11/12/2023 - From 15-25 February 2024, the renowned, Oscar-winning Kenyan-Mexican actor, director, producer and author will take on the prestigious role at the German gathering

In recent years, Lupita Nyong'o has become one of the most prominent international actors, captivating audiences and earning widespread acclaim from film critics, particularly after her breakthrough performance in Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave [+see also:
trailer
making of
interview: Michael Fassbender
film profile], for which she secured the 2014 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has now been announced as the chair of the International Jury at the 2024 Berlinale.

The directors of the German gathering, Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian, stated: “Lupita Nyong'o embodies what we like in cinema: versatility in embracing different projects, addressing different audiences, and remaining consistent with one idea that is quite recognisable in her characters, as diverse as they may appear. We are happy and proud that she has accepted our invitation to be the jury president of the 74th Berlinale.”

Following the announcement, Lupita Nyong'o shared, “I am deeply honoured to serve as the president of the International Jury at the Berlin International Film Festival. I look forward to celebrating and recognising the outstanding work of filmmakers from around the world.”

Born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, Nyong'o spent her formative years in Kenya before pursuing Film and Theatre Studies at Hampshire College in the United States. Initially involved in various film productions in the USA, she returned to Kenya and made her directorial and writing debut with her film In My Genes in 2009. After completing her studies at the Yale School of Drama, she embarked on her acting career, achieving a breakthrough with her award-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave. This pivotal role not only earned her an Oscar, but also enabled her to garner recognition through accolades such as the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Critics' Choice Award, the Independent Spirit Award and the NAACP Image Award.

In 2018, Nyong'o made her mark as the warrior Nakia in Marvel's Black Panther, reprising the role in its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her impressive filmography includes successful movies like Us, Little Monsters, Queen of Katwe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The 355. As for upcoming titles, she is set to appear in the horror franchise spin-off series A Quiet Place: Day One. Beyond her film career, Nyong'o actively engages in Broadway productions and achieved acclaim for Sulwe, a children's book released in 2020, which secured a spot on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Currently, Nyong'o is preparing for a podcast focused on non-fictional storytelling from the African diaspora, alongside developing a series adapted from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s renowned work, Americanah. Recently, she served as an executive producer for the Sudanese film Goodbye Julia [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Mohamed Kordofani
film profile], marking Mohamed Kordofani's directorial debut. Notably, the film received recognition from the Sudanese National Committee, operating in exile, as a contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.