Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong’o is an acclaimed actress, producer, and author known for her dynamic performances and powerful presence on and off the screen. Born in Mexico City and raised in Kenya, Nyong’o developed a passion for acting at an early age. She earned a degree in film and theater studies from Hampshire College and later attended the Yale School of Drama, where she graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Acting in 2012. Nyong’o gained international recognition for her breakout role as Patsey in Steve McQueen’s "12 Years a Slave", a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to win an Oscar. This achievement launched her into stardom and established her as one of the most talented and influential actresses of her generation.

Since her debut, Nyong’o has continued to captivate audiences with her versatile performances across various genres. She starred as Maz Kanata in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, voiced Raksha in Disney’s live-action adaptation of "The Jungle Book", and portrayed Nakia in Marvel's blockbuster film "Black Panther", a role she reprised in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever". She also showcased her range as an actress in Jordan Peele's horror thriller "Us", where she took on the dual roles of Adelaide Wilson and her terrifying doppelgänger, earning critical acclaim for her chilling performance.

Nyong’o continues to expand her impressive portfolio with several upcoming projects. She starred in the thriller "A Quiet Place: Day One", a prequel to the "A Quiet Place" franchise, which explores the origins of the terrifying creatures that hunt by sound. Nyong’o is also set to appear in the action-adventure film "The Killer", directed by John Woo. Additionally, Nyong’o is developing and set to star in the limited series adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel "Americanah," which explores themes of identity, race, and love. These projects are a testament to her commitment to diverse storytelling and her continuous evolution as an artist.

Beyond her acting career, Nyong’o is a passionate advocate for social justice, diversity, and representation in the entertainment industry. She is a vocal supporter of the Time’s Up movement, which seeks to end harassment and discrimination against women in the workplace, and uses her platform to speak out against colorism and promote self-love, especially for people of African descent. In 2019, she published a children’s book titled "Sulwe", which explores themes of self-acceptance and celebrates the beauty of dark skin. The book became a bestseller and was praised for its empowering message and beautiful illustrations.

Nyong’o has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the world by TIME magazine and has appeared on numerous best-dressed lists for her distinctive style and fashion-forward choices. Her unique blend of talent, intelligence, and grace has made her a global icon and a role model for aspiring artists and young people worldwide. As she continues to challenge herself with diverse roles and advocate for meaningful change, Nyong’o remains an inspiring force in both the entertainment industry and the broader cultural landscape.