Lupita Nyong’o Then & Now: See Photos of the Actress Over the Years

From her breakout in ’12 Years a Slave’ to Marvel’s ‘Black Panther,’ see photos of Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o through the years.

Lupita Nyong’o has become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and stylish stars. Born in Mexico City and raised in Kenya, Lupita rose to international fame with her breakthrough role in 12 Years a Slave, earning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2014. Her powerful debut performance immediately established her as one of the industry’s most compelling talents.

Following her Oscar win, Lupita built an impressive and diverse filmography. She starred as Nakia in Marvel’s Black Panther and its sequel, delivered a chilling dual performance in Us, and appeared in projects ranging from Star Wars: The Force Awakens to critically acclaimed indie films and voice roles.

In recent years, Lupita has also been open about her health. In 2024, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and underwent surgery. On her 43rd birthday in March 2026, she shared a powerful Instagram post holding 77 pieces of fruit — symbolizing the 77 fibroids she has endured — to raise awareness about the condition. She has since launched the #MakeFibroidsCount campaign, advocating for increased research funding and better treatment options, particularly highlighting how fibroids disproportionately affect Black women. Her candid discussion has resonated widely and added another layer to her public advocacy work.

From her early red carpet appearances to her latest premieres and advocacy efforts, see how Lupita Nyong’o has evolved over the years in the gallery below.

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