Lupita Nyong'o once wrote to Taylor Swift to make a direct appeal for her song "Shake It Off" to be used on the 2019 movie Little Monsters.
Appearing on First We Feast’s Hot Ones series, Nyong'o recalled when the movie's producers told her they couldn't get the rights to the 2014 hit song, and she decided to take matters into her own hands—because of the time "Shake It Off" had helped her get out of a dark place.
"I decided, 'Okay. I’m going to go, I’m going to make a pitch, I’m going to let Taylor know what this song means to me,' and I told her that story about how it lifted me from an almost depression, and the next thing I knew, it was cleared," Nyong'o said (via The Hollywood Reporter).
The story in question went as follows: "When I was working in London on Star Wars, I was going through a lot of self-doubt because it was the second thing I had done," Nyong'o said. "I was getting a little depressed. My best friend came to London and Taylor had just released 'Shake It Off.' And he played it for me to like get me into better spirits, and we just jumped on my bed, and we just danced and danced, and it lifted my spirits."
The Us actress added, "I haven't actually seen her since to thank her for it" (via People).
It's no secret that Nyong'o is a dedicated Swiftie: Ahead of attending the Eras tour last summer, the star shared a TikTok of herself and some pals making friendship bracelets to wear on the night, an activity they stayed at for hours on end.
@lupitanyongo ♬ Karma - Taylor Swift
Nyong'o is currently promoting her movie A Quiet Place: Day One, a prequel to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place horror film series.
-
Adele Taps Into the French Manicure Renaissance for Date Night with Rich PaulThe modern French tip trend strikes again.
-
Meghan Markle Exudes Snow Bunny Style in a $1,250 Mackage PufferThe Duchess of Sussex bundled up in luxury while visiting Whistler, Canada.
-
First Tory Burch Pierced Her Shoes. Now She's Piercing BagsThe unexpected style is already taking over fashion week.
-
Travis Kelce Felt "Helpless" When Taylor Swift Was Booed at the Super Bowl: "It Broke His Heart"The NFL tight end "always protects" the singer.
-
Taylor Swift Didn't Join Travis Kelce on the Field After Kansas City's Disappointing Loss at the 2025 Super BowlBut that doesn't mean she isn't supporting him.
-
All the Celebrities in Taylor Swift's Box at Super Bowl 2025It's quite a guest list.
-
Taylor Swift's Stress Is Palpable in Pics from the First Half of Super Bowl 2025She's *this close* to becoming a meme.
-
Taylor Swift "Doesn't Want to Be the Center of Attention" During Travis Kelce's Super Bowl Moment"He loves that she is super supportive, and he is the same with her, as they got each other's back whatever happens."
-
So—Is Taylor Swift Going to the 2025 Super Bowl?It's hard to imagine Swift missing it, especially as Travis Kelce hovers on the cusp of making history.
-
Travis Kelce's Five-Word Response to Taylor Swift Proposal Question Has Fans BuzzingLet the betting begin.
-
Taylor Swift Didn't Announce 'Reputation (Taylor's Version)' at the 2025 Grammys, But Here's When She MightAre you ready for it?
