Lupita Nyong’o came close to tears as she accepted the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role in Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave.”
It was an emotional night for the first-time actress who has understandably become Hollywood’s latest obsession.
Despite this being Lupita’s first time on the big screen in a major film, her powerful performance has allowed her to snag over 20 awards – her Oscar win for best supporting actress being her biggest yet.
Lupita took to the stage with her eyes filled with tears as she delivered an emotional acceptance speech in which she thanked the film’s director, Steve McQueen, and the historical figures that the film was shaped after.
“It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s,” she said. “And so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance. And for Solomon, thank you for telling her story and your own.”
She went on to sing McQueen’s praises as he blew her kisses from his seat.
“Steve McQueen, you charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit,” she said. “Thank you so much for putting me in this position, it’s been the joy of my life. I’m certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they are grateful and so am I.”
She also thanked actor Chiwetel Ejiofor who played Solomon Northup, the film’s main character, for his “fearlessness and how deeply” he went into the role.
Her list went on to include editors and even her makeup team.
Surprisingly her co-star Brad Pitt, who was also one of the film’s producers, was missing from her acceptance speech.
Toward the end of her speech, Lupita made clear to every child watching her and witnessing her accomplishments – they are more than capable of making their dreams a reality as well.
“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,” Lupita said. “Thank you.”
Later that night “12 Years a Slave” also received the coveted Academy Award For Best Picture, which had McQueen on stage literally jumping for joy.
The film has made history by becoming the first film with a Black director to win the Oscar for best picture.
