debut over the weekend, and shared a heartfelt monologue about her experience in show business after coming to the U.S. from Cuba when she was in her 20s.
The celebrated actress joked about how she “learned English the way everyone who comes to this country does — by watching ‘Friends’.” “This has been a magical year. Not only I was nominated for an Oscar, but in three weeks, I’m going to officially become an American citizen!” de Armas explained. “I am proud to become a citizen because when I moved here, everyone was so welcoming.”“When I did my first movie in the U.S., called, ‘Hands of Stone’, I got to work with Robert De Niro, and one day on set, he told me, ‘I may be going to Cuba soon, and if I do, I’ll say hello to your family.
“That was such a kind gesture, and I have been so fortunate to work with so many wonderful actors,” she continued. “My dad was so proud of me, and he would be proud to see me today standing on this stage. I feel very lucky to be here.”