West Side Story star Rachel Zegler has responded to outraged fans who hit out at the Oscars when they learned that she hadn't been invited to the 2022 awards ceremony.
Zegler - who plays Maria in Steven Spielberg's hit remake of the classic musical - announced on Sunday that she would not be attending the Oscars.
Fans were stunned that she wouldn't be at the event, where West Side story is one of the most nominated movies of the year. The musical is up for a total of seven awards, including best picture, best director, and best supporting actress for Ariana DeBose.
Not only is Zegler the star of the movie, but her performance won widespread acclaim. After her turn as Maria won her the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy earlier this year, she was even touted as a likely nominee for the Academy Awards' Best Actress category.
Despite all this, it looks like Zegler won't be attending the 94th Academy Awards this weekend - a decision she's asked her fans to be understanding of in a tweet on Sunday night.
"My goodness, folks!! appreciate all the support, i really really do. we live in such unprecedented times, and a lot of work behind the scenes goes into making movie magic happen. that goes for film productions (like the one I am so lucky to be currently shooting in London) and awards shows alike. let’s all just respect the process and i’ll get off my phone x R," the 20-year-old actor wrote.
She had previously spoken of her disappointment about not being invited to the Oscars, writing on Instagram: "Idk y’all i have tried it all but it doesn’t seem to be happening :’) I will root for west side story from my couch and be proud of the work we so tirelessly did 3 years ago."
"I hope some last minute miracle occurs and i can celebrate our film in person but hey, that’s how it goes sometimes, i guess. thanks for all the shock and outrage – i’m disappointed, too. but that’s okay. so proud of our movie," the actor added.
The 94th Academy Awards will air this Sunday.
