Rachel Zegler is in the house! The “West Side Story” alum stunned on the 2022 Oscars red carpet ahead of presenting. On the red carpet, she wowed everyone and even snuck in a few moments with her boyfriend, Josh Andrés Rivera.
Zegler, who plays Maria in the Steven Spielberg film, had a 180 turnaround this week after she was initially snubbed an invitation to the ceremony honouring the best in television and film. The actor revealed in an Instagram comment on March 21 that she wasn’t invited to the show after a fan asked her what she would be wearing (she ultimately went with a Dior dress). After taking in the criticism, the Academy enlisted Zegler to present at the show.
This is Zegler’s first Oscars appearance. “I never thought I’d be here six days ago. Dreams can come true and quickly, too,” she quipped while presenting best visual effects. During an interview on the “E! News” preshow red carpet, she expressed her nerves in presenting and joked that Spielberg would have to direct her when she took the stage.
The actor’s initial absence at the Oscars sparked outrage among fans, especially because “West Side Story” was nominated for seven awards. Among the nominations were best picture and best supporting actress for Ariana DeBose. Luckily, Zegler was able to cheer on her costar DeBose as she scored the win.
