The Stunning Transformation Of Janelle Monae

While Monáe was busy killing it in the music industry, movie scripts began arriving in her mailbox. But it wasn't until 2016 that she made her film debut in the 2017 Academy Award winner for best picture, Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins. Monáe starred opposite Mahershala Ali's Juan in the role of Teresa, who together provide a young Chiron (Ashton Sanders) with a loving space where he is safe from both bullies and his mother's neglect. 

Monáe connected instantly with the script, which resonated with her deeply. "I had a strong visceral reaction to the Moonlight script, partly because I felt I knew all of these characters," she revealed in an interview with The Guardian. For example, Chiron reminded her of one of her cousins, she had a family member who struggled with crack addiction, and, in her neighborhood growing up, there was a drug dealer like Juan. 

Additionally, the role of Teresa was not an unfamiliar one for her. "I've played the role of Teresa in real life: my family and friends always have a shoulder to lean on with me," she continued. There's little doubt that she was the perfect person for the part.