The Oscar-winning actress gets emotional at the BFI London Film Festival as she remembers her late friend and co-star.
Lupita Nyong’o became visibly emotional at the BFI London Film Festival during a Screen Talk event for her new film The Wild Robot, after seeing a clip from Black Panther featuring her and the late Chadwick Boseman. Nyong’o revealed that she hasn’t watched the film since Boseman’s untimely death in 2020, making the moment all the more poignant.
“I have to admit I haven’t seen the film since Chadwick died,” Nyong’o confessed, as she wiped away tears while trying to regain her composure. “So I’m having a moment.” The audience, understanding the depth of her grief, applauded in support as she continued to speak through her emotions.
“The grief is just the love with no place to put it, right? I don’t want to run away from the tears or the grief. You just live with it,” she added, reflecting on her bond with Boseman. “That experience will never be separate from the love that was formed… I watch this clip and I’m filled with grief, and I don’t know whether I’ll ever be done shedding my tears from losing my friend.”
Nyong’o’s moving words highlighted not only her personal loss but also the shared grief of Black Panther fans and co-stars around the world. Boseman, who played the iconic role of King T’Challa, passed away from colon cancer in August 2020 at the age of 43, after keeping his diagnosis private for four years. The film and Boseman’s performance had a monumental cultural impact, breaking barriers and making history in Hollywood.
Nyong’o went on to speak about how Black Panther shattered industry expectations. “There was a lot of fear, definitely from the executives,” she shared, remembering the pressure on the cast and crew. “We were like, we only get to do this once, and we’ve got to do it right. And it totally shattered the myth that Black doesn’t sell.”
Boseman’s loss remains profound for those who worked closely with him. Following his passing, Nyong’o, along with other cast members such as Michael B. Jordan and Winston Duke, attended a private memorial service in Malibu to honor their beloved co-star. Nyong’o has been open about her grief, marking the fourth anniversary of Boseman’s death with a heartfelt tribute on social media. “Grief never ends. But it changes,” she wrote. “It is a passage, not a place to stay… Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It’s the price of love.”
Ahead of the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Nyong’o shared how deeply she dreaded filming the sequel without Boseman. “I could not imagine how we would proceed without Chadwick,” she said. “It was unfathomable to me.” Yet, under the direction of Ryan Coogler, the cast found a way to honor Boseman’s memory, both in the film and in their personal lives.
Lupita Nyong’o’s heartfelt reflections serve as a reminder that, although grief may evolve over time, it is a testament to the love and connection shared. For Nyong’o and millions of fans, Boseman’s legacy will forever live on through his unforgettable performances and the lasting impact of Black Panther.
