In Hollywood, there is still a disparity between white and non-white representation

Lupita Nyong’o, an actress, says she wants to perform a variety of characters to show “what a person of my color, race, and ethnicity can be on the inside.”

Being a Black performer, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o says she is choosy in the parts she chooses and the films she collaborates with.

“While we still live in a period when there is a disparity between white and non-white representation, I believe I am cognizant of the importance of the responsibilities that I play [when it comes to selecting the correct projects].” Nyong’o, who has previously spoken out on colorism, representation, and diversity in Hollywood, says, “I do consider what they add to a greater discourse and a wider story.”

“I am really determined to retain the creativity in my trade and therefore I don’t see it as an obligation,” the 38-year-old says. It’s more like, what opportunities do I have to contribute to the greater story?”

Nyong’o has been in a number of films, including 12 Years a Slave (2013), Queen of Katwe (2016), Black Panther (2018), Us (2019), and the 355. She says she wants to play a variety of characters in order to show “what a person of my color, race, and ethnicity may be on the inside.”

And the Kenyan-Mexican actress says that she never feels obligated to “always play the nice guy.” In the United States, I portrayed one or two heinous characters. It’s only necessary to add color to color.”

Nyong’o applauds the current discussions about representation and diversity, as well as a better position for women in films, which she says has aided her career from the start.

“I’m pleased by the increase in female representation behind the camera, in terms of who’s producing, who’s running the studios, and so on.” That is where the alteration has the most impact on what takes place in front of the camera. We have Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey…. I believe there is a shift taking place. “It’s definitely encouraging,” she concludes.