As The Odyssey press tour finally wraps up (the highly-anticipated Christopher Nolan film hits theaters on July 17, 2026) we'll sadly have to bid adieu to the cast's unbelievable red carpet looks. I mean, Zendaya! Charlize! Anne! And, of course, Lupita! Take your pick from any of these leading ladies and you'll be blessed with endless hair and makeup inspiration. But the glam didn't stop at the neck, especially for the Oscar-winning actress and Black Panther alum. Lupita Nyong'o's body glow reached lens-cracking proportions by the time she hit the Paris photocall on July 8th, wearing a Chanel Resort 2027 red gown and SAUER x Jason Wu Branch earrings, and I, for one, was desperate to know the secret to her head-to-toe luminosity. Don't worry, fellow beauty obsessives. I uncovered the answer, and it's a totally achievable combination of skincare and makeup.

"[The glow is from] a combination of things," her makeup artist, Nick Barose, tells me, adding that he usually starts this full glam process by scrubbing down Nyong'o's arms with a warm washcloth. This provides a gentle exfoliation to remove any lingering rough or dry patches, which in turn preps the skin for hydrating and glow-boosting products. "Then I applied Hume Dry Body Oil, [which] she actually turned me on to. I love it because it adds shine and hydration minus the grease." You gotta love a Hollywood star who is just as entrenched in finding great skincare products as the regular beauty fans!

Barose reveals that to enhance the highlight on the actress's collarbones, upper shoulders, and the center of her arms even further, he added the Chanel Baune Essential Stick in Golden Light (a favorite of this editor as well, but a color that is sadly only available in Europe at the moment). For the Paris premiere, however, he took it a step further and reached for coppery glitter from Ben Nye, a true if you know, you know brand beloved by theater performers and celebrity makeup artists for its long-lasting formulas that can withstand hours of sweat and heat.

With the summer wedding season still in full swing, I know that this is one makeup-meets-skincare combo that I'll be using to enhance my seasonal radiance. If you're also in the market for Nyong'o's red carpet glow, keep scrolling to snag everything her glam team used to prep her for the Paris premiere.

As a former theater kid, I've never seen a Shakespeare play without its fair share of ruffles. Whether they're around Hamlet's neck or Juliet's wrists, stiff white frills are the cherry on top of each Shakespearean cake. For proof, see Lupita Nyong'o on opening night of Shakespeare In the Park's Twelfth Night.

Before taking center stage at New York's outdoor Delacorte Theater, Nyong'o posed for photographers on the red carpet. At first glance, you might assume she was in costume, but she's actually wearing Chanel Fall 2025. Since Nyong'o is a global brand ambassador, her stylist, Micaela Erlanger, had no problem sourcing Look 13 from the 70-piece collection.

Nyong'o's black-and-white set had all the makings of a Shakespearean uniform, starting with an Elizabethan era-collar. While not as stiff as the 16th-century staple, the tulle layers circled her entire neck in true English form. It belonged to a billowy long-sleeve blouse layered underneath a sleeveless black shift. The black tweed had an armor-ish look to it—maybe it was the gridlock pattern or the padded shoulders. She wore the blink-and-you'll-miss-it mini skirt, too, also in tweed.

The similarities between Nyong'o and the runway model ended there. She styled very few accessories, including diamond drop earrings, pearl rings, and platform sandals.

On the Fall 2025 runway, the model paired the trio with key Chanel codes. Tiered pearl necklaces in various lengths added some dimension to the structured black bodice. Each chain was layered underneath the ruffled collar, as to not outshine the statement piece. Instead of the peep-toe shoe trend, the model wore ruched ankle boots, also in black. They matched a bedazzled black clutch covered in silver studs.

After her solo step-and-repeat, the Us actor posed with her co-star, Sandra Oh. Instead of going full Shakespeare-core, Oh styled a plunging little black dress, courtesy of Japanese label CFCL.

It wasn't your average LBD: royal blue fringe appeared halfway down its floor-length skirt. The lining wrapped around the entire exterior, adding some variation to her seemingly simple gown.

