Out Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose Starring in ‘Two and Only’ Queer Rom-Com

Fresh off her win at the 2022 Oscars, becoming the first openly queer woman of color to win for her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story, Ariana DeBose is looking ahead. Specifically, the actress is set to executive produce and star in Screen Gems’ Two and Only, and original screenplay by Latina and LGBTQ writer Jen Rivas-DeLoose, described as My Best Friend’s Wedding with a Latinx point-of-view. Deadline was the first to break the news.

Sad Unicorn’s Randall Einhorn and Jeremy Stern will produce the movie, and it will be overseen at Screen Gems by Scott Strauss and Giselle Johnson.

DeBose spoke out on Twitter as the news broke, expressing her excitement to tackle the project and “learn a thing or two about producing.”

“Thrilled to be a part of this incredible team including Jen Rivas-DeLoose, Screen Gems’ Scott Strauss and @kgisellej and Sad Unicorn’s Randall Einhorn and Jeremy Stern!” DeBose writes.

Let’s try a rom com!

So excited to take on a new challenge and learn a thing or two about producing.

Thrilled to be a part of this incredible team including Jen Rivas-DeLoose, Screen Gems’ Scott Strauss and @kgisellej and Sad Unicorn’s Randall Einhorn and Jeremy Stern! https://t.co/BUrSWkkOmE

— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) April 13, 2022

The actress was also recognized for her role in West Side Story by the SAG Awards, BAFTAs, and Critics Choice Awards. She also has a number of accolades for her musical theater roles; was nominated for a Tony for her role in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical; and appeared alongside Lin-Manual Miranda in Hamilton, as a member of the original cast in both the Broadway and Off Broadway productions and the film version that was released on Disney+. She’s also in production on Sony Pictures’ Kraven, which is set for a January 13, 2023 release.

During her Oscar speech, DeBose spoke about the importance of visibility and media representation for queer people like her.

“Now you see why Anita says, ‘I want to be in America,’” DeBose says, referencing her character’s musical number, “because even this weary world that we live in, dreams do come true. And that’s a really heartening thing right now.”

DeBose also referenced how she found her strength through art before delivering a final message to viewers:

“To anybody who’s ever questioned your identity—ever, ever, ever—or you find yourself living in the gray spaces, I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us.”

Photo courtesy of Ariana DeBose on Instagram