2025 NAACP Image Awards: Lupita Nyong’o’s Most Unforgettable Movie Transformations
Lupita Nyong’o doesn’t just act—she becomes the role, giving us performances that stick every time.
From her chilling dual portrayal in “Us” to her warrior spirit in “Black Panther,” the Academy Awards winner has mastered the art of transformation, making every character unforgettable. Her latest role in “A Quiet Place: Day One” is no exception, earning her a well-deserved NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture and a nom for Outstanding Character Voice–Over Performance – Motion Picture for her work on Dreamworks Amination’s “The Wild Robot.”
In celebration of her nominations, we’re revisiting several of her most striking on-screen transformations. And be sure to check out who takes home the honors when the NAACP Image Awards 2025 airs live on February 22, 2025, at 8 PM on BET.
Patsey / 12 Years a Slave
Lupita’s breakout role remains one of her most devastating performances. As Patsey in Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” she delivered a haunting portrayal of an enslaved woman enduring unimaginable cruelty. The performance earned her critical acclaim and the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Nakia / Black Panther
Stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Lupita transformed once again—this time into the fierce and intelligent Wakandan spy, Nakia.
Maz Kanata / Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Even in a galaxy far, far away, Lupita found a way to make an impact as the wise, centuries-old pirate with a mysterious past, Maz Kanata.
This is one of the actress' most unrecognizable transformations yet, portraying Maz through motion capture.
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Adelaide and Red / Us
Lupita gave us a double transformation in Jordan Peele’s 2019 horror film, “Us.” She played both Adelaide Wilson, a protective mother, and her eerie doppelgänger, Red.
With a chillingly raspy voice, unnerving movements, and a haunting gaze, she delivered a horror performance that stands among one of her best to date.
Sam / A Quiet Place: Day One
In her latest transformation, Lupita steps into the horror-thriller world of “A Quiet Place” as Sam, a survivor navigating the terrifying first days of the alien invasion. Despite it mainly being a silent film, the veteran actress delivers yet another riveting performance
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