Shakespeare In the Park has curated a top-tier cast for their free production of Twelfth Night. From now until September 13, you can catch Nyong'o, Oh, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Peter Dinklage, and more stars sharing the same Central Park stage. Rumor has it, the 115-minute show spotlights a ruffled collar or two.

Lupita Nyong'o has never been one to shy away from making a statement on the Met Gala red carpet—that rings true for her 2025 Met Gala look as well.

For fashion's biggest night out, the A Quiet Place: Day One actor paid homage to the year's theme of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" in a baby blue Chanel suit. Working with longtime stylist Micaela Erlanger, the look references the theme with sharp tailoring on her '80s-inspired power suit. Her suit featured a flowing cape and a large camellia flower brooch, a homage to Chanel. All in all, the look took a whopping 400 hours to create. For additional pizazz, Nyong'o added plenty of diamonds with Chanel High Jewelry stud earrings, a brooch, and several rings. Staying true to form, Nyong'o did not play it safe with a gown.

She took her adventurous look further with a pulled-back hairstyle topped off by a matching hat, styled by longtime hairstylist Vernon Francois. On the makeup front, Nyong'o sported a lustrous glow and smoky eye, enhanced by bedazzled eyebrows, courtesy of makeup artist Nick Barose.

Nyong'o is no stranger to walking the Met Gala steps. This year marks the actor's sixth time attending the event, but it is her first time since the 2021 Met Gala celebrating "In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion." At that event, the star arrived in an equally show-stopping gown: a Versace denim number, complete with corset seams, beaded detailing, and a voluminous train.

Where Nyong'o is bold and fun for the Met Gala, she's classy and sophisticated for the Oscars red carpet. Her 2025 Oscars red carpet look featured a Chanel bridal-esque gown with delicate pearl straps, an ivory satin belt, and a diamond-encrusted corset. "I found this incredible photo of Linda Evangelista on the runway, I think from the '90s, in a beautiful dress that stood out to me as understated, elegant, timeless, and glamorous—everything I hoped to achieve with the overall mood and feeling of Lupita's look," Erlanger previously told Marie Claire of the look.

Considering the unforgettable shades and thematic details of Nyong'o's 2025 Met Gala look, I would say it will be remembered in the actor's history as one of her best yet.

Months before Lupita Nyong'o walked down the 2025 Oscars red carpet and onto the best fashion moments list outside Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, stylist Micaela Erlanger was already crafting the star's custom Chanel looks for the 97th Annual Academy Awards. Models debuting the house's Spring 2025 collection had barely stepped off the Paris Fashion Week runway last September when Erlanger visited the Chanel Atelier to start her Oscars research process.

Digging through the archives led Erlanger to a reference she knew would make an impact by the time the Oscars red carpet rolled around. "I found this incredible photo of Linda Evangelista on the runway, I think from the '90s, in a beautiful dress that stood out to me as understated, elegant, timeless, and glamorous—everything I hoped to achieve with the overall mood and feeling of Lupita's look," she tells Marie Claire just before the ceremony in an exclusive interview. "I sent them the reference, and we went back and forth on some sketches. Of course, Lupita weighed in and played a big part in my creative process; it’s such a collaboration."

Nearly six months later, the resulting custom couture piece features pearl-embellished straps, pearl tassels, and an ivory satin belt—homages to Chanel's 1991 Spring Haute Couture collection that still feel modern. All in all, it took 600 hours of work to place 22,410 embroidery elements all over the Oscars gown, each one complimented by an equally intricate piece of diamond and pearl Chanel High Jewelry.

Every second poured into the look was worth the effort. "I think the dress we created embodies that perfectly. It's understated and beautiful, allowing Lupita to shine," Erlanger says.

That dress—along with the black-and-white Chanel Couture Nyong'o wore to the after-party circuit later that evening—are also a sign of just how much the pair has evolved since their first Academy Awards together in 2014. Erlanger began styling Nyong'o for her 12 Years a Slave press run, culminating in the rising star's Best Supporting Actress Oscar win. Nyong'o accepted her award in a custom, Cinderella-blue Prada gown that instantly made that year's best-dressed Oscars list—and landed in the all-time hall of fame for Academy Award gowns. This was the springboard for a style partnership that's one of award season's favorites to watch: a duo whose choices in custom and off-the-runway pieces always meet the moment without ever feeling forced or disingenuous.

