Lupita Nyong'o

"When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind every child that no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid." Born in Mexico City in 1983 and raised in Kenya, Lupita Nyong’o has built an international career defined by emotional depth and range. She studied film and African studies at Hampshire College and earned a master’s degree in acting from Yale. Her film debut in 12 Years a Slave (2013) earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Patsey. Since then, she has balanced global franchises such as Star Wars and Black Panther with leading roles in Queen of Katwe (2016), Us (2019), and A Quiet Place: Day One (2024). Her work spans film, television, and theatre, including a Tony-nominated performance in Eclipsed (2016). Beyond her artistic career, she is actively engaged in issues of representation, African identity, and female visibility in the film industry.