2013 might have been the year Lupita Nyong’o owned the red carpet, but it doesn’t mean she’s going anywhere for 2014. The 12 Years a Slave star’s bold style and veritable acting chops guarantee her a place in the spotlight come awards season. With the aid of stylist Micaela Erlanger, Nyong’o has so far chosen a parade of colorful, sophisticated dresses from designers like Miu Miu, J. Mendel, and Prada. Opting for silhouettes that cinch her at the waist — from a Prabal Gurung tuxedo-dress to a Veronica Beard jumpsuit — Nyong’o’s style is always perfectly refined, but never boring. And now the 30-year-old actress can add W magazine cover star to her résumé: Nyong’o graces the glossy’s February issue, shot by Juergen Teller. See the actress’s best red-carpet looks in our slideshow.