"I think it's really rooted in mutual trust," Erlanger says of her relationship with Nyong'o. They're close enough to celebrate birthdays and life events together, as well as attending all those premieres. And the closer they've gotten, the more they've broadened Nyong'o's style horizons. "I'm like, everything you had originally thought you wouldn't like, we've done—and we've done it well! We laugh about it now."

Erlanger has worked with clients from Kelly Clarkson to Meryl Streep; she's also the only Hollywood fashion specialist I know of with a Harvard Business School Executive MBA. She understands red carpet styling is as strategic as it is creative—and she can walk the tightrope of setting clients up for brand partnerships and serious projects while letting their personalities shine. "Some stylists dress their clients like they dress themselves," she says. "I pride myself on having range and having worked with a real diverse set of clients."

When Nyong'o was campaigning for her very first nomination, Erlanger used what she called a "Lupita rainbow" to show the spectrum of designers she could wear.

She prioritized bright colors from a variety of luxury houses, and veered toward classic silhouettes. "I wanted as many designers to see how their clothes resonated on this extraordinary talented woman, and how she could carry that and we looked to variety and silhouette," she says. Oscars red carpet looks aren't just about the photo, after all. A look that resonates can open the door to contracts and even future roles; they build a star's image and brand in entertainment.

"You never have a crystal ball. You never know that when you start working with someone that their small indie flick might get a nom." But Erlanger can sense when a client is on the precipice of something big. She believed in Nyong'o; she believed in their first press tour's looks. The fervor over her client's first Oscars gown proved her correct.

The decade since has been a cascade of memorable looks at the annual Oscars red carpet and beyond. On Academy Awards night, Erlanger and Nyong'o have tried everything from pearlescent Calvin Klein to armor-like Atelier Versace. Every accomplished actor wears at least one dress channeling the golden Oscar statue; Nyong'o's came in 2022, taking the form of a three-quarter sleeve Prada gown with tiny pink floral embellishments.

These dresses, and those Nyong'o wore to promote films like Black Panther, Us, and The 355, were more so about her growing love of fashion than the movie she was trying to promote. "Nothing was reminiscent. There was no method dressing," Erlanger says. "There was none of that. It was about who she was."

Avoiding one-to-one copies of a character doesn't mean the pair has avoided symbolic choices altogether. For example, some dresses and headwraps for 2016's Queen of Katwe were created with fabric Erlanger sourced on a trip to Kenya where she met Nyong'o's family.

Nyong'o has spent this awards season getting settled into her recently-announced Chanel ambassadorship and promoting her Best Animated Picture-nominated film, The Wild Robot. For a project where her client is prominent without being an on-screen lead (she's the voice of a major character), Erlanger thought about referencing the film's watercolor palette through bright looks by Markarian, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ph5 (among others). Then when the nominations started rolling in, the duo switched into a more elevated gear at the 2025 BAFTAs and Critics' Choice Awards—mostly with help from Chanel.

Erlanger and Nyong'o's partnership has covered so much ground over the last decade, the stylist says, because her client is willing to experiment. Whether she's trying gilded-gold Prada or custom Chanel, regardless of the project, "She's dynamic, she's multi-dimensional—she's a chameleon." And even as she samples different aesthetics, it's the same friendship behind the scenes that keeps her continuously on the best-dressed list.

Never has there ever been an awards ceremony where I am not obsessed with Lupito Nyong’o’s beauty. See: the body glitter at last year’s Academy Awards, the flower crown at the 2023 Annual Museum Gala, and her iconic 2019 Met Gala afro. The 2025 Oscars are no exception, with The Wild Robot actress hitting the 2025 Oscars red carpet with a hyper-glam updo.

