Lupita Nyong'o Speech Video At Black Women Luncheon Reveals Her Struggle With Beauty: 'I Got Teased And Taunted About My Night Shaded Skin'

Lupita Nyong'o's Oscar speech inspired many for its heartfelt message about dreams. Through her accomplishment, she was able to inspire others that dreams could come true regardless of race. The '12 Years a Slave' actress again left an awe-inspired audience when she attended the Black Women Hollywood Luncheon hosted by Essence magazine.

In her acceptance speech, the Yale student confessed how difficult it was to enter the entertainment industry which was filled with pale-skinned women: "I too remember a time when I would turn on the TV and only see pale skin. I got teased and taunted about my night shaded skin. And my one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter skinned," she said.

The Kenyan-born actress finally understood why God never granted her wish: "I tried to negotiate with God. I told him I would stop steeling sugar cubes at night if he gave me what I wanted. I would listen to my mother's every word and never lose my school sweater again if he just made me a little lighter. But, I guess God was unimpressed with my bargaining chips because I never woke up lighter."

She thanked black model Alek Wek for helping her achieve a healthy perspective on beauty. She might not have an ivory skin but Nyong'o is currently gaining raves not just for her acting prowess but also for her fashion sense.

When she accepted her Oscar 2014 'Best Supporting Actress' award, Nyong'o was clad in a Grecian dress from Prada.

Nyong'o ended her speech by referencing her latest movie: "What actually sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul. It is what got Patsey in so much trouble with her master. But it is also what has kept her story alive to this day. We remember the beauty of her spirit even though the beauty of her body has faded away."