Lupita Nyong'o: The Price of Hollywood Success

Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o reveals the emotional toll of suppressing her Kenyan accent for Hollywood roles.

Losing a piece of herself for the silver screen

Lupita Nyong'o, the Kenyan-Mexican actress who won an Oscar for her supporting role in "12 Years a Slave," has spoken out about the emotional toll of suppressing her Kenyan accent for Hollywood roles.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Nyong'o said that she "cried herself to sleep" after losing her Kenyan accent for her role in the 2013 film "The Butler." She said that she felt like she was "losing a piece of herself" when she had to speak in a different accent.

Nyong'o's experience is not unique. Many actors from non-English-speaking countries have had to suppress their accents in order to land roles in Hollywood films. This can be a difficult and emotionally taxing experience, as it can lead to feelings of self-denial and inauthenticity.

The importance of authenticity

For Nyong'o, authenticity is paramount. She believes that actors should be able to bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to their roles, and that this includes speaking in their own accents.

"I think it's important for actors to be able to bring their own authenticity to their roles," Nyong'o said. "And that includes speaking in their own accents. It's a part of who they are, and it's a part of what makes their performances so unique."

Nyong'o's comments have sparked a wider conversation about the importance of authenticity in Hollywood. Many actors and filmmakers have spoken out in support of Nyong'o, and have called for an end to the practice of forcing actors to suppress their accents.

A changing industry

The film industry is slowly but surely changing. In recent years, there have been more and more roles for actors from non-English-speaking countries, and there has been a greater acceptance of different accents.

This is a positive development, and it is one that Nyong'o has been fighting for. She believes that the film industry should be more inclusive, and that actors should be able to bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to their roles, no matter what their accent is.

The future of Hollywood

The future of Hollywood is bright. The film industry is becoming more inclusive, and there is a greater acceptance of different accents.

This is a positive development, and it is one that will benefit both actors and audiences alike.