This Sunday, all eyes turn to the 95th Academy Awards. Danielle Brooks, a Juilliard-trained actress from South Carolina, hopes to take home Best Supporting Actress for “The Color Purple.” Following North Carolina’s Ariana DeBose’s historic win last year, Brooks keeps Southern talent in the Oscar spotlight. Meanwhile, sports fans in both states now have regulated betting options for the first time through North Carolina betting sites.

Brooks Continues Path from South Carolina to Hollywood

Simpsonville, South Carolina native Danielle Brooks set her sights on stardom early. She performed in her church’s nativity play at six years old. In high school, the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities honed her skills. After graduation, it was off to Juilliard’s famed drama program in New York City.

Her breakout role came as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in Netflix hit “Orange is the New Black” from 2013 to 2019. Acclaim and Tony nominations followed for turns in Broadway shows “The Color Purple” and “The Piano Lesson.” Now, at just 34, Brooks takes on her biggest film role yet as Sofia in 2023’s “The Color Purple.”

Already, her emotional performance opposite Oprah Winfrey earned Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for Best Supporting Actress. On March 12, she looks to follow Ariana DeBose and become the second Southern talent in as many years to strike Oscar gold.

North Carolina Roots Help Prepare DeBose for Historic Oscar Win

While Danielle Brooks continues blazing her trail to Hollywood, Ariana DeBose knows that journey well. The North Carolina native also set performing goals early, attending Wake Forest High School and CC & Co. Dance Complex. Her local training eventually took DeBose to Broadway Heights.

Last March, playing Anita in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” DeBose secured Oscar history. She became the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting. The breakthrough Supporting Actress win capped off a clean awards season sweep that included a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and SAG as well.

At just 32 years old, the Raleigh talent still has plenty left to accomplish. For now, DeBose can take pride in the glass ceiling she shattered. Young, minority performers finally have inspirational Oscar excellence to emulate. Expect DeBose to pay that representation forward with more envelope-pushing roles.

Launch of North Carolina Betting Sites Timed Perfectly

While Danielle Brooks chases Oscar glory, North Carolina sports fans can legally bet on the Academy Awards for the first time. After years of failed bills and delays, November 2022 finally saw regulated online sports betting launch. Major players like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM now operate fully licensed North Carolina betting sites.

The timing coincides perfectly with Oscars Sunday. Now Tar Heel residents can sign up via North Carolina sportsbooks to wager on Brooks. Will her odds of replicating DeBose’s win hit before March 12? Can she upset favorite Angela Bassett (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”)?

Plus, film buffs gain countless other Academy Awards odds to explore. North Carolina betting sites allow wagers on Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and more. Even casual movie fans can enjoy Oscars night a little bit sweeter with real skin in the game.

BetMGM North Carolina Bonus Code Unlocks $1,000 Risk-Free Bet

Of the approved North Carolina betting sites, BetMGM presents the most lucrative welcome offer. New NC customers who register with bonus code PLAYNCPN earn a $1,000 risk-free initial bet. Whether wagering on Danielle Brooks or anything else, BetMGM ensures that the first cash wager is up to $1,000 if it loses.

On top of that, BetMGM provides intuitive mobile betting apps for iOS and Android. Their platforms hold extensive stats, analysis, and live streaming to help inform wager choices. Modern display of lines, props, futures, and in-game betting options keep gameplay smooth as well.

Come March 12, residents can cheer on Danielle Brooks in her Oscar quest from a regulated, reputable North Carolina sportsbook. No matter the outcome, both Brooks and Ariana DeBose continue demonstrating immense Southern talent taking over Hollywood. Expect that momentum to carry both rising stars to even greater entertainment heights in the years ahead