Top 10 Coolest Things About Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has had a remarkably versatile career, moving seamlessly between critically acclaimed films, popular franchises, innovative horror, and impactful television roles. She’s worked with some of the most creative directors, tackled challenging acting roles, and shared important stories with audiences around the world. Here are ten of her most memorable performances, beginning with the projects that first brought her widespread recognition.

’12 Years a Slave’ (2013) – a history-making film debut

As a film lover, I was completely blown away by Lupita Nyong’o’s first film role in ’12 Years a Slave.’ It wasn’t just a good performance, it won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress – which is incredible for a newcomer! Working with Steve McQueen, she really immersed herself in the history of the role, collaborating closely with everyone on set. It was a deeply emotional performance, and she paid incredible attention to the details of the period. Plus, her win felt huge, being such a significant moment for representation from both Kenya and Mexico at the Oscars.

‘Black Panther’ (2018) – redefining the action spy in the MCU

Lupita Nyong’o, playing Nakia, a Wakandan spy and warrior, brought a realistic and intelligent skillset to the superhero film. She underwent rigorous training in fighting and stunts to convincingly portray a character who works outside of Wakanda’s royal court. The movie’s popularity sparked discussions about African futurism, its fashion, and language, and Nakia became central to Wakanda’s efforts to connect with the outside world. Her scenes focused on skills like stealth, negotiation, and close-quarters combat, showcasing her abilities over superpowers.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022) – a return with depth and world-building

Lupita Nyong’o returns as Nakia with a story that explores loss, international relations, and secret missions. She deepened the character by including dialogue in Haitian Creole, showing Nakia’s life outside of Wakanda. The filming involved intense underwater training, adding a new physical challenge for Nyong’o. Ultimately, Nakia’s journey highlights how Wakanda’s future is tied to connections she makes with the outside world.

‘Us’ (2019) – a chilling double performance

Nyong’o delivered a remarkable performance working with Jordan Peele, playing both Adelaide Wilson and her menacing double, Red. She created completely separate ways of moving, speaking, and thinking for each character, making it clear to the audience that they were two distinct people. This dual role earned her numerous awards and is now considered a standout example of acting in horror films. The film’s popularity also proved Nyong’o’s ability to succeed in a variety of roles, beyond just large franchise films.

‘Star Wars’ (2015–2019) – performance-capture world-building as Maz Kanata

Lupita Nyong’o brought the character Maz Kanata to life in the Star Wars sequels using performance capture technology, which translated her facial expressions and voice into a completely digital character. She collaborated with visual effects artists to create Maz’s distinctive look and realistic movements. The role introduced a clever and unconventional character to the Star Wars story, one who didn’t rely on traditional Jedi powers. Nyong’o also voiced the character in other Star Wars projects.

‘Queen of Katwe’ (2016) – bringing a real family’s story to the screen

Mira Nair’s film tells the inspiring story of Phiona Mutesi, a young chess champion from Uganda. Lupita Nyong’o plays her mother, Harriet, and beautifully portrays a woman who is both strong and fragile, making difficult choices to provide for her family despite many hardships. The movie was filmed in real locations in Kampala and Katwe, giving an authentic look at everyday life there. Nyong’o’s performance grounds the film’s sports story in the very real emotions and struggles of a family.

‘The Jungle Book’ (2016) – voice performance with heart

Lupita Nyong’o provided the voice for Raksha, the wolf mother who raises Mowgli, bringing a sense of loving protection and strong values to the character. Because the film combined live action with computer-generated imagery, her voice needed to fit seamlessly with the realistic animation. She collaborated with director Jon Favreau, carefully timing her lines to match the subtle expressions and breathing of the animated wolf. Ultimately, her performance added emotional depth and a focus on family to the visually stunning film.

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ (2024) – expanding a hit thriller’s universe

This installment of the series begins at the onset of the invasion, moving the action to a large city and focusing on how everyday people react to a sudden disaster. Lupita Nyong’o’s performance highlights the importance of human connection and the difficult choices people make when staying quiet could mean death. The film relies on building tension through realistic effects, careful sound design, and intimate performances, adding emotional depth to a world typically characterized by silence.

‘Shuga’ (2009) – socially engaged TV that launched visibility

Before she was a household name, I first noticed Lupita Nyong’o in this fantastic Kenyan drama called ‘Shuga’. It wasn’t just entertainment, though; it was created with health organizations to really tackle important issues like relationships and HIV awareness. She played Ayira, a character who was constantly making tough choices, and the show did a brilliant job of exploring the consequences. It was a really smart blend of entertainment and public health messaging, and honestly, it gave her some early international exposure and valuable experience on set – I remember thinking she was a star even then!

‘Serengeti’ (2019) – narrative documentary narration

Lupita Nyong’o narrates this nature series, leading viewers through the lives of animal families on the African savanna. The show focuses on the individual stories of these animals and unfolds with a cinematic rhythm, demanding careful delivery and timing from the narrator. Nyong’o’s voice connects the often-complicated behaviors of wildlife into stories that are easy to understand and emotionally engaging, demonstrating a skill for blending narration with stunning visuals.

2025-11-04 07:15