- Thuso Mbedu has been named in the top 10 best actors of 2022 list by the New York Times for her leading role in The Woman King.
- In the historic epic, Mbedu plays Nawi, a new recruit of the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors that protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.
- Included in the top 10 are Nope Stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer, as well as Everything Everywhere All At Once actor Michelle Yeoh.
Thuso Mbedu's rise to stardom continues to grow.
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The South African-born actor has been named in the top 10 best actors of 2022 by the New York Times for her leading performance in The Woman King.
In the historic epic, Mbedu plays Nawi, a new recruit of the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors that protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s.
"Mbedu is awesome," writes NY Times film critic and podcast host Wesley Morris.
"The part needs stamina: There's lots of running, jumping, ducking, impaling. But Mbedu ensures that every thwack, knock and stabbing packs an emotional wallop. She doesn't appear to be acting the battles. She's performing the quest Nawi has embarked on — for both belonging and independence, guidance and trust."
News24 previously reported on the rigorous training program the film's cast endured in preparation for their roles, with Mbedu calling it the "most demanding" role she's ever had.
"My character, because of her size, relies more on her speed than anything," Mbedu explained in an interview with Shape, published in August. She added that running "was a proper, proper challenge" for her.
READ MORE | How Thuso Mbedu prepared for 'the most demanding role she's ever had'
The 31-year-old also shared a video compilation of the cast discussing their training.
"My body went through hell," Viola Davis, who stars as General Nanisca, says at the start of the video, later adding that everyone did "three hours of martial arts training a day".
READ MORE | Thuso Mbedu takes viewers behind the scenes of rigorous The Woman King training
Included in the top 10 are Nope stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer, as well as Everything Everywhere All At Once actor Michelle Yeoh.