New York, New York (April 4, 2014)—Maison Lancôme is delighted to announce Academy award winning actress Lupita Nyong’o as its new brand ambassadress.

Lupita Nyong’o New Lancôme Ambassadress

With her instinctive and sophisticated talent and one of a kind beauty, both delicate and exuding strength, 31-year-old Lupita Nyong’o has taken the world by storm. She received an Academy Award in the category of “Best Supporting Actress” for her moving portrayal of Patsey in Steve McQueen’s acclaimed film 12 Years a Slave–making her the fourth Academy Award winning Lancôme ambassadress. Her performance also won her many other prestigious awards worldwide, including the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Independent Spirit Award, NAACP Award, as well as the 2013 Hollywood Film Awards’ “New Hollywood Award.”

Lupita Nyong’o, a recent graduate from the Yale School of Drama, has an eclectic artistic repertoire, having performed on stage as well as having directed the award-winning feature-length documentary, In My Genes, about the reality of living with albinism in Kenya. She was recently seen in the action thriller Non-Stop, opposite Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore. The Mexican-born, Kenyan actress is an outstanding example of a natural beauty. Confident and simply true to herself, she embraces life with freshness, citing happiness as the most attractive form of radiance.

“I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman’s freedom to be herself,” confided Lupita Nyong’o. Joining Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz, and the recently appointed young actress Lily Collins, Lupita Nyong’o will be seen this summer in campaigns shot by star photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

“Both talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices, Lupita is by essence the Lancôme woman.” stated Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International. “A strikingly beautiful and intelligent woman, serenely but strongly living her life her own way, Lupita has this special kind of aura both enlightening and deep.”

Xavier Vey, President of Lancôme USA added, “Lupita’s authentic inner and outer beauty, her exquisite grace, and true confidence represent today’s modern woman. Having Lupita as a Lancôme ambassadress will help support our mission in the U.S. market which is to speak to all women. Her rising star status is like a blooming rose; she is elegant and has an undeniable brilliance.” (Via: Lancôme)