Luptia Nyong'o: The Red Carpet is Like a War Zone

Lupita Nyong'o isn't taking the red carpet for granted, but it's not always what it's cracked up to be. The "12 Years A Slave" star revealed that she feels the red carpet is more of a "war zone" than a glamorous fashion event.

Lupita Nyong'o, who has catapulted to fame and become a fashion icon since her recent Oscars win, spoke to Vogue magazine about her new status. The 31-year-old actress said that others had warned her about how tough Hollywood can be, but she was still very unprepared.

"Everyone said, 'Brace yourself, Lupita! … I didn't really understand what they meant," she said. "Nothing can prepare you for awards season."

The grueling 6-hour fittings followed by being asked hundreds of questions with flashing lights made her feel like the red carpet was a "war zone."

"The red carpet feels like a war zone, except you cannot fly or fight; you just have to stand there and take it," she said. However, she was wary of the context, laughing when she added, "I hope they don't make that the big quote! Because that would be sad! Tell them not to do that!"

Nyong'o, who has Kenyan ancestry, is familiar with how hard life can be. Although she was raised in Mexico, her father, Peter Anyang Nyong'o, had a brother who "disappeared" among the political strife in Nairobi. Her father was also persecuted for his political beliefs.

Lupita Nyong'o is currently the newest face of Lancome and recently landed the cover of Vogue magazine.