We didn't think it was possible, but Lupita Nyong'o has outdone herself.
The Oscar winner covered the October issue of Vogue Magazine with a photo fit for display in the Louvre. The covergirl renders readers breathless in a gold dress, adorned with geometric cutouts and a crimson underlay with lips to match. Deemed "La Femme" by Vogue, the 12 Years a Slave star trades in her signature effervescence for a look that is far more mysterious—dare we say sexy?
This new issue marks the second time Nyong'o has appeared on the cover of the signature fashion magazine. She was last photographed for the July 2014 cover. A year ago, the magazine had opted for a look that was far more girl next door, picturing the actress with her signature grin, but this time, the heat has been turned up six notches.
Nyong'o sports a printed aquamarine gown in a later photo in the editorial spread, paired with oversized hoops and a delicate silver chain necklace grazing her décolletage.
The Star Wars: Episode VII actress is also caught mid-dance in a third photograph, draped in a red architectural gown with paneling at the bust.
These freshly daring looks pair nicely with the Nyong'o we see throughout Vogue's 73 Questions featured video of the star. During the segment, it seems the Yale graduate can do just about anything—including expert hula-hooping. When asked to perform some kind of talent, Nyong'o immediately grabs a hula hoop and keeps it going around her waist for so long, we're confident she could have broken a world record had she not accidentally bumped into the clothing rack behind her.
If that isn't enough, she also answers the narrator's questions in both Swahili and Spanish, one right after the other. In addition to these hidden talents, Nyong'o offered some other quirky revelations—Bridesmaids is her favorite comedy, for example. Her mother is her most influential fashion icon. Her favorite Disney princess is Pocahontas. If she could star in any old film, it would My Fair Lady. She can cry on demand.
While that's impressive, from the looks of these photos and several upcoming films, it seems like Nyong'o has little to cry about.