The recent collaboration between Oscar winners Ariana DeBose and Ke Huy Quan in “Love Hurts” serves as a powerful reminder of the positivity that can emerge during awards season. DeBose, reflecting on her own triumph as Best Supporting Actress for her captivating portrayal in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” in 2022, shared insights on the joyful moment when she presented the Oscar to Quan for his outstanding role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” This accolade not only marked his remarkable return to acting after two decades but also exemplified an inspiring journey that captivated audiences worldwide.
In the midst of ongoing Oscar-related controversies, DeBose looks back on the night she opened the envelope and revealed Quan’s name. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m so glad he gets to have this moment free of any controversy,'” she told The Hollywood Reporter, expressing her heartfelt emotion. “And then I cried because I thought he was so deserving of that.” As tears of joy filled her eyes, it was a moment steeped in genuine appreciation for Quan’s journey, which exemplified hope and resilience.
Later that evening, a bond was forged as Quan suggested the idea of collaborating on a project, a proposal that DeBose welcomed instantly. It was later revealed that Quan’s wife, Echo Quan, had initially recommended DeBose for the role of Rose Carlisle in Jonathan Eusebio’s “Love Hurts.” Reflecting on this revelation, DeBose laughed, “It came up when we finally got to Winnipeg to make ‘Love Hurts.’ And I was like, ‘Well, there are a couple takeaways: listen to your wives.'”
In a charming twist, the first day on set in Winnipeg included the necessity of sending a selfie to Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker who had a hand in both their careers. DeBose reminisced about that moment, stating, “Ke loves a selfie, so we sent one to Spielberg. He texted back, ‘Two people I love. I’m so glad to know that you’re working together.’ He’s just a kind, kind soul.” This sentiment underscores the personal relationships that flourish within the entertainment industry.
In Eusebio’s directorial debut, DeBose portrays Rose, an attorney caught in a criminal enterprise who finds herself entangled in a web of danger and romance when Marvin Gable, played by Quan, steps in to save her life. This intriguing plot sets the stage for their characters’ thrilling journey, particularly as Rose seeks revenge during Valentine’s Day, blending elements of love and vengeance.
During her conversation with THR, DeBose shared her feelings about the significance of passing the Oscar baton. “There are many benefits to winning an Oscar, but perhaps the most rewarding is that you literally get to hand that dream to someone else the following year,” she stated, recalling her emotional experience witnessing Quan’s inspiring journey toward recognition.
Reflecting on the awards season leading up to that special night, DeBose admired Quan’s energy, saying, “He had such beautiful energy. He was so hopeful and very present in the moment at any given time.” This vibrant camaraderie echoed the importance of support and encouragement among peers in the industry. “To have that moment with him and then get the chance to work with him all reaffirmed his incredible talent.”
The conversation turned toward their mutual desire to collaborate further. DeBose humorously noted, “Yeah, Ke was like, ‘God, I would love to work with you.’ And I was like, ‘I’d love to work with you too. Maybe we could do something fun and very different.'” Such interactions often spark exciting new opportunities within the creative realm of filmmaking.
When asked if it is unusual for such connections made at events to materialize into projects, DeBose responded with honesty. “Yes, totally. I love going to big events, but a lot of things are said in those spaces. So the follow-up and the follow-through is rare, but it’s a joy when it can happen like this.” Their relationship exemplifies how genuine interest and enthusiasm can lead to meaningful collaborations.
The Oscar connection between DeBose and Quan was certainly notable, not only due to their recent wins, but also their shared history with Spielberg. With both actors having made their major studio debuts in Spielberg’s films, their paths crossing feels almost serendipitous. DeBose shared a light-hearted moment from their time on set, laughing as she recounted how they sent Spielberg a photo during their first day of filming. “He texted back in response, saying, ‘Two people I love. I’m so glad to know that you’re working together,'” highlighting the kindness and support they received from an industry legend.
As the plot of “Love Hurts” unfolds, DeBose’s character, Rose, approaches her turbulent past differently than Quan’s Marvin. Reflecting on her character’s relationship with her history, she explained, “I look to the past to see the lessons that I’ve learned but don’t let it stand in the way of moving forward.” This sentiment highlights her personal growth and the importance of evolving beyond one’s past experiences.
Exploring Rose’s mindset, DeBose stated that her character does struggle with feelings of abandonment, which complicate her relationship with Marvin. “Her resentment comes from the fact that she believes they could have moved forward together,” DeBose explained, sharing an in-depth examination of her character’s emotional landscape.
The exploration of philosophy continued as they discussed Rose’s belief that “hiding ain’t living.” DeBose affirms this ethos, saying, “Knowing the times we’re living in, hiding isn’t living, and I don’t think we should put that on a person.” This stance resonates deeply in a world filled with fear and uncertainty, advocating for transparency and authenticity in life.
Amidst the discussions about character exploration, DeBose’s portrayal of Rose bears similarity to iconic characters like Harley Quinn and Catwoman, showcasing a slightly “unhinged” quality. While this may not have been a conscious design, DeBose acknowledged possible influences from other strong female characters she admires.
In her portrayal of Rose, DeBose utilized a weapon of choice that perpetuated the character’s uniqueness. “To me, fight choreography is another expression of dance. It’s all physicality; it’s the same palette, just different colors,” she observed, drawing parallels between dance and choreography. Her extensive dance background proved to be an asset, enhancing her abilities in fight sequences and giving her character a distinctive edge.
Working with a first-time director like Jonathan Eusebio provided a collaborative environment that DeBose thrived in. “We had such a collaborative experience together,” she noted, emphasizing how Eusebio’s background as a stuntman contributed to the creative process. Their mutual respect and openness allowed for a fluid exchange of ideas, culminating in a film that reflected their combined passions.
Concluding her thoughts on growth and creativity, DeBose expressed her desire to continue pursuing diverse roles that allow her to evolve. “Over the last few years, I made it my goal to be versatile and to try to surprise myself,” she reflected. As she embarks on this new chapter, she maintains her passion for storytelling, emphasizing the importance of choosing roles that resonate deeply with her skills and artistic vision.
Ariana DeBose’s journey exemplifies how pivotal connections can thrive through shared experiences and genuine enthusiasm. As she embraces future projects and her evolving identity in Hollywood, her bond with Ke Huy Quan stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the vibrant storytelling that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
With “Love Hurts” set to open in theaters on February 7, the excitement surrounding the project only amplifies the anticipation for DeBose’s next steps in her illustrious career. The film promises to blend thrilling elements with captivating performances, showcasing the exceptional talents of both Ariana DeBose and Ke Huy Quan.
