What kind of roles was Lupita Nyong'o offered after winning an Oscar?

After winning an Oscar for '12 Years a Slave,' Lupita Nyong'o was primarily offered roles as slaves in subsequent films.

Did Lupita Nyong'o change her accent for Hollywood?

Yes, Lupita Nyong'o disclosed that she felt compelled to shed her Kenyan accent and adopt an American one to secure more diverse roles.

How does Lupita Nyong'o approach challenging stereotypes?

Lupita Nyong'o actively seeks to change paradigms by being a joyful warrior against expected stereotypes of African people, even if it means fewer roles.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Oscar Win Led to Slave Role Offers for Nyong'o

Oscar Win Led to Slave Role Offers for Nyong'o

25 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Lupita Nyong'o received only slave role offers post-Oscar win.
She felt pressured to shed her Kenyan accent for Hollywood.
Nyong'o aims to challenge African stereotypes in her roles.

Oscar Win Led to Slave Role Offers for Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong'o's Oscar win for '12 Years a Slave' led to an unexpected career turn, with offers predominantly for slave characters. This challenging phase involved intense public pressure and scrutiny, which Nyong'o navigated by focusing on her personal journey.

Nyong'o revealed that she felt indirectly pressured to change her Kenyan accent to achieve success and gain varied roles in Hollywood. This decision, made during her drama school years, was profoundly difficult, causing her significant emotional distress.

Despite these early career challenges, Nyong'o has successfully transitioned to major franchises like Star Wars and Black Panther. She remains committed to redefining perceptions of African identity in cinema, deliberately choosing roles that challenge existing stereotypes.

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