It was a banner year for Lupita Nyong'o. The Mexico-born Kenyan star, 31, went from being a Yale Drama School graduate with big dreams to a household name with an Academy Award and millions of admirers.
The 12 Years a Slave actress recognized her journey in an Instagram post on Monday, Dec. 22. Nyong'o shared a photo of a colorful quilt behind the words "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!"
She accompanied the celebratory shot with a rhyming poem she wrote in honor of the year coming to a close.
"This year was one of a kind," she began. "And a kind one to me. / There was lots to be done, / And a whole lot to see. / I had family and friends, / And colleagues galore, / Now I have fans, / Plus a million and four! / You tweet and you post, / And you instagram too. / You chat, comment, draw, / You just do what you do. / And though I don't answer 'Cause time is a-tickin', Know that you matter / By the posts that I'm pickin'. / I keep posting 'Cause I know that you care, / And I care to post / When I know that you're there."
"So this season," the star continued. "Though I know your name not, / I'm happy I got you, / And that I gave what you got. / I wish for you peace, / Love, joy, laughter beams, / And in the new year, / May you live out your dreams!"
"And as Dr. Seuss says:) 'If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too,'" she added. "Love, Lupita N."
Now boasting more than 1.2 million Instagram followers, the stunning actress burst onto the scene with her role in October 2013's 12 Years a Slave. She starred opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Brad Pitt in the Steve McQueen-led film and took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress this past March.
Nyong'o went on to book parts in the Liam Neeson thriller Non-Stop, and will appear as a to-be-revealed character in the feverishly anticipated new Star Wars trilogy when Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens hits theaters in December 2015.
During 2014 the instant icon landed nearly countless magazine covers, was named a Woman of the Year by Glamour, was nominated for a bevy of awards including the Golden Globe, and booked ad campaigns with Miu Miu and Lancome.
