Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong’o graces the latest cover of PORTER magazine, offering exclusive access into her world. In a candid interview, Nyong’o reflects on fame, personal growth, and her commitment to taking on challenging and transformative roles.

With her meteoric rise to stardom, Lupita Nyong’o has solidified her status as a global force in entertainment. Her breakout role in “12 Years A Slave” earned her an Oscar and launched her into the Hollywood stratosphere. In her intimate PORTER interview, Nyong’o discusses navigating the complexities of fame and the lessons learned along the way.

Nyong’o reveals the moment fame irrevocably changed her life, recalling the surreal transition from anonymity to being chased by paparazzi. Despite the disorientating nature of celebrity, she has maintained a clear distinction between her public persona and her private self. She credits her upbringing, watching her father navigate political life in Kenya, for teaching her how to manage the scrutiny that comes with visibility.

Nyong’o gravitates towards complex characters who demand emotional and often physical sacrifices. She sees these roles as opportunities for growth, pushing her beyond her comfort zone. Reflecting on her Oscar-winning performance as Patsey in “12 Years A Slave,” she describes it as her most emotionally demanding role, one she finds herself unable to rewatch.

Now residing in Los Angeles, Nyong’o is focused on understanding the inner workings of Hollywood. Having spent the past decade establishing her career, she’s taking this time to pause, reflect, and embark on a personal healing journey. In a rare display of vulnerability, she discusses her recent heartbreak and how sharing her pain on social media brought unexpected support and connection.

While keeping the details of her upcoming projects close to her chest, Nyong’o hints at an exciting mix of film and podcast appearances, including a starring role in the “A Quiet Place” prequel. Her commitment to taking on projects that push boundaries remains steadfast.

Ntianu Obiora
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Ntianu Obiora is a versatile creative professional with over a decade of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, and digital strategy. She is the Online Editor at THEWILL DOWNTOWN