Never would I say that I’m a movie buff. I have never been one to say, “let’s go to the movies”. It used to confuse people at work. They wondered how I could work in entertainment and not be movie crazy. I dunno. Movie ignorance aside, I caught part of the Oscars last night. I had to. Having not seen any of the movies, I still had my picks for who I wanted to win a few awards. At the top of that list was Lupita Nyong’o.
I had seen so much of her and heard about her amazing performance. Then, of course, there was her amazing fashion.
By all accounts, the girl could do no wrong. I was already #teamLupita based on those things and some of her interviews that I’d seen but her acceptance speech at the Essence Women in Hollywood event took all that over the top.
She spoke about her struggle to accept her skin tone and her realization that she’s beautiful just the way she is – inside and out. Yes, I watched this speech and got all teary eyed.
And then last night totally took it to a whole other level. When Lupita won the Oscar for best supporting actress, I cried! When I listened to her speech, I almost went into the ugly cry. I cried because of her story. It’s not some total tragedy. It’s just real. I cried because, I could relate to her story. She needed validation from someone other than her mother that she was beautiful. She found that in Alek Wek. For me, it was Whitney Houston. I cried because of her humility through this incredible ride. Her rise in the industry is nothing short of a fairy tale and she certainly looked the part.
But listening to her speak of her gratitude for those that came before her and her acknowledgement of the girls who are undoubtely watching her every move was priceless. Her parting words to them: “No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid!” Yes! That is t-shirt worthy! Needless to say, I’ve gone from #teamLupita to #CaptainofTeamLupita. Her winning the award was made even sweeter because the beauty she carries on the outside is obviously a reflection of what’s inside.
After I dried my tears… this performance is the best description of what I felt…
9 Comments on Lupita, Lupita, Lupita
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Beautiful speech! I love every single word from her. I know I live under a rock (and don’t watch TV as much) because this was the first time that I heard her speech, but it made it all the sweeter! Thank you for sharing this!
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I did not watch the awards but I heard she won. She is so beautiful and she is giving darkskinned girls a boost of confidence because black is beautiful.
I love her. I’m pretty sure I heard a collective gasp and shout where I live because she went here for undergrad. She eventually went to Yale for her acting and whatnot, but she’s a western Mass girl for undergrad life!
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She did look beautiful and such an inspiring woman and speech!
Cam, if you’re captain of team Lupita, I’m vice captain! I know my FB friends must have been getting sick of me posting all things Lupita on my page, but she represents me, and so many others who have struggled to be accepted due to our dark hue. And she does it with grace, dignity, and integrity. May her star continue to rise, and may she never be sullied by the fame monster.
“#CaptainofTeamLupita” – LOVE it! Now you just have to go see the movie 😉
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Yes say her name again…I’m smitten too! I wish her nothing but ongoing success and she is so articulate and classy doing it!!!
she is so gorgeous!
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That speech brought me to tears. I loved it. Every minute of it. #TeamLupita
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