Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong’o is an actress best known for her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave and starring roles in Black Panther, Us and the Star Wars franchise. Nyong’o is the daughter of Kenyan politician Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o. She was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and raised in Kenya after her family returned to the country during her childhood. She attended St. Mary’s School in Nairobi before studying film and theater at Hampshire College in Massachusetts, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in film and theater studies. She later received a master’s degree in acting from the Yale School of Drama.

Nyong’o began her career working behind the scenes on film productions and directing documentaries before making her television debut on the Kenyan series Shuga from 2009 to 2012. Her breakout arrived in 2013 with 12 Years a Slave, in which she starred opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to win an Oscar.

Following her Oscar win, Nyong’o starred in films including Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Queen of Katwe (2016), Black Panther (2018), Us (2019) and A Quiet Place: Day One (2024). She also authored the bestselling children’s book Sulwe (2019) and has received praise for her work in fashion and activism. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous accolades, including multiple NAACP Image and SAG Awards, as well as a Critics Choice Award.

Nyong’o has kept her romantic life largely private. She has been previously linked to Selema Masekela and Joshua Jackson.