15 Reasons Why We’re Crushing on Lupita Nyong’o Right Now

Last month, People Magazine named Lupita as “Most Beautiful Woman of 2014” and we are behind this 100%. Lupita is not only shockingly gorgeous, but she is dazzling. Everything about her emanates beauty, happiness, and fulfillment, which makes sense, since Lupita has achieved an incredible amount, and there is so much more to come. She’s not only a brilliant award-winning actress, but she’s a social icon. Winning the title of “Most Beautiful Woman” transcends physical beauty and says so much for girls of color who are underrepresented in media. “I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen,” Lupita said. For this, we adore her even more. Here are ten reasons why Lupita Nyong’o is worthy of all our infinite love:

1. She’s an incredible actress

Duh, right? Lupita nails it in 12 Years a Slave as the heartbreaking Patsey. She won the 2014 Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as an Oscar. Even Jennifer Lawrence (who was in the running to win Best Supporting Actress) voted for Lupita. Jen said, “It’s beautiful when you watch something good happen to somebody when it’s well deserved.” That it was.

2. Not only that, but she’s a filmmaker, too

In 2009, Lupita wrote, directed, and produced the documentary My Genes, which exposes the treatment of Kenya’s albino population.

3. She got her Masters in drama at Yale

Lupita is not only talented, she’s also an Ivy League genius. She went to Yale for Drama Studies, and while she was in school she starred in the production of The Taming of the Shrew and The Winter’s Tale.

4. She has a killer sense of style

Girl is a natural when it comes to fashion, that’s for sure. Vogue named her one of the Top Ten Rising Style Stars of 2014. Lupita offers, “Fashion is a newer area for me. I love clean lines and bold colours, and mixing feminine with masculine silhouettes.”

5. I mean, just her dress at the Golden Globes alone.

6. Lupita rocks the short hair

Her hair isn’t a statement; it’s an assertion of practicality. When she was 19, Lupita shaved her head because she “got fed up of going to the hair salon.” She wanted a style that was less time-consuming so she could get more work done.

7. She knows like, every single language.

She is fluent in Luo, English, Spanish, Swahili, and basic Italian. So maybe not every single language, but pretty close.

8. She loves Orange is the New Black JUST LIKE US.

Here at Hellogiggles, we cannot contain our excitement about Orange is the New Black. Lupita has also expressed her enthusiasm, and let us know that she has marked her calendar for the June 6th premiere.

9. Ralph Fiennes was a big part of her pursuit in acting

Yup. The Dark Lord gave her a thumbs up. When she was in school, she worked as a production assistant for The Constant Gardner (as well as The Namesake), and it was on set where she met Ralph Fiennes, who told her “If there’s something else you want to do, do that. Only act if you feel you can’t live without it.” Clearly, acting is in Lupita’s blood.

10. Her family is a force to be reckoned with

Her ENTIRE family is super accomplished and prolific. Her father is a Kenyan Senator, her mother is the head of the Africa Cancer Foundation, and her cousin Isis made the Forbes list of Most Powerful African Women.

11. She just seems like sweetest person, ever.

There is something remarkably amiable and charming about Lupita. She’s always wearing this infectious, genuine smile, and she’s never ashamed of taking celebrity selfies.

12. Her best friend is her brother

Peter Nyong’o was her date for the Oscars! There’s nothing cuter than sibling love.

13. She uses her fame for a good cause

After she produced her documentary, In My Genes, she starred in a Kenyan television series, Shuga, which examines sexual relationships in Nairobi. Its goal was to educate teenagers about safe sex and promote HIV awareness.

14. Lupita is beautiful inside and out

People Magazine named her as “Most Beautiful Person for 2014” and I cannot agree more. And it’s not just because she’s stylish and physically gorgeous; she radiates strength and determination. She’s such an important role model for all of us. Furthermore, there are not enough women of color in the media, and it’s refreshing to see Hollywood start to include some diversity. Lupita stated, “I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful. I put on the TV and only saw pale skin. I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin.” Lupita’s popularity sends a message for all girls who have felt marginalized at any point of their lives, or discriminated against. Let’s keep it up, Hollywood.

15. Can we just take a moment to appreciate Lupita’s flawless bold lip?

Behold:

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