Few people in young Hollywood are as thoughtful or well-spoken as Amandla Stenberg. The 20-year-old actress, who made her debut as Rue in 2012's The Hunger Games, has spent the last seven years building an impressive résumé, both as an actress and as an activist.
Speaking to ABC News about her recent film, The Hate U Give, Stenberg said:
"I felt like I could relate on a lot of different levels in terms of being biracial and kind of always existing in between in some ways. But then also I had a really similar parallel. I grew up in South Los Angeles, but I went to a school across town that was mostly white and privileged. And so I was waking up in a black neighborhood, but then going to school and being around kids who didn’t really have any way of conceptualizing what my community was or what it felt to be black."
Her most recent role, in the period drama Where Hands Touch, has been met with controversy over its subject matter (it's a love story about an interracial girl in Nazi Germany who falls in love with a member of the Hitler Youth), but Stenberg's performance has been widely praised.
The actress defended the project during a 2018 interview with Variety. "I think it's challenging for people to conceive of a story about the Holocaust that is not centered around the Jewish experience, but the experience of someone else," she said. "But I think what the movie does really beautifully is it demonstrates what happens with these tricky intersections of identity and how we still continue to be human and love and be loved, despite that."
True to form, she's not letting the controversial reaction to her latest project keep her in hiding. Stenberg stepped out last night for W Magazine's celebration of its "Best Performances" Portfolio and the Golden Globes in Los Angeles last night.
Stenberg wore a stunning black crop-top and a flowing white skirt, accessorizing the look with a black and silver bag. When she had to venture outside, she covered up with a casual denim jacket.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Amandla Stenberg Comes Out as Gay—"Not Bi, Not Pan"—in a Rad Interview
RELATED STORIES
Amandla Stenberg's New Movie Is Bringing Diversity to the White-Washed World of Teen Romance
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Marie Claire's Power Play
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
When Are the Next Episodes of 'Physical: 100' Season 2 Releasing?
The finale (and a new winner) is near.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Beyoncé Spends 'Cowboy Carter' Eve Without a Cowboy Hat
She cozied up with a luxurious faux fur coat instead.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Emily Ratajkowsi Masters the Sophisticated Skin Reveal in a Plunging Dress and Peep-Toe Boots
Ever the style risk taker, EmRata wore a plunging dress that's one of her most daring looks to date.
By Melony Forcier Published
-
What I Wear on Repeat: Ray-Ban's Wayfarer II Sunglasses
The Wayfarer II comes in a variety of colorways, though I chose black frames (KMidd on the other hand favors tortoise) for ultimate throw-them-on-and-go capabilities.
By Sally Holmes Published
-
Your Complete Guide to Winter Coats, From Puffers to Parkas
Our editors tapped experts for insight and hand-picked the 24 best options.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
Imperfections Were the Inspiration for The Real Real’s Fourth Original ReCollection
The 90-piece collection gives new life to unwanted pieces.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
38 Fashion Trends From the '00s That Play on Slow Loop in Your Nightmares
Did someone say low-rise jeans?
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
The 24 Best Women's Pajamas on Amazon, According to Reviews
Retire your baggy tees without emptying your wallet.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
The 16 Best Jeans on Amazon: Our Guide
We dug deep for hidden gems.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
The 25 Best Spring Skirts of 2023
Skip into the new season with a flowy, dreamy skirt.
By Sara Holzman Published