14 DAY TRIAL // Lupita Nyong’o is a newcomer in Hollywood, but her performance in “12 Years a Slave” and the way she was handling herself throughout the entire awards season confirms that she’s in it for the long run. Her acceptance speech at the Oscars 2014 was no exception.
Lupita, as predicted by most industry watchers, won Best Supporting Actress for her take on Patsy in Steve McQueen’s historical drama. Her acceptance speech, though obviously prepared in advance, was perhaps one of the best of the entire Oscarcast.
You can see it in full above. It was honest, heartfelt and absolutely beautiful: this and her performance should explain why Lupita is one of the most hyped stars of the moment.
Clearly, she was extremely nervous but she still handled such a career-making moment with the utmost grace. Before going up on stage, Lupita shared hugs with Brad Pitt, who got her the part by casting her in the film, which he produced through his Plan B, director Steve McQueen and co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Liza Minelli also jumped at her for a hug, as you can see in the video. Quite a random thing to happen, but it was a sweet one too.
The realization of the win didn’t come to Lupita until she arrived to the microphone stand, and she started to tear up and choke on her words. She thanked Patsy for her courage and Simon Northup for writing his heartbreaking story, so that it would be turned into film later, in the skilled hands of Steven McQueen, through Pitt’s efforts.
She thanked her family, the Academy, the Yale School of Drama where she got her education, and her team of people. Lupita’s date at the Oscars was her brother, who was seen jumping up and down with her at the beginning of the movie, when her name was called out.
Just a few days ago, at another awards ceremony, Lupita recalled how she used to pray to God growing up to wake up one day and have lighter skin, because she imagined that was the only way she could make a difference in the world.
With the Oscar in her hands, she spoke of the validation of dreams. This was Lupita’s first-ever nomination and her first win so, yes, she knows one thing or two about dreams coming true, if you think about it.
“When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child, that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid,” she said, before leaving the stage. A truly amazing lady, Lupita is.