Oscar Nod for Kenya’s Finest Actress: Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o’s name is on everyone’s lips right now, from Brooklyn to downtown Nairobi, because the beautiful and eloquent Kenyan actress appeared in Steve McQueen’s critically acclaimed film, 12 years a Slave. She earned a number of prestigious nominations, most notably, a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her role in the film. 12 Years A Slave received a total of nine Oscar nominations.

Lupita plays the role of ‘Patsey’, a young slave girl whose master repeatedly abuses her on the cotton plantation where she lives and works.In an interview with TODAY.com, Lupita expressed her excitement and fulfillment upon learning about the Oscar nominations.“It’s been such a rewarding experience from the get-go, you know, playing Patsy was such a fulfilling experience and now the way the film is being received is so exciting and so encouraging and I’m just so proud of being [on the] 12 Years A Slave team and to everyone else in this film that has been nominated, I’m just so, so, so happy for everyone.”

The Today interview with Lupita Nyong’o.

Before her breakout appearance on 12 Years A Slave, Lupita previously appeared on a short film called East River and the popular MTV sponsored television miniseries, “Shuga”. Actors of African descent are increasingly being appreciated for the role they play in Hollywood films. British actor, of Nigerian descent, Chiwetel Ejiofor and the Somali-American actor, Barkhad Ali, received Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively. Ejiofor was honored for his performance in 12 Years A Slave and Ali, for his role in Captain Phillips.

Lupita Nyong’o has all the tell tale signs of becoming a real breakout Hollywood star with all the attention she’s receiving. She has already locked down her next role, alongside Liam Neeson, in the upcoming action film: Non-Stop. She’s graced international magazine covers such as: Dazed and Confused and W Magazine. Lupita is also the new face of Miu Miu alongside: Elle Fanning, Elizabeth Olsen and Bella Heathcote.

Lupita Nyong’o was born in Mexico, even her first name is Mexican, so we have to share her with the world!

By Gerald Ndungu.