Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of a young enslaved woman named Patsey in the film 12 Years a Slave is already garnering her buzz as the breakthrough actress of the year. New York Magazine called hers “the most arresting acting debut in recent memory.”
In our sit-down with Nyong’o she described a very personal connection to Patsey. “She’s an incredible woman and she undergoes and withstands a lot of pain and I was awestruck by her.
“I wanted to that character justice and represent her with dignity and agency as best as I could and I hope I do that,” said Nyong’o holding back her tears.
Watch above as Alfre Woodard comforts Nyong’o without even saying a word—don’t you just love that about their connection?
12 Years a Slave opens nationwide in theaters next Friday, October 18.
Reporting by Cori Murray