On Monday, Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” became the first superhero movie to receive the Oscar nomination for best picture — a good sign for one of Hollywood ’s biggest breakout stars, Letitia Wright.
Wright, who has been outspoken about her Christian faith, was named in early January as the highest box office earner of 2018, bringing in a whopping $1.55 billion. The Guyanese-born British actor celebrated the accomplishment with a Scripture reference:
https://twitter.com/letitiawright/status/1079387721079099392
Lupita Nyong’o, one of Wright’s co-stars, turned to Twitter on Tuesday to thank The Academy for the seven nominations the 2018 film received:
Seven #OscarNoms for #BlackPanther, including best picture!! This is our reaction the first time we saw footage from the film and we're feeling this way all over again today! Thank you @TheAcademy! #WakandaForever #Oscars pic.twitter.com/lXWv3nsN90
— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) January 22, 2019
As for Wright, she almost gave up a career in Hollywood a couple years ago.
In an interview last year on the British talk show “This Morning,” the 25-year-old actor said she took a hiatus from acting because she “idolized” her career.
“I came off from it and I went on a journey to discover my relationship with God, and I became a Christian,” she explained. “It really just gave me so much love and light within myself. I felt secure, like I didn’t need validation from anyone else, or from getting a part.”
I love love love @letitiawright's spirit . This interview is a reminder to me how the world can't stop you when you put God first!! I pray we all are careful to not make idols out of our gifts and remember who gave us those gifts. pic.twitter.com/Okec24LlNC
— JAMES GARDIN 🌻🌞👑(I write groovy songs for TV) (@JamesGardin) February 15, 2018
Wright ultimately made the decision to return to the entertainment industry and credits God for her success and for each individual role she receives. She said she allows God to lead her to and away from roles as they come to her.
In addition to playing Shuri on “Black Panther,” Wright also starred in “The Commuter,” “Infinity War” and “Ready Player One” in 2018.