Photo: Getty Images
I have a thing for unlikely success stories. I like people who defy the odds, don’t follow the crowd. That may have something to do with why I — like the rest of the world — am currently enthralled with Lupita Nyong’o, who just won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “12 Years a Slave.”
First off, she’s stunning. I know, I know, it’s not all about looks. But come ON. That striking face, that glowing skin, that regal posture… not to mention her impeccable fashion sense. Check out this graphic: the United Colors of Lupita.
I also like the fact that she has an unusual name. Haven’t we all heard stories about actors who were coerced into changing their names? I just read that actress Marg Helgenberger started out as a weather girl on the local news in Nebraska, and they made her change her name to Margi McCarty. Do you think we’ll see a surge of babies named Lupita now?
Plus, Nyong’o has a crazy-interesting background. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a Mexican-Kenyan before! Born in Mexico City, raised in Kenya, her father is a Kenyan senator and her mother is the managing director of the Africa Cancer Foundation. She is fluent in her native Luo, English, Swahili and Spanish. The second of six children, she brought her brother Junior as her date to the Oscars. Did you catch her touching, eloquent acceptance speech? The best of the night, IMO. With Jared Leto’s running a close second. (A shout-out to Mom always gets me!)
She hardly qualifies as an unlikely success story or an overnight success, of course, given that she graduated from Yale School of Drama and has written and directed her own documentary, among other film credits.
Sorry to go all fan-girl on you. It’s just refreshing to see some new faces and new talent, don’t you think? Aren’t you sick of seeing Meryl Streep get all the awards? (No offense, Meryl. Well deserved. Carry on!) Especially new talent that’s so well dressed. This was one of my favorite Oscar fashion recaps, BTW, by an 8-year-old girl. Her Anne Hathaway commentary is priceless!
Did you watch the Oscars? Do you have a fan crush on anyone?
QUOTE O’ THE DAY: “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. Thank you.” – Lupita Nyong’o
LINK O’ THE DAY: The 2014 Academy Awards proved to be the Year of the Mom. Check out this photo gallery of 10 Working Moms Who Ruled the Oscars.
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