Janelle Monáe is widely recognized as a talented musician, but her acting career should not be overlooked. The multi-faceted artist has established a successful presence in the music and acting industries.
Janelle Monáe added a touch of sophistication to her look by wearing delicate pearls in her updo hairstyle (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Janelle Monáe’s Transition from Music to Acting
Janelle finally put her acting school to good use, debuting two movies in 2016, which landed her on her first-ever Golden Globe Awards red carpet.
Hidden Figures and Moonlight: A Double Debut in 2016
She was nominated for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress for portraying engineer Mary Jackson in the 2016 American biographical drama film Hidden Figures.
“Two compelling, important stories around humanity, about empathy, around the love and the celebration of those who are often times uncelebrated. It’s the narrative I wanted to be associated with,” she told CNN about her two 2016 movies Moonlight and Hidden Figures.
“A lot of people may not know this, but I studied acting,” Monae said. “I’ve always been in the theater world and I’m a writer and screenwriter as well. I’ve never looked at myself as an actor, but more so a storyteller and I want to tell unique, meaningful, universal stories in unforgettable ways.”
Janelle Monáe made her feature film acting debut as Juan’s girlfriend, Teresa, in the 2016 American coming-of-age drama film Moonlight (Credit: A24)
Janelle Monáe’s Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Janelle Monáe was born on December 1, 1985. When the American coming-of-age drama film Moonlight premiered on September 2, 2016, she was 30 years old and celebrated her 31st birthday on December 1, 2016.
The singer/rapper/actress played Teresa, the girlfriend of Juan, played by Mahershala Ali. Both Mahershala Ali and Janelle Monáe also appear in Hidden Figures.
Moonlight also stars Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, and Naomie Harris.
A Stylish Entrance: Janelle Monáe at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards
The musician and actress arrived at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles in a two-tone look.
Janelle Monáe in a standout black and white Armani Privè gown at the 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 8, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Janelle arrived at the awards ceremony in a custom-made black-and-white poof dress by Armani Privè. The actress designed the dress herself alongside her stylist Maeve Reilly.
Janelle Monáe shows off her feet in Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Harmony” sandals (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
The then-31-year-old finished her look with a Jimmy Choo clutch, diamonds from Forevermark USA, and “Harmony” jeweled sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.
Janelle Monáe dazzled at the event, wearing a black and white Armani Privè gown paired with Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Harmony’ sandals and a Jimmy Choo clutch (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Janelle attended the Golden Globes after-party, changing into a sequined jumpsuit by Georges Chakra. The singer completed her look with a Jimmy Choo clutch, Forevermark USA jewelry, and Brian Atwood sandals.
The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery actress also discussed what it was like to attend her first Golden Globes ceremony and shared her expectations. You can shop Janelle’s Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals at Farfetch.
Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal-Embellished “Harmony” Sandals, $447.99 – $995