Her hair was fastened just above the nape of her neck into a woven bun—but the artistry, which was likely done by Nyong’o’s go-to hairstylist Vernon Francois was played up to a whole new level. Little pearls (I count roughly five) were strategically placed throughout the updo, adding sparkle and a little rich-looking elegance to the look.

The pearl-embellished hairstyle was a nod to the actress’ gorgeous Chanel dress, which was styled by Micaela Erlanger. “I found this incredible photo of Linda Evangelista on the runway, I think from the '90s, in a beautiful dress that stood out to me as understated, elegant, timeless, and glamorous—everything I hoped to achieve with the overall mood and feeling of Lupita's look," Erlanger exclusively told Marie Claire ahead of the Oscars. “I sent them the reference, and we went back and forth on some sketches. Of course, Lupita weighed in and played a big part in my creative process; it’s such a collaboration."

While getting your hands on a dress with this level of artistry likely isn’t in the cards, achieving Nyong’o’s hair look at home is easier than you’d anticipate. The key is to get a French hair pin with a pearl accent. Strategically poke the metal pins through your pun, and you’ll have a hairstyle that oozes rich girl energy.

If pearls aren’t your thing, try a different accessory like a scrunchie, claw clip, pony cuff, or headband. Shop some favorites, below, as well as a few makeup essentials to achieve her princess-worthy glam at home.

Ahead of the Academy Awards, a smörgåsbord of A-listers attended the 16^th annual Pre-Oscar dinner hosted by Charles Finch and Chanel. Lupita Nyong'o was invited to the chic event—alongside Demi Moore, Lily-Rose Depp, Elle Fanning, and Colman Domingo—and her red carpet outfit was a masterclass in dressing like an Oscar winner.

Nyong'o, of course, won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award in 2014 for her very first feature film appearance in 12 Years a Slave. On Saturday, March 1, she attended the intimate Pre-Oscar dinner at Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in a silk organza dress adorned with shimmering feathers. The completely sheer Chanel shirtdress—look 66 in the label's Spring/Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection—features balloon sleeves, a large shirt collar, silver buttons, and sparkling feathers dripping from the skirt.

Late last year, Nyong'o was announced as one of Chanel's newest ambassadors, and she's subsequently worn the French fashion house throughout award season. For Saturday's dinner, alongside her sleek shirtdress, the award winner wore makeup from Chanel.

Animation The Wild Robot, in which Nyong'o voices one of the main characters, is nominated for Best Animated Film at this year's Academy Awards.

When Nyong'o was presented with her Academy Award in 2014, she expressed shock at having won. "It doesn't escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else's," Nyong'o explained (via The Hollywood Reporter), referencing the author of 12 Years a Slave, Solomon Northup.

Of Steve McQueen's direction, Nyong'o said, "You charge everything you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you for putting me in the position. It has been the joy in my life." She ended her speech by saying, "When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every child, no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."

Lupita Nyong'o has apparently confirmed her breakup from Joshua Jackson, less than a year after they were first rumored to be dating.

In a new interview with Harper's Bazaar U.K., Nyong'o opened up about her devotion to her cat Yoyo, and how adopting him has influenced her perspective on romantic love.

"My love for my cat is singular," the Black Panther actress said. "If I'm ever so lucky to be in a romantic relationship again, it'll be because of him. I was ready to shut that door and lock it and bolt it. He has ensured that my heart remains open."

Nyong'o adopted Yoyo, the reporter wrote, "after a particularly heart-wrenching breakup," which is likely referencing the actress' split from Selema Masekela.

In October 2023, the actress shared the news of their separation on Instagram with a heartbreaking message, including the words, "I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception."

As for Nyong'o and Jackson, they were first rumored to be dating soon after her breakup from Masekala, and after the Dawson's Creek alum's wife Jodie Turner-Smith filed for divorce from him that same month.

They seemingly confirmed their relationship when they were photographed holding hands in Joshua Tree circa December 2023.

This past June, Jackson's ex Turner-Smith commented on his new relationship, telling The Cut, "Good for them. We need happiness in order to peacefully co-parent. I’m trying to get us to the Gwyneth and Chris Martin level. I truly hope they’re happy and that it benefits us as a family."

