Moana Star Auli’i Cravalho Talks Representing ‘Amazing’ Hawaiian Culture
Moana star Auli’i Cravalho is opening up about her breakout role in the Oscar-nominated Disney movie — and the importance of representing Hawaiian culture.
The 16-year-old spoke about the animated film to PEOPLE as she graced the red carpet at the 89th Academy Awards on Sunday.
“Moana is inspired by all of Polynesia, the entire Polynesian culture,” Cravalho said of the film. “I’m very honored to be a part of it.”
She added: “It’s about time everyone knew just how amazing we were.”
Cravalho is slated to perform the Disney movie’s Oscar-nominated song “How Far I’ll Go” during the ceremony.
Cravalho said she hopes Moana snags an award on Sunday — “I might be a little biased,” she told PEOPLE. But the teen noted that she is also rooting for music from La La Land and Hidden Figures to win big.
Moana is also nominated for Best Animated Film Feature.
Check out PEOPLE’s full 2017 Academy Awards coverage and complete winners list!
PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly’s Red Carpet Live streaming pre-show is giving fans an inside look into this year’s Oscars. PEOPLE Deputy Editor JD Heyman and Lola Ogunnaike, host of PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly Network (PEN’s) Entertainment Weekly: The Show, will be on the red carpet in L.A. while PEOPLE Now hosts Jeremy Parsons and Andrea Boehlke will lead the panel discussions from our N.Y.C. studio with the Time Inc. experts. And PEOPLE and EW editorial director Jess Cagle will give a behind-the-scenes look at Oscars prep.
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The Academy Awards kicks off live on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 26, with a 7 p.m. ET pre-show and 8:30 p.m. ceremony. See all the Oscar nominees and get your own ballot here!
