Lupita Nyong'o is a celebrated actress known for her powerful performances and advocacy work. Born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Mexico, she is the daughter of Kenyan politician Peter Anyang' Nyong'o. Although she spent her early years in Mexico, she moved to Kenya at the age of three, where she was raised and developed a strong connection to her cultural roots. Nyong'o later pursued her education in the United States, earning a bachelor's degree in film and theatre studies from Hampshire College.

Nyong'o began her career in the entertainment industry working as a production assistant before making her acting debut in the short film East River in 2008. Her return to Kenya marked a significant milestone in her career as she starred in the television series Shuga from 2009 to 2012, which addressed issues such as HIV/AIDS and youth sexuality. After honing her skills, she went on to pursue a master's degree in acting from the prestigious Yale School of Drama. This education paved the way for her breakthrough role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave (2013), directed by Steve McQueen. Her performance was met with widespread acclaim, earning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, thus solidifying her place in Hollywood.

Following her Oscar win, Nyong'o made her Broadway debut in the play Eclipsed (2015), where she played a teenage orphan and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play. She continued to expand her repertoire by taking on diverse roles, including the motion capture character Maz Kanata in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, which spanned from 2015 to 2019, and lending her voice to the character Raksha in The Jungle Book (2016). Nyong'o further captivated audiences with her portrayal of Nakia in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther (2018) and its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). She also starred in the critically acclaimed horror film Us (2019) and is set to feature in A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) as well as provide her voice in the animated film The Wild Robot (2024).

Beyond her impressive acting career, Nyong'o is an advocate for various causes, including women's rights, animal rights, and historic preservation. She has been an outspoken figure against sexual harassment and has used her platform to promote awareness on these issues. In 2014, she was recognized by People magazine as the most beautiful woman, a title that celebrated not only her physical beauty but also her remarkable talents and contributions to society. In 2019, she authored the children’s book Sulwe, which became a number-one New York Times Best-Seller and has been praised for its positive messages about self-acceptance and diversity. Additionally, she garnered nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for her work in the docu-series Serengeti.

Lupita Nyong'o's influence extends beyond her film and television work; in 2020, she was named one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women by Forbes, highlighting her impact both on and off the screen. With a career that continues to evolve, Nyong'o remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a respected voice for change.