Lupita Nyong'o Reflects on Accent Transformation

Lupita Nyong'o reflected on the emotional toll of losing her Kenyan accent to adapt for Hollywood roles in a recent interview on the podcast 'What Now? with Trevor Noah.' Describing the decision as a 'betrayal' to her true self, she explained that her journey began when she attended drama school, aiming to understand her acting instrument and improve her accent skills. Nyong'o expressed that the process involved many nights of grief, as working on her American accent made her feel like she was losing her identity. Despite these challenges, her dedication led to significant roles, including her Oscar-winning performance in '12 Years a Slave' and starring roles in franchises like 'Star Wars' and 'Black Panther.' Nyong'o's story highlights the sacrifices actors often make in pursuit of their careers, showcasing the complexities of cultural identity in the entertainment industry.