Award winning actress Ariana DeBose opened up the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards show Sunday night with a now-viral musical number.
In the energetic act, DeBose honored various actresses up for awards. DeBose performed a series of songs including the Eurythmics “Sisters Are Doin’ it for Themselves” and “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.
Then, she transitioned into the now iconic rap segment in which each verse nods to different actresses and movies that were nominated at this year’s awards. However, the line mentioning Angela Bassett in particular has been extremely popular.
Sisters are doing it for themselves! The incredible @ArianaDeBose opens the 2023 #EEBAFTAs with an iconic performance! ✨ pic.twitter.com/G9YgKN2e1t
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 19, 2023
The nominees who were given shoutouts include Dolly De Leon, Kerry Condon, Carey Mulligan, Ana De Armas, Danielle Deadwyler, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Cate Blanchett and Jamie Lee. Each of the stars had some great reactions to their names being called out.
Reactions to the skit online went both ways with some calling the performance ‘cringe’ and others living for the campy rap.
Talk about cringe #arianadebose #BAFTAs2023 pic.twitter.com/ArkhlSfZEY
— MacVis (@vis_mac) February 20, 2023
It’s giving drag race girl group/rusical verse
— Inkubus (@SatansFaveWhore) February 20, 2023
DeBose deleted her Twitter account after the performance went viral, though she later commented “Honestly I love this” on a meme carousel posted by Evan Ross Katz on Instagram.
Meanwhile, BAFTAs producer Nick Bullen told Variety Monday that DeBose “put the whole piece together” with her team, working closely with a music director and choreographer.
DeBose was first introduced to audiences in a supporting role of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” It’s a role that the actress earned an Academy Award for and made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win in the category.
What are your thoughts on the performance? Sound off in the comments below!
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