Vanity Fair finally pays attention… Nigeria’s ‘Pero Oduye makes the cover of its Hollywood Issue – See Photos!

by Hauwa Gambo

Vanity Fair Nollywood Issue 2012

Following criticism in 2010 that Vanity Fair’s famous annual Hollywood Issue ignored bright new star actresses of colour (especially when it ignored Precious’ Gabourey Sidibe last year), the magazine seems to have paid attention – and it’s good news for Nigeria!

Just like the 16th edition in 2010, the 18th edition of the Hollywood Issue points to “the fresh young stars of 2012” that are making their mark on Hollywood. The issue comes out in March —  as usual, in the middle of awards season.

According to a report on BET.com:

“… this year Mission Impossible star Paula Patton and Adepero Oduye, the face of acclaimed indie film Pariah, are amongst the 11 starlets that were highlighted.

The magazine has been criticized for overlooking Black actresses all together for this issue, and/or strategically placing them off the cover in the group image. Not surprisingly, Patton and Oduye appear on panels three and two, respectively, on the fold out picture that was meant to pay homage to Art Deco and Jazz Age designs, but they still dazzle amongst the group. Oduye, is radiant in a one-shoulder silver dress and Old Hollywood pin-curls. It’s especially great to see a newer Black actress getting shine for her performance, while Patton sits in a delicate white dress and fur stole with smoky eyes and a bold red lip.

Rooney Mara (nominated for “Best Actress” Oscar for Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), Mia Wasikowska (Albert Nobbs), Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games) and Jessica Chastain (The Help) are placed on the cover image, shot by famed fashion photographer Mario Testino. Actresses Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Shailene Woodley (The Descendants), Felicity Jones (Cemetery Junction), Lily Collins (The Blind Side) and Brit Marling (Another Group) are also featured.”

'Pero Oduye on the extended cover

See the controversial 2010 cover:

The Hollywood Issue 2010

Adepero Oduye is a New-York based actress with impressive theatre credits. See her official profile:

Adepero Oduye hails from Brooklyn, New York City by way of Nigeria. She is a graduate of Cornell University; and has studied acting with Wynn Handman, Austin Pendleton, and Susan Batson. Her name is pronounced “Add-eh-pair-o Oh-due-yay.”

Her theatre credits include Danai Gurira’s play Eclipsed, at the Yale Repertory Theatre; The Bluest Eye, at the Hartford Stage and Long Wharf Theatres; and Fela!, in the AEA workshop, directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones.

Ms. Oduye first starred for writer/director Dee Rees as Alike in the award-winning short film Pariah. Among the other shorts that she has starred in are Gabriele Zamparini’s Water; Russell Costanzo’s The Tested; and Nadiah Hamzah’s Sub Rosa.

She has made guest appearances on such television programs as Louie and two Law & Order series.

Oduye in 'Pariah'

The March issue of Vanity Fair hits newsstands in the United States on February 7. What do you think?

Comments (2)

  1. LOve it! Love how Pero is keeping her name Nigerianized!

  2. i like this above all believing in who you are, place of birth and bred.

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