Kenyan Actress Lupita Nyong’o Bags Her First Hollywood Award (Photos)

Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o, currently one of Hollywood’s heavy-hitters, Monday night attended the 17th annual Hollywood Film Festival at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, where all eyes were on her.

The 30-year-old Kenyan-born actress and filmmaker received the New Hollywood Award for her performance in 12 Years A Slave, introduced by Angela Bassett. In her acceptance speech, Lupita was emotional but full of gratitude and humility.

Wiping tears from her face she said, ”As you can tell, I’m a bit overwhelmed by this … But I’m so honored.”

The other two of the leading ladies of the night, Julia Roberts won the Support Actress Award for August: Osage County while Sandra Bullock took home the Actress Award for Gravity) for their work in this year’s films.

Here are some photos from that;

Hollywood Film Festival bridges the gap between established Hollywood and the global creative community, while providing an avenue of discovery for emerging filmmakers.

Photos courtesy