Lupita Nyong’o Reflects on Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy at BFI London Film Festival

At the BFI London Film Festival event on Monday, October 14, actress Lupita Nyong'o took a moment to reflect on the life and legacy of her late co-star Chadwick Boseman. The event highlighted poignant memories for Nyong’o as she watched a clip from the 2018 Marvel Studios blockbuster “Black Panther” in which she starred alongside Boseman.

Nyong’o, visibly moved by the footage, expressed her lingering grief over the loss of her friend, who passed away in August 2020 after a battle with colon cancer at the age of 43. She remarked, “The grief is just the love with no place to put it, right? I don’t run away from the tears or the grief, you know? You just live with it. That experience will never be separate from the love that was formed.”

The celebrated actress, who played Nakia in “Black Panther,” revealed that she has not revisited the film since Boseman’s passing, stating, “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. But I’m like, we get to see him alive. And that’s so wonderful.”

In August, Nyong’o paid tribute to Boseman with an Instagram post, quoting, “Grief never ends. But it changes. 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.” Her heartfelt post included both a black-and-white photo of Boseman and a more colorful image, commemorating his enduring impact.

Earlier in June, while discussing her role in an upcoming film where she portrays a woman with terminal cancer, Nyong’o revealed the emotional challenges she faced in preparing for the role, acknowledging the parallels with her own loss of Boseman. “It was scary to have to go there,” she noted, reflecting on her character grappling with mortality. “I definitely was thinking about that a lot,” she added, highlighting the depth of personal connection she felt given her recent experiences.

Chadwick Boseman, remembered for his iconic role as T’Challa in “Black Panther,” left an indelible mark on Hollywood and his co-stars alike. Nyong’o’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of art and the connections it creates.