Lupita Nyong'o's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Lupita Nyong'o.

Lupita Nyong'o is a highly acclaimed actress recognized for her exceptional talent and versatility. She has earned prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Furthermore, she has been nominated for two British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award, highlighting her significant contributions and impact across film, television, and theatre. Her work has received widespread critical acclaim and she is considered one of the most talented performers of her generation.

Sections (5)

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

2011: Won Herschel Williams Prize

During the 2011-12 academic year, Lupita Nyong'o won the Herschel Williams Prize for acting students with outstanding ability while at Yale.

2014: Named "The Most Beautiful Woman" by People and face of Lancôme

In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o was chosen as one of the faces for Miu Miu's spring campaign and named "The Most Beautiful Woman" by People. Also in 2014, she became the new face of Lancôme, the first black woman to represent the brand.

2014: Named Most Beautiful Woman

In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o was named the most beautiful woman by People magazine.

October 2015: "Lupita Nyong'o Day" in Harlem

In October 2015, Congressman Charles Rangel and Voza Rivers announced that the day is officially "Lupita Nyong'o Day" in Harlem, New York, during an open discussion between Lupita Nyong'o and Michaela Angela Davis.

May 2016: Honoured with a caricature portrait at Sardi's

In May 2016, Lupita Nyong'o was honoured with a caricature portrait at Sardi's restaurant in New York City to celebrate her Broadway debut.

October 2016: Appeared on Vogue cover and honored at Elle Women in Hollywood Awards

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

2016: Nominated for Awards for Star Wars Role

In 2016, Lupita Nyong'o was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 42nd Saturn Awards and Best Virtual Performance at the MTV Movie Awards for her role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

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2016: Honored for work with Mother Health International

In 2016, Variety honored Lupita Nyong'o for her work with Mother Health International, an organization that provides relief to women and children in Uganda by creating locally engaged birthing centers.

December 2017: Landed 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 achieve this.

January 2018: Appeared on her fourth Vogue cover

In January 2018, Nyong'o appeared on her fourth Vogue cover in a row, making her the first black actress to achieve this feat.

June 2018: Honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In June 2018, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that Lupita Nyong'o would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

October 2018: Honoured in Elle magazine's "Women in Hollywood" issue

In October 2018, Lupita Nyong'o was a two-time honouree in Elle magazine's "Women in Hollywood" issue, alongside her Black Panther co-stars Danai Gurira and Angela Bassett.

2019: Hollywood Walk of Fame Honoree

In 2019, Lupita Nyong'o was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

March 2020: Listed among Africa's "50 Most Powerful Women" by Forbes

In March 2020, Lupita Nyong'o was featured on Africa's "50 Most Powerful Women" list by Forbes.

2020: Named One of Africa's Most Powerful Women

In 2020, Lupita Nyong'o was named one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women by Forbes.

2020: Won Emmy Award for Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices

In 2020, Nyong'o won the Outstanding Limited Performance in a Children's Program category at the 48th Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for her involvement in Netflix's television series, Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices.

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2020: Awards for Sulwe

In 2020, Sulwe was selected for the 2020 Illustrator Honor at the Coretta Scott King Awards and won for Outstanding Literary Work – Children at the 2020 NAACP Image Awards.

2020: Nomination for "Melanin" at the BET Awards

Lupita Nyong'o was featured on singer Ciara's song "Melanin" in 2019, and in 2020, "Melanin" was nominated for the Her Award at the BET Awards.

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2021: Involvement in Super Sema, Romeo y Julieta, Who Are You, Charlie Brown?, and Serengeti

In 2021, Lupita Nyong'o partnered with Kukua for Super Sema, starred in Romeo y Julieta, narrated Who Are You, Charlie Brown?, and reprised her narration role in Serengeti. She also won an Emmy for her work in Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices in 2020.

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2024: Exposure therapy for cat phobia for movie role

In 2024, Lupita Nyong'o underwent exposure therapy to overcome her lifelong fear of cats for her role in the film A Quiet Place: Day One. She adopted her own pet cat, named Yoyo after enjoying working with cats.

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