Lupita Nyong’o, fresh from her breakthrough in “12 Years a Slave,” has opened up about the difficult decisions that shaped her career after winning the Academy Award. Speaking about her Lupita Nyong’o post-Oscar choices during a candid interview, Nyong’o shared how the aftermath of her Oscar win brought unexpected challenges and expectations that influenced the trajectory of her acting journey.
The Surprising Aftermath of Winning an Oscar
Winning an Academy Award marked the early days of Nyong’o’s career, yet the offers she received did not reflect the recognition she had just earned. In a conversation with Angélique Kidjo for CNN Inside Africa, Nyong’o revealed that she was often approached with roles similar to her Oscar-winning performance, particularly characters depicting slaves. Rather than accepting these typecast propositions, she was determined to chart a new path.
My winning an Academy Award came at the very start of my career,
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
It was for the first film I had ever done. So, it really did set the paces for everything I’ve done since.
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
But, you know what’s interesting is that after I won the Academy Award, you’d think like, ‘Oh, I’m going to get the lead roles here and there.’ But it’s ‘Oh, Lupita. We’d like you to do another movie where you’re a slave but this time you’re on a slave ship.’ Those are the kinds of offers [I was getting] in the months after winning my Academy Award.
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
Resisting Stereotypes and Setting New Standards
The Kenyan–Mexican actress consciously turned down roles that would cast her into repetitive narratives, instead using her newfound acclaim to pursue more diverse opportunities, including large-scale blockbusters. Nyong’o spoke of the pressure that came with sudden fame, acknowledging the scrutiny she faced regarding whether her Oscar win would ignite or limit her future in film.
It was a very tender time,
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
There is an expectation for you and your career. There were think pieces about ‘Is this the beginning or the end of this African woman’s career?’ I had to deafen myself to all those pontificators because at the end of the day I am not a theory. I am an actual person.
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
I like to be a joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African. If that means I work one less job a year to ensure that I am not perpetuating these stereotypes that are expected of people from my continent, then let me do that.
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
A Shift to Diverse Roles in Theater and Film
Instead of following a conventional path, Nyong’o chose to join the stage world, taking the lead in Danai Gurira’s Broadway play, “Eclipsed.” Her critically acclaimed performance earned her a Tony Award nomination. Embracing new genres, she also brought to life Maz Kanata in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and reprised the role in subsequent films and shorts. Her talents extended further as she contributed her voice to Disney’s adaptation of “The Jungle Book” and starred in “The Queen of Katwe,” a biographical film centered on Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi.
Nyong’o solidified her presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by portraying Nakia in “Black Panther,” starring alongside Chadwick Boseman as Prince T’Challa. Her role as a skilled spy and love interest drew international praise, placing her among blockbuster mainstays and further challenging the limited casting opportunities initially presented to her.
Expanding Her Influence Through Versatile Projects
Nyong’o’s recent ventures have spanned an array of genres, reaffirming her commitment to dynamic storytelling. She headlined the zombie-comedy “Little Monsters,” starred in Jordan Peele‘s horror blockbuster “Us,” and played a key role in “A Quiet Place: Day One.” Additionally, her voice brought life to the Oscar-nominated animated feature “The Wild Robot.” Looking ahead, Nyong’o is set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming Greek epic, “The Odyssey,” further showcasing her range beyond early post-Oscar expectations.
The Importance of Guidance and Support in Navigating Fame
In navigating her ascendant career, Nyong’o has spoken about how valuable support and mentorship were to her. She credits Emma Thompson with providing crucial advice at a time when pressure was at its peak. According to Nyong’o, Thompson advised her to move at her own pace and prioritize her well-being, a perspective that resonated amid industry voices urging immediate action.
She invited me over, and I went to dinner with her, and she totally demystified all of that,
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
She did save my life. I had won this huge award, and my imposter syndrome was at an all-time high. I was so intimidated by this new platform that I seemed to have. I mean, I acted in one film. I didn’t even know what the ‘martini shot’ was, for crying out loud.
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
She encouraged me to do what I thought was best for my instrument,
Lupita Nyong’o, Actress
Legacy and Impact of Lupita Nyong’o’s Career Decisions
Lupita Nyong’o’s willingness to reject typecast offers after her Oscar win has opened doors for more nuanced and diverse African representation in major films and theater productions. By standing firm in her values, she continues to influence Hollywood’s casting choices and global perceptions, inspiring others—especially those from underrepresented communities—to break molds. With forthcoming projects like “The Odyssey” and a growing legacy of impactful performances, Nyong’o remains a transformative figure in the industry, demonstrating that the choices made after a breakthrough can be as significant as the award itself.
