First time nominee, Lupita Nyong’o, was one of the big winners at the 86th Academy Awards last night in Hollywood. The “12 Years a Slave” actress stunned on the red carpet in a powder blue custom Prada gown with flowing pleated skirt and plunging back and front, which many praised for having a Disney Cinderella like quality.
The 31-year-old Kenyan has been a sharp dresser throughout the award season, frequently receiving props from the tough fashion critics for gowns and appearance. Nyong’o used her time in the spotlight wisely to stir up interest for future roles, magazine covers, and modeling contracts.
Then to top it off, Nyong’o won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance as the abused slave Pastey in the acclaimed historical drama, “12 Years a Slave.” In her emotional acceptance speech Nyong’o said:
“Yes! Thank you to the Academy for this incredible recognition. 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. 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. Steve McQueen, you charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you so much for putting me in this position. This has 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.” See the full text of Nyong’o’s speech here.
The Wrap has more on how Nyong’o stole the show on Oscar night.