Hollywood’s New It Girl Lupita Nyong’o sizzles in J. Mendel at the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards | Honoured alongside Julia Roberts & Sandra Bullock

Africa, Americas, World, here’s the girl to watch out for this awards season.

The Kenyan actress who starred in the hit MTV Base series Shuga, was honoured at the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards on Monday 21st October 2013 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, California.

Her breakout role in Steve McQueen‘s 12 Years a Slave earned her the New Hollywood Award on Monday night. She stars alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor (Half of a Yellow Sun), Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender. Critics say she may get an Academy Award (Oscar) nomination.

For the event, Lupita dazzled on the red carpet in a stunning yellow dress by J. Mendel. She styled the sleeveless dress which features a keyhole detail, with a selection of Monique Pean jewelry and a silver Judith Leiber clutch.

Angela Bassett presenting Lupita with the New Hollywood Award

See Lupita in the trailer of 12 Years a Slave

Stars at the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards

Sandra Bullock in Dsquared²

Jake Gyllenhaal

Julia Roberts in Elie Saab

Harrison Ford

Viola Davis in Escada

David Oyelowo

Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi

Steve McQueen

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Olivia Munn

Jared Leto & Robert Downey Jr

Jane Fonda in Reem Acra

Angela Bassett

Ethan Hawke

Lee Daniels & Forest Whitaker

Camila Alves in Max Mara & Matthew McConaughey

Kanye West

P.S Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are ENGAGED! He gave her a 15-carat diamond designed by Lorraine Schwartz on her 33rd birthday (21st October 2013) – the same day as the event.

Photo Credit: Zimbio