More On:
sag awards
Ariana DeBose brought a little bit of her BAFTA Awards rap to the 2023 SAG Awards.
While presenting the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Director in a Drama Series on Sunday, the actress poked fun at the viral moment.
“Diego, do the thing,” the “West Side Story” star, 32, told her co-presenter, Diego Luna, referencing the song’s memorable line about Angela Bassett doing “the thing.”
DeBose gave the audience a coy look, shimmying her shoulders.
The quip earned laughs from viewers, including a giggle from Bassett herself.
The 64-year-old smiled before blowing DeBose a kiss.
Bassett previously defended the rap, which DeBose performed on Feb. 19 to highlight female BAFTAs nominees.
Bassett called the act “beautiful,” telling Variety on Saturday that she sent the “So You Think You Can Dance” alum a direct message “to make sure she was OK.”
Jamie Lee Curtis, who was also featured in the viral verses, stood up for DeBose on Sunday.
“I’m unclear as to what the f–k people are on about,” the “Freaky Friday” star told Deadline. “To me it was joyous, celebratory, sisterly, hot, spicy … and she’s just so incredibly talented.
“By the time it got to me, I was into the music and I was having a great time,” she continued. “She’s a fantastic talent, these people should shut the f–k up, back the f–k off, and let this woman just shine her light.”
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to DeBose’s song, with many calling it “embarrassing” and “cringe.”
Other Twitter users, however, have praised the “amazing” dancer.
Not only did DeBose appear unfazed by backlash while walking the red carpet over the weekend, but she has trolled herself on social media multiple times since last week’s show.
“Honestly I love this,” the Golden Globe winner commented on an Instagram carousel of BAFTAs memes.
Days later, DeBose thanked Adele, Halle Berry and Lizzo for their “love” as they celebrated her.