Lupita Nyong’o just might have the greatest acting debut ever. The 30-year-old, who was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, is the breakout star of the critically acclaimed film 12 Years A Slave. Many are already hailing the Yale School of Drama graduate as a major contender at next year’s Academy Awards.
Based on a true story, 12 Years chronicles the journey of Solomon Northrup, a free black man who was sabotaged and sold into slavery in Louisiana. In the film, Nyong’o plays a slave named Patsey.
The Steve McQueen-directed film stars a plethora of heavy-hitters, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Paul Giametti and Brad Pitt (just to name a few).
So what is it like snagging your first major role with the awesomeness that is Brad Pitt? Nyong’o told People Magazine:
“A lot of the time it feels quite magical and I feel it’s like an out-of-body experience. I’m still trying to get over the fact that my name is being mentioned with people like Brad Pitt. When I was cast in his film [I thought] surely I was going to meet him one day. I wouldn’t say I was star struck. I was stunned. I was like, ‘Yup, this is actually happening.”
We can definitely smell a Best Supporting Actress trophy somewhere in the near future for the stunning actress. We can’t wait to see how far she goes in her career (and mark our words – it will definitely be far).
Be sure to catch 12 Years A Slave when it hits theaters Oct. 18.
SOURCE: People | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, FOX
