The acclaimed Kenyan-Mexican actress, director, producer, and author Lupita Nyong'o has been announced as the President of the International Jury for the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. Since her Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in "12 Years a Slave" (directed by Steve McQueen) in 2014, Nyong'o has become a leading figure in the international film community, earning admiration from both audiences and critics.
Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian, directors of the Berlinale, have expressed their excitement and pride in Nyong'o's acceptance to head the jury, highlighting her versatility, audience engagement, and the distinct quality evident in her diverse roles. In response, Nyong'o expressed her deep honor at the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the exceptional talent of filmmakers globally.
Nyong'o, born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents and raised in Kenya, pursued Film and Theatre Studies at Hampshire College in the USA, initially working on various film productions in the USA. Her first film, "In My Genes," which she produced, directed, and wrote, was released in 2009 after returning to Kenya. Following further studies at the Yale School of Drama, Nyong'o embarked on her acting career, achieving critical acclaim with "12 Years a Slave," and receiving multiple awards including an Oscar, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a NAACP Image Award.
Nyong'o's notable performances include her role as Nakia in Marvel's "Black Panther" and its sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," as well as leading roles in "Us," "Little Monsters," "Queen of Katwe," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and "The 355." Upcoming projects include a role in the horror series "A Quiet Place: Day One." Alongside her film career, Nyong'o is active in Broadway and penned the children's book “Sulwe,” a New York Times Best Seller.
Currently, Nyong'o is working on a podcast about non-fictional stories from the African diaspora and developing a series based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Americanah.” She also recently served as the executive producer for the Sudanese film "Goodbye Julia," directed by Mohamed Kordofani, which has been selected to compete for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards by the Sudanese National Committee in exile.