Lupita Nyong’o Used to Pray for Lighter Skin

Lupita Nyong'o used to pray for lighter skin.

The Kenyan actress received the Best Breakthrough Performance Award for her role in 12 Years A Slave at Essence's magazine's seventh annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon yesterday and accepted it with a speech telling how she overcame being "teased and taunted" for her "night-shaded skin."

"My one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter-skinned. The morning would come and I would be so excited about seeing my new skin that I would refuse to look down at myself until I was in front of a mirror because I wanted to see my fair face first. And every day I experienced the same disappointment of being just as dark as I was the day before."

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PHOTOS: Elizabeth Olsen, Elle Fanning, and Lupita Nyong’o for Miu Miu

It's all about rising actresses for Miu Miu's most recent ad campaign, as it showcases the modeling talents of Elizabeth Olsen (who, considering her sisters are fashion mavens Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, is no stranger to designer labels), Elle Fanning, and 12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong'o.

Olsen (above photo) channels her inner 70's vixen with her poker straight hair and thigh high socks under suede boots. Elle (photo after the jump) strikes an awkward pose - is she going for demure or mysterious? - but pulls off the Miu Miu printed dress with yellow stockings and red shoes brilliantly. Lupita (photo after the jump) - in her first fashion campaign, mind you! - looks a little stiff but nonetheless striking in a beaded bustier top, navy skirt, hot pink stockings, and some seriously chunky white sandals.

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