burden on individuals. Everyone deserves to express who they truly are. I firmly believe that life is about embracing our unique qualities, both light and dark, without judging them as good or bad. They are simply aspects of our whole selves. Therefore, I hope no one feels compelled to hide their authentic self.

I did notice a bit of Harley Quinn and Catwoman in Rose. 

A side order of unhinged? 

Indeed! She also sports a leopard-patterned coat reminiscent of Lee Meriwether’s Catwoman, and utters a “rawr” at one point. Could these elements have been intentionally chosen?

It wasn’t intentional, but as I was creating and inhabiting her, elements of characters I admire and have encountered found their way into Rose. I allowed her to develop naturally, without overthinking it. To me, she felt quite intuitive or instinct-led.

Instead of a gun, she usually opts for a taser, only resorting to a common firearm when necessary. What do you think about her preference for the taser over a gun?

To put it straightforwardly, the scene was already written in the script, and I found it captivating. The character causes a level of hurt, but her intention isn’t lethal harm. Given this context, I believed that choosing this particular weapon was quite fitting. Weapons can be uncomfortable to discuss, but considering the character and her weapon selection, I thought it was well-suited. My personal views on weapons aside, I saw no need for justification in this instance. It merely underscored her efficiency.

87North choreography can be quite complex. Did your dance background give you a leg up?

My dance experience proved incredibly valuable for this project, and it was one of the reasons I sought out this role and chance. For me, fight choreography is just another form of dance – it’s all about physicality. Dance is simply body language, and both share the same essential elements. In essence, they are different shades from the same palette. I believed my abilities would be well-suited for this, and I found that to be true as I learned the sequences and created the work. Consequently, I’m eager to take on similar challenges again, as I thoroughly enjoyed the process.

Even though experienced directors often welcome teamwork, wasn’t it possible that Jonathan “JoJo” Eusebio, as a novice director, was more adaptable and open to suggestions compared to his peers?

Our collaboration was truly remarkable. [JoJo] didn’t let any preconceived notions or lack of familiarity hinder him, which is something I greatly respect. He dived right in without hesitation, showing great courage. We both have strong opinions about the script and ways to improve it. [JoJo] was always receptive to these ideas and found his way through them. His extensive background as a stuntman and stunt coordinator proved incredibly valuable, as it’s something he truly loves and that love shines through in the film. We made sure to utilize his strengths, and I am extremely proud of him for doing so.

“Coming back to our beginning, you’ve earned an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe. How do you manage to keep pushing yourself and staying driven after achieving such heights?”

I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself by taking on diverse roles, not wanting to be confined to any one genre. After my memorable run under the sun, I decided to broaden my horizons and strive for versatility. Now, as I navigate through this phase of my career, I find myself more grounded, having gained a better understanding of Hollywood’s intricacies. As a result, I am returning to projects that highlight my strengths, such as drama and physical performances, while still allowing me to learn and grow. I’m also eager to get back on stage, as it’s been too long since my last performance. So, I’m actively seeking new opportunities that will allow me to do just that.

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Love Hurts opens in theaters on Feb. 7. 

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2025-02-06 03:25