The actress shared a tribute to Michael on Instagram, writing: "I met Michael K. Williams right after my audition for 12 Years A Slave. I sat next to him at dinner that night and was drawn to his kind eyes that were a direct contrast to the menacing scar that sat between them. He was soft spoken and warm. When I asked him about his scar - a question I quickly realized he must have gotten a million times, he gave me a smile and a light chuckle and said, 'I have lived many lives, Lupita.' And then he graciously told me the story, like he had never told it before... Michael went out of his way to make me feel like I belonged at a time when I really needed that reassurance. We clicked, exchanged contacts, and stayed in touch ever since. We expressed wanting to work together. We never will. But I did watch his work. And he mine. We sent each other encouraging messages from afar. I am glad he knew how much I valued him. I live on with the comfort of knowing he valued me too. As devastating as his passing is, I will continue to hold him warmly in my heart. #RIP @bkbmg"
