Lupita Nyong’o Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Queen Of Katwe

Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o is marking a decade of inspiration, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Disney’s acclaimed film Queen of Katwe.

In a social media tribute, Nyong’o reflected on the feel-good experience of bringing the remarkable true story of Ugandan chess champion Phiona Mutesi to the screen and encouraged audiences to revisit the film, now streaming on Disney+. “Happy 10th Birthday to Queen of Katwe! This movie is a gem, and if you missed it in 2016, it’s your move to watch,” Nyong’o shared in her anniversary message. 

“#QueenofKatwe is based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi from Kampala, Uganda and her extraordinary journey to becoming a chess champion.”

In the film, Nyong’o portrayed Phiona’s mother, Nakku Harriet, a performance that Entertainment Weekly noted marked her return to live-action performance after her Oscar-winning role in “12 Years a Slave”. Directed by the visionary Mira Nair, “Queen of Katwe” also starred newcomer Madina Nalwanga as Phiona, Martin Kabanza, and David Oyelowo as coach Robert Katende.

Reflecting on the production, Nyong’o talk about the personal significance of the project, which was shot on location in Uganda. “I cherished making a movie on the African continent, working under the brilliant direction of Mira Nair, collaborating with my dear friend David Oyelowo, and building a precious bond with Madina Nalwanga,” she said.

Nyong’o also shared a “fun fact” about the film’s behind-the-scenes legacy, noting that the production served as the “origin story” for her friendship with Zohran Mamdani, who worked on the film as an Assistant Director and music supervisor.

Released in September 2016, Queen of Katwe was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of life in the Katwe slum of Kampala. Based on Tim Crothers’ book and ESPN article, the film chronicles Phiona’s journey from selling corn on the streets to becoming a national chess champion and competing on the world stage.

The film earned widespread critical acclaim, including nominations for the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Actor/Actress for Nalwanga and multiple NAACP Image Award nominations. The Africa Film Academy honoured the production with wins for Best Costume Design and Most Promising Actor for Nalwanga.

Now, a decade later, Nyong’o is inviting audiences to experience the film’s message of hope and perseverance. “Enjoy these Queen of Katwe flashbacks and check it out, mates!” she added.