Lupita Nyong’o Explains Her Decision to Decline Roles Portraying Slavery for a Meaningful Cause
Lupita Nyong’o reveals her powerful stance on rejecting slavery roles in Hollywood for a greater purpose.
In a recent interview, Lupita Nyong’o, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor known for her role in 12 Years A Slave, revealed a compelling decision that has sparked conversations in the industry. Nyong’o sheds light on her choice to decline roles portraying slavery, citing a significant and poignant reason behind her stance.
This revelation comes as a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by Black actors in Hollywood and the impact of stereotypical casting practices. Join us as we delve into Nyong’o's insightful perspective on the complexities of representation in the film industry.
Lupita Nyong’o Redefining Hollywood Roles Through Purposeful Choices
Lupita Nyong’o, whose career skyrocketed after her breakthrough role in the critically acclaimed film 12 Years A Slave, continues to challenge Hollywood norms by deliberately opting out of roles that depict slavery.
Her decision underscores a deep-rooted commitment to reshaping narratives and advocating for diverse and empowering portrayals of Black characters in cinema.
The Role of Representation
Dr. Michelle Jones, a cultural critic and author, emphasizes that representation in media significantly impacts societal perceptions of race and identity. She notes that actors like Lupita Nyong'o, who refuse stereotypical roles, challenge harmful narratives that perpetuate systemic racism.
According to Dr. Jones, when prominent figures decline roles that reinforce negative stereotypes, it prompts industry-wide reflection and encourages the creation of stories that celebrate diverse experiences. This shift can lead to more nuanced portrayals, ultimately fostering a healthier cultural dialogue around race.
Nyong'o's Breakthrough: First Hollywood Film, First Oscar
Nyong’o won her first Academy Award for the very first Hollywood film that she had acted in 12 Years A Slave.
Speaking in an interview about the film and the award, the Kenyan actor says: “It really did set the pace for everything I’ve done since.”
Oscar Winner Typecasted: Struggles with Role Offers
In the interview with Inside Africa, the 42-year-old explained that after the lead role in the movie, she would have expected to get offers for other lead roles, but instead she was typecasted with role offers of more slave roles after winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Sadly, this is something many Black actors can relate to - being typecasted for race trauma-based roles.
Navigating Hollywood Post-Academy Award: Struggles and Realities
“After I’d won that Academy award, you’d would think oh I’m going to get lead roles here and there.
“'Oh, Lupita we’d like you to play another movie where you’re a slave but this time you're on a slave ship…' Those of the kind of offers I was getting in the months after winning my Academy Award.”
Breaking Stereotypes: Black Actors and Hollywood Representation
Black actors have long voiced concerns about being typecasted into roles that negatively perpetuate stereotypes. In an interview with GQ in 2021, actor Will Smith said: “I’ve always avoided making films about slavery.” He continues: “I didn’t want to show Black people in that light.
Emancipation is the first and only movie he has done around slavery in 2022 out of his lengthy career.
Navigating Career Speculations Post-Movie Success
She explained that the experience also led to think pieces about whether it was the end of her career following the movie.
“I had to deafen myself to all those pontificators because at the end of the day I’m not a theory. I’m an actual person.”
Embracing Change: Rejecting Stereotypical Roles in Hollywood
Explaining why she no longer accepts slave roles, she says: “I like to be a joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African. And if that means I work one job less a year to ensure I’m not perpetuating the stereotypes that are expected of people from my continent then let me do that.”
Now an accomplished actor, Nyong’o has played roles in a myriad of films including Marvel’s Black Panther, Star Wars The Force Awakens and more films across various genres.
Multicultural Background of Lupita Nyong'o
Nyong’o was born in Mexico but raised in Kenya where her heritage is from.
She has US, Mexican and Kenyan citizenship which alone reflects the myraid of experiences she has in her life.
Industry experts suggest that filmmakers should prioritize diverse storytelling to move beyond traditional narratives that depict slavery in a one-dimensional light. By collaborating with a wider range of writers and creators, the industry can explore themes of resilience, joy, and complexity in Black history.
Such an approach not only honors the depth of the culture but also aligns with audience demand for more authentic narratives. As cultural critics have noted, embracing a broader perspective can energize the industry and attract diverse audiences.
Clinical Perspective & Next Steps
Lupita Nyong'o's decision to decline roles portraying slavery is a pivotal moment in Hollywood that underscores the importance of representation and choice for actors of color. Experts agree that this kind of refusal can catalyze change, urging the industry to re-examine the stories it chooses to tell.
Emphasizing diverse narratives not only enriches cinematic experiences but also fosters a more inclusive cultural landscape. Ultimately, the industry must adapt to reflect the complexity and diversity of Black experiences, paving the way for a more equitable future in storytelling.
