11 Of Lupita Nyong'o's Greatest Red Carpet Looks

I must confess that before Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I wasn't too family Lupita Nyong'o's work. But that certainly doesn't mean I hadn't noticed her, particularly Lupita Nyong'o's red carpet style. Since the 2013 premiere of 12 Years A Slave, the actor has been lighting up the carpets of every event she's attended. Her impeccable taste in clothing and her natural beauty really do make her stand out. Personally, I think she's solidified herself as one of the great fashion icons of contemporary Hollywood glamour.

Nyong'o's presence as a WOC on predominantly white carpets is also something to celebrate. Since being in the public eye, the Mexican-Kenyan actor has shined without an ounce of self-consciousness wherever she's gone and in whatever she's worn (whether that be a wild multi-colored and patterned Chanel dress or a flowing empire-waisted gown). With all the carefree twirling she does as paparazzi snap her photo, she further becomes a delightful figure — joyfully and unapologetically taking up space in a place that is so often dominated by whiteness.

With every beautiful gown she chooses for red carpet events, it's clear that Nyong'o isn't afraid to stand out or take fashion risks. Here are some of the actor's greatest fashion moments on the red carpet.

1. Embracing The Waist At The 57th BFI London Film Festival

Nyong'o looked radiant in this form-fitting Christopher Kane LBD with cut-outs at the waist. She clearly doesn't shy away from showing off her figure and beautiful arms. I love everything about this.

2. Blood Orange Queen At The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards

Nyong'o looked stunning in a red-orange, off-the-shoulders, floor-length Ralph Lauren gown. The curve-hugging garment, collar bone-exposing neckline, and regal cape definitely enhanced the actor's truly majestic presence.

3. Gun Show At The 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

Nyong'o looked strong and sexy as ever in her white cut-out Calvin Klein gown (which nicely showed off her super toned arms) the night she won an award for Best Supporting Actress at Critics' Choice.

4. Reckless In Givenchy At The NAACP Image Awards

Nyong'o rocked a beautiful burnt orange Givenchy gown with a plunging neckline to the NAACP Awards, where she won Best Supporting Actress in 2014. She accessorized the empire-waisted creation with baby buns and gold jewelry.

5. Powdery Blue At The 86th Annual Academy Awards

Nominated for Best Actress In A Supporting Role circa 2014, Nyong'o looked like a dreamy vision in this gorgeous blue floor-length Prada gown. Everyone watching the red carpet that night was bound to have been mesmerized by the delicious turning and flowing that the rich fabric was doing as she posed and twirled for photos.

6. Ethereal At The 2015 Cannes Film Festival

Once again, Nyong'o got her twirl on in a sea-foam empress-like Gucci green gown with silver flowery embellishments on the shoulders.

7. Feathers And Beads At The Met Gala

Nyong'o undoubtedly turned heads with this Prada creation at the 2014 Met Gala. Adorned in a beautiful green beaded overdress and a dazzling headband, she definitely channeled some woodland fairy princess vibes with this look.

8. Pretty In Pearls At The 87th Academy Awards

Nyong'o looked so expensive in this gorgeous custom-made Calvin Klein pearl gown. Made from 6,000 pearls, the luxurious dress (which is estimated to be worth $150,000) was stolen from her hotel room after the festivities, before being quickly recovered by police days later.

9. Daring At The 2014 MTV Movie Awards

With a diverse mix of patterns, colors, and textures, Nyong'o stood out on the MTV red carpet with her Chanel turtle-necked dress. She paired the multi-hued geometric patterns in the garment with bright blue pumps.

10. Bright Blue At The 2014 Screen Actors' Guild Awards

Nyong'o looked otherworldly in this beautiful turquoise Gucci gown. Paired with the interesting floral construction on her chest and matching blue eyeshadow, the actor was bold in blue from head to toe.

11. Alien Vibes At The Force Awakens London Premiere

Nyong'o looked like a true intergalactic warrior in a black peplum-topped Proenza Schouler outfit accented by a dazzling chainmail skirt and blue lipstick.

What a queen, guys. What a queen. #Lupita4E.