As a longtime admirer of Lupita Nyong’o‘s talent and grace, I was deeply moved by her heartfelt words at the BFI London Film Festival event. Her emotional connection to Chadwick Boseman and their shared experience in Black Panther is palpable, and it’s a testament to the strong bonds that can be forged on set.
At a BFI London Film Festival gathering on Monday, Lupita Nyong’o discussed her evolution as a horror movie regular (a self-proclaimed “scream queen”) and managing her ongoing sadness following the passing of Chadwick Boseman.
Actress Lupita Nyong’o, recognized for her performances in “12 Years a Slave”, “A Quiet Place: Day One” and “Black Panther” alongside Boseman, appeared at a Screen Talk event on Monday as she publicized her latest project, the film “The Wild Robot“.
When I first saw a scene featuring my character alongside Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa in Black Panther (2018), a Marvel film, I found myself speechless and overwhelmed by emotion. After a moment, I shared that I haven’t revisited the movie since his passing due to colon cancer at the age of 43 in 2020. “The pain is the testament to the love,” I said softly. I respectfully declined moving on to the next clip, explaining, “No, no… I don’t wish to escape the tears or the sorrow. One simply learns to coexist with it. That shared experience shall forever be intertwined with the affection that was born.
She went on to say, “Watching this video leaves me heartbroken, unsure if I’ll stop crying over the loss of my friend. Yet, I find myself thinking, at least we get to see him alive. And that’s just amazing.
She praised the response to the 2018 movie, noting that the affection and welcome surpassed what the actors and filmmakers had anticipated. “There was certainly apprehension, particularly from the executives… Marvel was a bit nervous!” she chuckled, further commenting, “We were too because we thought, we only get one chance to do this. We have to get it right.” However, it “completely debunked the notion that Black stories don’t resonate.
Previously during the celebration, it was Daniel Kaluuya, who co-starred with Black Panther, who also shared thoughts on Boseman’s legacy and his influential role on set.
During the BFI London Film Festival (LFF), Lupita Nyong’o becomes emotional upon viewing a clip of her and Chadwick Boseman from Black Panther. She explained that since his passing in 2020, she has not watched this footage again. Her sentiment was, “The pain is the proof of my love, and I have nowhere to channel it.
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 14, 2024
Subsequently, the discussion shifted towards Lupita Nyong’o’s roles in horror films such as “Little Monsters”, “Us” directed by Jordan Peele, and the latest sequel of “A Quiet Place” alongside Joseph Quinn. She expressed, “I genuinely enjoy frightening others more than being frightened myself.” She clarified, “I don’t actively seek out horror, but I do believe that horror movies provide ample opportunities to act. … They enable you to express emotions that are typically suppressed: anger, fear, anxiety. That’s what makes acting in them so appealing.
Apart from discussing her “fear of failure” and the concern about being stereotyped following her 2014 Oscar win for her first professional role in “12 Years a Slave“, she also expressed worry over what path her career should take next, as she felt she had reached the peak, having come straight from Yale drama school. “This is the height of success in people’s careers,” she said, “and I wondered where I was supposed to go from here.
“Prior to attending drama school, I’d never taken the time to watch the Oscars. It seemed distant and unreal. The year after I attended the Academy Awards, I was lounging in my pajamas, watching the ceremony on TV. It felt incredibly strange.
Since I had been prepared for the challenge, I found it hard to relax when my debut role brought unexpectedly numerous chances, making me feel a bit tense.
Emma Thompson, the esteemed British actress, was the one who inspired her to resume her career on stage after she completed Star Wars: The Force Awakens. During her time in London working on the film, they had grown quite close. One evening at dinner, Thompson listened as she expressed her desire to return to theater. She admitted that everyone was urging her to capitalize on the moment and seek a leading role in a major blockbuster movie, but she felt more drawn to rekindle her connection with her craft in the theater world. Emma, understanding her sentiments, encouraged her to follow her passion.
She was the one who motivated me and suggested I pursue what my heart truly desired. She urged me to trust my instincts, saying ‘The industry will be waiting for you when you’re ready to move forward.’ She shared her story of taking time off to start a family, despite some people advising against it. Yet, she thrived. Her words greatly boosted my courage and self-assurance, inspiring me to return to theater.
The BFI London Film Festival runs from Oct. 9-20.
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2024-10-14 17:54