Chat with Thuso Mbedu for Dior Gris
Alone yet together, different yet linked by their audacity, iconic and yet so similar… Dior has gathered together a group of remarkable artists, who are the true multi- cultural idols of a new generation, guided by a spirit of diversity and authenticity. In the same way that a perfume reveals its accords, each of them draws inspiration from the scent of Gris Dior and discloses a facet of their character. Filmed by Bardia Zeinali, a leading director on the avant-garde fashion scene, and photographed by Mikael Jansson, a star of fashion images, their creative intensity and their strength shine through.
Born in Pietermaritzburg, capital city of the KwaZulu – Natal province in South Africa, Thuso Mbedu established a successful acting career in her home country. She was twice nominated for an International Emmy Award for her breakout performance on the South African series “IS’THUNZI” in 2017 and 2018. That year, she was also featured on the cover of the Forbes Africa “Under 30“ issue highlighting African leaders. In 2021, marking the first time a South African actress has ever led a series in the U.S; Mbedu won an Independent Spirit Award, Gotham Award; and was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for her powerful portrayal of ‘Cora’, a young slave on the run in Oscar winner Barry Jenkins’ “The Underground Railroad“ based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Looking to expand her reach and impact, in 2022 Mbedu signed a First-Look-Deal with VIS Social Impact, the new cause driven production division of Paramount’s international studio where she will create, develop, and produce exclusive scripted and documentary programming focused on key pillars of equity, climate and health for Paramount+ outside the U.S. In the fall of 2022 Mbedu starred opposite Viola Davis in Sony’s historical epic “The Woman King“ directed by Gina Prince- Bythewood. Mbedu plays ‘Nawi,’ an ambitious recruit who fights within the all-female military unit led by ‘Nanisca’ (Davis). For her performance, The New York Times named Mbedu one of the 10 Best Actors of 2022.
