The movie follows the tale of four failed Broadway stars who attempt to revive their careers by taking on a “good cause”. They come across a queer schoolgirl called Emma who has been banned from her school prom because of her town’s homophobic policies. The mission is to make sure Emma gets the right to safely and proudly go to prom with her secret girlfriend Alyssia (who is one of the most popular and smartest girls at school).

With Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman taking on lead parts, it was always going to be one to watch. But it’s the younger cast members – Ariana DeBose as Alyssa and Jo Ellen Pellman as Emma – who really deserve the standing ovation here.

And DeBose just shared the personal and important reason she took on the role of Alyssa.

The Prom: Ariana DeBose shares the real reason she took on the role of Alyssa Greene