Lupita Nyong’o Says She Was Offered ‘Another Movie Where You’re a Slave’ After Winning Oscar for “12 Years a Slave”

Lupita Nyong’o, the talented actress known for her award-winning performance in “12 Years a Slave,” recently shared her experience of being offered more roles depicting slavery following her Oscar win.

After portraying the character Patsey in the critically acclaimed film, for which she received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2014, Nyong’o found herself facing a barrage of offers that predominantly typecast her in slave roles. In a candid conversation with actress-musician Angélique Kidjo on CNN, the Kenyan-Mexican actress reflected on the aftermath of her breakthrough role.

Despite expectations of landing lead roles post-Oscar win, Nyong’o revealed that she was instead approached with offers such as, “Another movie where you’re a slave, but this time you’re on a slave ship.” These limited and stereotypical opportunities prompted Nyong’o to carefully choose her subsequent roles to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

The actress discussed her commitment to challenging stereotypes and reshaping perceptions of African identity in the entertainment industry. Nyong’o emphasised the importance of being a “joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African,” even if it means turning down roles that reinforce negative portrayals of her heritage.

Following her breakout success in “12 Years a Slave,” Nyong’o diversified her acting portfolio by taking on motion capture, voiceover roles in popular franchises like Star Wars and The Jungle Book. She later portrayed significant characters in blockbuster hits like Black Panther and took on her first lead role in the horror film Us in 2019.

Despite the industry’s immediate pigeonholing of her talent, Nyong’o persevered and continued to carve out a path for herself, demonstrating her range and versatility in various projects. Her resilience and commitment to authentic representation in cinema have garnered her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

Looking ahead, Nyong’o is set to star in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, scheduled for release in July 2026. The actress continues to challenge herself and push boundaries, showcasing her talent in a wide range of genres and formats, from blockbuster films to theatre productions.

In a world where diversity and inclusion are crucial in storytelling, Nyong’o serves as an inspirational figure who advocates for meaningful representation and strives to break free from limiting stereotypes. Her journey in Hollywood reflects the complexity and challenges faced by actors of colour, underscoring the importance of authentic storytelling and diverse narratives in the film industry.

As Lupita Nyong’o continues to soar to new heights in her career, her steadfast commitment to reshaping perceptions and challenging stereotypes sets her apart as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. Her story serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and representation in art and showcases the impact of breaking barriers in a predominantly homogenous industry.