(Jackson and Turner-Smith tied the knot in 2019, and welcomed daughter Juno in April 2020.)

While Nyong'o is single right now, Jackson was spotted out and about with model Nastassja Roberts in New York City in September, as seen in pictures published by People.

Lupita Nyong'o once wrote to Taylor Swift to make a direct appeal for her song "Shake It Off" to be used on the 2019 movie Little Monsters.

Appearing on First We Feast’s Hot Ones series, Nyong'o recalled when the movie's producers told her they couldn't get the rights to the 2014 hit song, and she decided to take matters into her own hands—because of the time "Shake It Off" had helped her get out of a dark place.

"I decided, 'Okay. I’m going to go, I’m going to make a pitch, I’m going to let Taylor know what this song means to me,' and I told her that story about how it lifted me from an almost depression, and the next thing I knew, it was cleared," Nyong'o said (via The Hollywood Reporter).

The story in question went as follows: "When I was working in London on Star Wars, I was going through a lot of self-doubt because it was the second thing I had done," Nyong'o said. "I was getting a little depressed. My best friend came to London and Taylor had just released 'Shake It Off.' And he played it for me to like get me into better spirits, and we just jumped on my bed, and we just danced and danced, and it lifted my spirits."

The Us actress added, "I haven't actually seen her since to thank her for it" (via People).

It's no secret that Nyong'o is a dedicated Swiftie: Ahead of attending the Eras tour last summer, the star shared a TikTok of herself and some pals making friendship bracelets to wear on the night, an activity they stayed at for hours on end.

Nyong'o is currently promoting her movie A Quiet Place: Day One, a prequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place horror film series.

Lupita Nyong'o is in the midst of the press tour for her upcoming horror film, A Quiet Place: Day One. And contrary to the Quiet Place plot (if you make a sound, alien creatures will hunt and kill you), Nyong'o's looks have been something to talk about.

Last night, at the New York City premiere of A Quiet Place: Day One in New York City, the actress wore a black, sequin-covered custom Prada catsuit. The piece featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and long sleeves, and a satiny skirt-like sash, wrapped around her from waist to hip, giving way to a floor-grazing train.

Dressed by her longtime stylist Micaela Erlanger, Nyong'o accessorized with bold, floral-shaped diamonds from De Beers. For footwear, she wore shiny black pointed-toe stiletto heels.

Nyong'o's Quiet Place press tour looks have been leaning into a few main themes: stately collars and lapels, monochrome white and black-on-black, and, perhaps most pointedly, felines. The catsuit was the latest nod to the clawed, prey-hunting animals—as well as the tabby cat who co-stars with Lupita in the film. (Her feline castmate has appeared on previous red carpets.)

Recently, she's worn a Dolce & Gabbana leopard print catsuit with a matching trench coat and purse, a Betsey Johnson leopard-and-lace midi dress paired with Giuseppe Zanotti leopard print leather heels, "jungle print" pumps, a cheetah print leather belt, and a sheer black Mugler bodysuit with feather cuffs and shoulders that screamed "lion."

Erlanger and Nyong'o are something of a dynamic Hollywood duo. They've been working together since Erlanger styled Nyong'o ten years ago for the 86th Academy Awards, where the star won for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 12 Years a Slave—and for best gown of the night.

Nyong'o's goddess-like powder blue silk Prada dress garnered critical praise and became an iconic Oscars look, now considered one of the most significant gowns in red carpet history. And if these press tour outfits are any indication, there's another legendary ensemble in Nyong'o's future.

Shop Pieces Inspired by Lupita Nyong'o's Press Tour Looks

Jodie Turner-Smith is taking a page out of Gwyneth Paltrow's book in the aftermath of her divorce from Joshua Jackson.

The Acolyte actress recently spoke to The Cut about her life lately, including what it's been like for her separating from the father of her child.

At one point during the interview, Turner-Smith was asked how she feels about Jackson's equally public relationship with fellow actress Lupita Nyong'o.

"Good for them," she said. "We need happiness in order to peacefully co-parent. I’m trying to get us to the Gwyneth and Chris Martin level. I truly hope they’re happy and that it benefits us as a family."

