Less than a year ago, hardly anyone knew who
"It was exciting and just a major, major compliment," the 31-year-old actress said of the honor, adding, "I was happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen."
The People cover marks the latest in a series of triumphs that are shaping up as perhaps the most meteoric rise to stardom in recent memory.
Born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents and raised in Nairobi, Nyong'o graduated from the Yale School of Drama and was was still an unknown when she was cast in
Nyong'o would go on to collect nominations for Golden Globe and BAFTA acting honors, and to win best supporting actress at the
She navigated the awards circuit with aplomb, turning heads with flawless red-carpet looks and charming audiences with heartfelt acceptance speeches. She even made it into
Since her "12 Years" breakout and Oscar win, Nyong'o has appeared in only one other film, the
She reportedly met with "
Nyong'o has been has been very deliberate in choosing her next move, and in doing so follows in the footsteps of fellow rising stars
Even so, Nyong'o has been highly visible of late, stopping by the
Earlier this week, she signed with Creative Artists Agency, where she will be represented by Hylda Queally. Queally also represents such high-profile foreign actresses as
In other words, don't be surprised if Nyongo's name starts popping up in more high-profile projects very soon.
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