The "It Girl" is really "It." Lupita Nyong'o won an Oscar Sunday night for best supporting actress for her role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave.
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After hugging director Steve McQueen, her co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor and (oddly) Liza Minelli, the stunning star took the stage to give an emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech.
"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, so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance and for Solomon—thank you for telling her story and your own. "This has been the joy of my life." Looking at director Steve McQueen, Lupita said, "I am certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they are grateful to you and so am I." Then she added, "When I look down at this golden statue may it remind every little child that your dreams are valid."
She is the first black African woman to win an Academy Award for acting.
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