Lupita Nyong'o has been lying relatively low since her big Oscar win, and while she certainly deserves a break from the limelight, we have to admit we miss seeing her on the scene. We decided to catch up on what the 12 Years a Slave star has been doing since March 2, and as it turns out, she's kept pretty busy over the past month with an enviable blend of travel, relaxation, and work. Read on to see what, exactly, Lupita's been up to since snagging that gold statuette.
Taking a Staycation in NYC
Lupita settled in for a much-deserved hideaway at the Empire Hotel in Manhattan last week. The actress shared a snap of herself on Instagram cozying up in a robe monogrammed with her initials.
Spending a Rainy Day at the Movies
Just saw the movie The Lunchbox: the perfect heartwarming love story period, but especially on a cold… http://t.co/4LoakYFRyj [1]
— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) March 30, 2014 [2]
Lupita took refuge from a cold and rainy day this past Sunday at the movie theater, where she took in the Indian romantic comedy The Lunchbox. The film tells the story of a woman who tries to spice up her marriage by packing her husband's lunches, which are then accidentally sent to his co-worker instead. The Lunchbox has earned rave reviews for its blend of heart and hilarity and stars Life of Pi and Slumdog Millionaire actor Irfan Khan.
Potentially Considering a Star Wars Role
Lupita reportedly met with J.J. Abrams [3] just before her Oscar win to discuss a role in his upcoming addition to the Star Wars series. Sources speculate that Lupita could play a relative of Obi Wan-Kenobi. She's one of several names apparently in contention for parts in the film; Girls star Adam Driver is said to be circling the role of the villain.
Checking Out Her Fan Art
Fan illustrations of Lupita exploded during award season, and after the madness died down, Lupita took a time-out to catch up on some of the artistic homages. She posted several drawings and paintings on her personal Instagram after visiting a Tumblr site dedicated to artwork portraying her and her 12 Years a Slave character, Patsey, giving shout-outs to individual artists and thanking her "passionate and talented" superfans.
Hitting Up Paris Fashion Week
Lupita joined Jared Leto in the City of Light just days after the Oscars, posting some silly selfies with her fellow Oscar winner and hobnobbing with the likes of Miuccia Prada and Rihanna.
Unwinding With Some R&B
Lupita's been taking in the soulful sounds of singer-songwriter Alice Smith. The Grammy-nominated artist's latest album, She [4], came out last month and features a sultry, hip blend of ultracool jazz, pop, and R&B. We recommend checking it out if you like Solange Knowles, Sade, and Janelle Monáe.
Lying in a Bed of Roses — Literally
As it turns out, if you win an Oscar, lots of people send you lots of flowers. Lupita posted this superimpressive photo less than a week after her Academy Award win, showing off some of the gorgeous bouquets well-wishers showered upon her.
Finding Herself in Odd Places
Lupita snapped a picture of a drink bearing her name at Tacombi restaurant in Nolita [5] last month. The Mexican street-food joint, which is known for having a red-and-white VW bus parked inside its Elizabeth Street digs, had its house-made Lupita sodas on the menu long before the actress became a household name. The drink comes in flavors like orange and strawberry.