In case you somehow missed this cult moment in history, Paltrow and Martin are famous for having "consciously uncoupled" when they divorced in 2015—in large part to make their split easier on their two children.

Turner-Smith and Jackson were married between 2019 and 2023, with the actress being the one to file for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences." They share daughter Juno, 4.

Speaking to The Cut, Turner-Smith said she and her ex-husband were on "different paths," which eventually led to their separation.

Soon after the divorce filing, a source claimed to Us Weekly that Jackson was blindsided by it. "Joshua obviously didn’t realize it was this bad, that Jodie was this unhappy," the source said at the time.

In February, Turner-Smith officially broke her silence on the divorce, telling The Times, "Sometimes things we really want to work just don’t end up working. And that’s OK. The most important thing is that you choose what’s healthiest for you and your family and definitely your children."

Meanwhile, Jackson and Nyong'o have reportedly been dating since late last year, when a source told Us Weekly, "Joshua and Lupita have been dating for a very short while now. They’re focusing on keeping their relationship under the radar as much as possible."

The two confirmed the relationship themselves when they were photographed holding hands in December.

Lupita Nyong'o just graced the London red carpet for her upcoming film, A Quiet Place: Day One, with an unlikely co-star: a live cat wearing a bow-tie collar.

Although the actress’s furry friend practically stole the show, her polished outfit certainly turned heads as well.

The actress wore a tailored suit set in a shade of bright bubblegum pink. The set—which has yet to be credited by her stylist, Micaela Erlanger—featured a structured blazer that effortlessly draped across her shoulders and a pair of wide-leg trousers that swept the floor.

To embellish her cheerful outfit, Nyong'o slipped into a pair of pointed pumps and draped herself in shimmering diamond jewelry. As for her glam, the star played up her pink look with rosy cheeks and glossy berry-colored lips. Nyong'o also chose one of her signature hairstyles, a gorgeous side part look.

Now, back to the cat: It's not Nyong'o's pet, but her co-star in the upcoming film. Named Schnitzel, the feline appears on-screen in several scenes featured in A Quiet Place's trailer. He made a dapper cameo in Nyong'o's arms on the red carpet wearing a bandana and a bow-tie collar.

Nyong'o's pink suit set is just one of many radiant looks in her collection of recent red carpet outfits. Back in March, the actress walked the Oscars red carpet dressed in a Giorgio Armani gown cut from a powder-blue fabric covered in dazzling crystals.

It’s clear that Lupita Nyong'o’s fashion memo is "go bold or go home." If you’re looking to make a statement the next time you step out, shop the actress’ pink photo call look ahead. And perhaps bring your pet along with you, too.

Shop Lupita Nyong'o's Bubblegum Pink Suit Set

The 2024 Academy Awards brought forth some gorgeous beauty looks—lots of peach lipstick, a handful of top knots, the occasional side part. All in all, it’s been timeless, sophisticated, and simple. The star breaking the mold? Lupita Nyong’o. 

This year marks a full decade since Nyong’o took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 12 Years a Slave—and she decided to mark the anniversary with a universal symbol of celebration: Glitter. 

The Black Panther star arrived on the red carpet in head-to-toe sparkle. It wasn’t just a subtle shimmer or the handywork of some expertly applied body makeup. Instead, Nyong’o completely committed to the glitter cause, having chunky silver flecks tossed throughout her hair, on her cheekbones, and across her shoulders. 

Glitter aside, the rest of Nyong’o’s beauty look was designed to emphasize her natural beauty. “I wanted to create something that had a lot of shine and texture,” hairstylist Vernon Francois shares with Marie Claire.

"I meticulously followed a series of steps to enhance her natural coils and ensure that her look remained flawless throughout the high-profile event,” Francois said. He used a handful of Matrix products, including Matrix’s Vavoom Extra Hold Freezing Hairspray, which ensured that “every element of the hairstyle stayed in place, providing long-lasting hold without compromising on the overall shine and vitality of the hair.” 

