Rita Moreno and George Chakiris take us back to Oscar night 1962 when they both won for WEST SIDE STORY ('61). Moreno made history by becoming the first Latina actress to win an Academy Award. The film and Steven Spielberg's re-imagining are both available on HBO MAX. #31DaysOfOscar | Turner Classic Movies: TCM

TRIVIA: George Chakiris won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in " West Side Story" for his role as Bernardo, leader of the "Sharks" at the 34th Academy Awards in 1962. Presented by Shirley Jones. Among the nominees was Montgomery Clift for Judgment at Nuremberg, Peter Falk for Pocketful of Miracles, Jackie Gleason & George C. Scott for the The Hustler. The Academy, Academy of Motion Pictures Los Angeles Events, West Side Story #GeorgeChakiris #WestSideStory #MontgomeryClif

We couldn’t ask for a better way to close out West Side Story. The legend himself, George Chakiris, who played the original Bernardo in the 1961 film, stopped backstage after final curtain and shared praise, insights, (and some jokes) with our cast. From one Bernardo to another — a moment we’ll never forget. 💛 | LA Opera