Thuso Mbedu, a rising star actress, is set to take center stage as the lead in Sony's The Woman King, a historical epic feature film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. In this epic tale, Mbedu portrays Nawi, an ambitious recruit who fights alongside the all-female military unit led by the incomparable Nanisca, played by the talented Viola Davis.
The film, which was shot on location in Mbedu's home country of South Africa, also boasts an impressive cast, including John Boyega and Lashana Lynch.
Mbedu has recently garnered widespread recognition for her outstanding performance as "Cora" in Barry Jenkins' critically acclaimed limited series, The Underground Railroad. Her portrayal earned her numerous prestigious awards, including an Independent Spirit Award, a Gotham Award, and a Hollywood Critics Association Award. Furthermore, she was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, making her the first South African leading lady of a US television series.
This limited series, based on Colson Whitehead's bestselling Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is a testament to Mbedu's exceptional talent. Her performance was praised by USA Today, who dubbed her the "series' stunning standout, imbuing Cora with a deep humanity and empathy in her every scene, even when she has no dialogue."
As an established actress in South Africa, Mbedu has received numerous accolades for her work, including a nomination for her second International Emmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in 2018 for her breakout performance on the series Is'Thunzi. She also won a SAFTA (South African Film & TV Awards) for Best Actress - TV Drama for her work on the series.
Mbedu's impressive career has not gone unnoticed, as she was featured on the cover of the Forbes Africa "Under 30" issue in 2018, highlighting African leaders.
Today, Mbedu splits her time between Los Angeles and South Africa, continuing to hone her craft and take on new and exciting projects.