When it came to makeup, the A Quiet Place: Day One star worked with go-to makeup artist Nick Barose. He used exclusively Chanel makeup products to create Nyong’o’s look. The key: Ulta Le Tient, which provides a soft matte finish. 

Shop her beauty look (glitter excluded) below. 

Both Lupita Nyong’o and Joshua Jackson are in the middle of high-profile splits—Nyongo's from sports commentator Selema Masekela, and Jackson from fellow actor Jodie Turner-Smith—but seemed to find enjoyment in one another’s company. Nyong’o and Jackson were spotted attending a Janelle Monáe concert together, sitting next to each other at the Inglewood, California stop of Monáe’s “The Age of Pleasure” tour on Wednesday night.

The two were out with about nine or 10 other people, Page Six reports. “The pair appeared to be in great spirits as they smiled, chatted, sang, and danced,” the outlet reports. There is allegedly nothing romantic going on between the two, but the next day, Nyong’o posted a lengthy statement alluding to her breakup from Masekela, writing that, while she knows there are “much more important things going on in the world right now,” she felt compelled to “share a personal truth and publicly disassociate [herself] from someone [she] can no longer trust.” 

“I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception,” she wrote, without naming any names. Nyong’o went on to share that she decided to “face the pain,” despite being “tempted to run into the shadows and hide.” She continued “I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love,” adding she is “cultivating the courage to meet [her] life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass.” She wrote she hopes “that the knowledge of [her] experience might be useful to someone else out there experiencing the grip of heartbreak,” signing off with “#Breakup.” She also scrubbed every trace of Masekela from her page.

Meanwhile Jackson, too, is in the middle of a tough season after his wife of nearly four years, Turner-Smith, filed for divorce earlier this month. The couple are parents to a three-year-old daughter and sources said that the marriage became “unhealthy,” which led Turner-Smith to decide “that she is done.” Sources said that Jackson was “caught off guard” by her decision, and that he “didn’t realize it was this bad” or that Turner-Smith “was this unhappy.” Another source told Us Weekly that Turner-Smith “refused to settle for something that didn’t feel right.” 

Speaking of Turner-Smith, she took to Instagram to post about “unhealed” people, Us Weekly reports; the day after Nyong’o and Jackson were spotted together, Turner-Smith shared this quote to her Instagram Story: “An unhealed person can find offense in pretty much anything someone does. A healed person understands that actions of others has absolutely nothing to do with them. Each day you get to decide which one you will be.” Thursday wasn’t the first time Turner-Smith shared a message about healing since her divorce filing became public—this past Tuesday, she reposted a quote that read, “Everything heals and grows when it is loved well. People, too.”

In a cryptic yet in-depth Instagram post, Lupita Nyong'o has appeared to accuse now-ex Selema Masekela of deceiving her, as well as announcing the breakup of their relationship for the first time.

"There are much more important things going on in the world right now, and my thoughts are with those who are deeply suffering," Nyong'o began.

"At this moment, it is necessary for me to share a personal truth and publicly dissociate myself from someone I can no longer trust…

"I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception."

The Us star hard-launched her relationship with Masekela, a TV personality and sports commentator, back in December 2022, in a now-deleted Instagram Reel of them doing "The King's Affirmation" challenge (via People). She captioned the video, "We just click! @selema #thisismylove #nuffsaid" and Masekela reshared it with the words, "Hearts are synched. My whole and actual love @lupitanyongo."

Elsewhere in her breakup post, Nyong'o explained to her followers why she chose to share her sad news, saying that she felt the need to "face the pain" rather than run away from it.

"I am tempted to run into the shadows and hide, only to return to the light when I have regained my strength enough for me to say, 'Whatever, my life is better this way,'" she said.

"But I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass.

"The promise, they say, is that a tender heart is what gives birth to fearlessness. I hope it’s true… I share this to keep it [100 emoji], and hoping that the knowledge of my experience might be useful to someone else out there experiencing the grip of heartbreak who is poised to try and escape from the pain and miss out on the wisdom that comes from it. #Breakup

"Let’s face our pain so we don’t spread it."