How Lupita Nyong'o Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Lupita Nyong'o continue to shape the world today.

Lupita Nyong'o is a highly acclaimed actress, recognized with an Actor Award, an Academy Award, and a Daytime Emmy Award. She has also garnered nominations for prestigious awards such as British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award, highlighting her versatility and success across film, television, and theatre.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1967: Original Jungle Book film

In 1967, the original animated Jungle Book film was released, of which Lupita Nyong'o starred in a live-action/CGI adaptation in 2016.

2013: Inclusion in Derek Blasberg's Best-Dressed List

In 2013, Lupita Nyong'o was included in Derek Blasberg's best-dressed list in Harper's Bazaar.

July 2014: Vogue and Elle Cover Appearances

In July 2014, Lupita Nyong'o was on the cover of Vogue, becoming the second African woman and ninth black woman to cover the magazine. She also appeared on the cover of July's issue of Elle (France).

2014: Face of Miu Miu's spring campaign and cover appearances

In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o was chosen as one of the faces for Miu Miu's spring campaign, appeared on magazine covers, was named "The Most Beautiful Woman" by People, and became the new face of Lancôme. She was also named "Woman of the Year" by Glamour in November.

2014: Mentioned in Lecrae's song "Nuthin'" and Jay Electronica's song "We Made It"

In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o was mentioned in Christian rapper Lecrae's song "Nuthin'" from his album Anomaly and was referenced by Jay-Z in his verse from Jay Electronica's song "We Made It".

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October 2015: "Lupita Nyong'o Day" in Harlem, New York

In October 2015, Lupita Nyong'o appeared on the October issue of Vogue, and Congressman Charles Rangel and Voza Rivers announced that day as officially "Lupita Nyong'o Day" in Harlem, New York.

2015: Mentioned in Sauti Sol's song "Nerea"

In 2015, Lupita Nyong'o was mentioned in the song "Nerea" by Kenyan afro-pop band Sauti Sol.

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October 2016: Vogue Cover and Elle Women in Hollywood Awards

In October 2016, Lupita Nyong'o appeared on Vogue's October cover and was an honouree at the 2016 Elle Women in Hollywood Awards.

January 2017: Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue Cover

In January 2017, Lupita Nyong'o appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue.

October 2017: The Sunday Times Magazine Cover

In October 2017, Lupita Nyong'o appeared on the cover of UK's The Sunday Times Magazine.

November 2017: Grazia UK Magazine Cover and Disappointment

In November 2017, Lupita Nyong'o appeared on the cover of Grazia UK magazine and later expressed her disappointment with the cover for altering her hair.

December 2017: Fourth Vogue Cover

In December 2017, Lupita Nyong'o landed her fourth Vogue cover in a row for the January 2018 issue, making her the first black actress to do so.

January 2018: Vogue Cover Release

In January 2018, Lupita Nyong'o's fourth Vogue cover in a row for the January 2018 issue was released, making her the first black actress to do so.

2019: Mentioned in Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl"

In 2019, Lupita Nyong'o was mentioned in the single "Brown Skin Girl" by Beyoncé from 'The Lion King: The Gift'.

2020: Named One of Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women

In 2020, Lupita Nyong'o was named one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women by Forbes, acknowledging her impact and influence in Africa.

2025: Reflection on Career after 12 Years a Slave

In 2025, Lupita Nyong'o reflected on how '12 Years a Slave' shaped her career and her commitment to changing stereotypes about African representation in film.