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Lupita Nyong’o stole the show last night, and here’s Internet proof

Lupita Nyong'o has inspired the fanartists of the Internet. Let's just hope Hollywood's love lasts past Oscar night.

 

Aja Romano

Internet Culture

Posted on Mar 3, 2014   Updated on May 31, 2021, 4:43 pm CDT

Fandom has been in love with the regal Lupita Nyong’o ever since she won a Golden Globe and the red carpet in her stunning red ballgown.

But last night at the Academy Awards, she left us all speechless. Sporting pleated Prada in a dazzling shade of Nairobi Blue, Nyong’o came bearing words of inspiration. “Your dreams are valid,” she promised, clutching her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Thankfully, the artists of the Internet have summed up how much we love the astonishing 12 Years a Slave actress better than words ever could.

“Just another day in the life of Empress Lupita continuing to slay all your faves,” gushed Tumblr artist asieybarbie as she produced a glowing portrait of Nyong’o clutching the Oscar. Even Disney artists got in on the action, churning out gorgeous pieces of fanart that made their way across the Internet.

Illustration by sama-ma/Tumblr

Illustration by Gyimah Gariba / Facebook

Illustration by Anonymous/ Tumblr

Illustration by Papa Oppong/Instagram

 

Illustration by beckhop/deviantART

Then there’s the question: Is Lupita Nyong’o actually a Disney Princess?

Illustration by sn1ckerdoodled/Tumblr

All signs point to yes:
 

Illustration by sn1ckerdoodled/Tumblr

Photo via Prima Piranha/Instagram

Photo via vh1/Tumblr

Screengrab via books–are–the–best–weapons/Tumblr

Photo via gloperation/Instagram

Photo via holamelissah/Tumblr

We think Lupita wore it better than all of the other comers, of course. (Sorry, Tiana!) There’s no doubt that last night was a fairy tale come true. But Lupita Nyong’o’s win was more than just a dream: It was an important win for representative media. Tumblr artist 0ddjobs depicted Nyong’o as a personal inspiration to her after the win last night, painting herself as a small girl looking up to Nyong’o as an example:

Illustration by 0ddjobs/Tumblr

 

Pay attention, Hollywood: This is what a real film princess looks like.

Hopefully the Internet’s outpouring of love and support will help to give Nyong’o the post-Oscar career bump she deserves, so that she can continue to inspire us all.

Illustration by Papa Oppong/Instagram

 

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*First Published: Mar 3, 2014, 4:04 pm CST