I heart Lupita

Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o
on the red carpet at he Dolby Theatre
in Hollywood for the 86th Academy Awards. 

Let me start by saying Congratulations to Ms. Lupita Nyong’o for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress!  Woo-Hoo!!!!

Like many, I have fallen in love with Lupita.  I saw her in 12 Years A Slave, which won the Oscar for Best Picture.  The plight of her character, Patsey, was just as memorable as that of Solomon, the film's main character.  As award nominations rolled in, I was delighted 12 Years A Slave was receiving its just recognition.  And then there was Lupita, who was also being recognized for her work. 

As part of the Oscar campaign, she went on a media blitz that had her visiting every talk show and hitting every red carpet.  When Lupita showed up, she showed out with a unique style that said ‘hello world, I’m here!’  Each and every time, her brightly hued designer fashions made a statement and earned her spot on the best dressed list.  Her style caused people to notice her and because of the repetition of that style, they paid her attention. 

As you can see, Lupita is not the typical American standard of beauty, which is why she stands out and why people like me like her so much. She’s made her lane and she owns it!  To top it off, she is educated, well-spoken and possesses a bubbly personality, lots of wit and confidence.  More points for Lupita!

I love words, and while I was #TeamLupita since seeing the movie last summer, it wasn’t until I heard her acceptance speech for an earlier award that I fell I love with her.  Her choice of words is perfection, poetically intertwining gratitude with humility and grace. Plus, she speaks so eloquently with an intense passion and authenticity we rarely hear from anybody in Hollywood.  Accepting the Academy Award was no different.  She had most of us in tears.  Perhaps it is because Lupita hasn’t been in many feature films, or due to her wordly upbringing, or maybe she’s playing a character (she is an actress, right?).  Who Knows? But I can say is that I love Lupita! I hope she maintains her spark and apparent zest for life.  I can’t wait to see her in more films while taking the fashion industry by storm! Most of all, I thank her for the reminder that ‘no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.’