IN CONVERSATION WITH NIA LONG

interview by JANA LETONJA

Few actors have shaped the cultural imagination of multiple generations with the same quiet authority as Nia Long. From her early, era-defining roles in films like Boyz n the Hood to her enduring presence across television and contemporary cinema, Nia has built a career rooted in emotional intelligence, elegance, and cultural resonance. Now, she enters a new chapter, both reflective and expansive. In Michael, which premiered on 24th April, she portrays Katherine Jackson, the matriarch behind one of the most influential musical dynasties in history. Beyond the screen, she continues to evolve as a producer, cultural figure, and voice of influence, recently joining Estée Lauder as its first North American Brand Ambassador, while also preparing her forthcoming memoir.

dress DIOTIMA
shoes GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
bangle DINOSAUR DESIGNS
rings JOHN HARDY

What drew you to portraying Katherine Jackson in Michael, and how did you approach embodying someone so central yet often unseen in Michael Jackson’s story?

The Jackson family is probably one of the most celebrated and intriguing families in entertainment history. Katherine Jackson has always been a pillar of love and safety for her family. She is the beginning of the Jackson legacy and affectionally known as “Mother” to all of her loved ones. To prepare for this role, I tapped into my own understanding of the sacrifices that come with motherhood. Motherhood is a selfless journey which requires carrying the heaviness of family dynamics with grace, while celebrating the moments of triumph and growth. There is an ebb and flow to motherhood that requires a quiet patience. I was inspired to explore motherhood through the eyes of Katherine Jackson.

How do you interpret the idea of “matriarchal power” in the context of this film?

Matriarchal power is the ability to see beyond the present, beyond life’s challenges and still create a gateway for the family to achieve greatness. It is a silent steadiness that has the ability to move through obstacles with grace and deliberate choices. Katherine Jackson’s grace and commitment to her family is a supreme example of matriarchal power. 

Did this role shift your perspective on legacy, both personal and cultural?  

Legacy is earned through a series of choices and contributions, which impact humanity and family.

dress and vest MISSONI
shoes GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI
tights FALKE
earrings DINOSAUR DESIGNS
bangles and ring ALEXIS BITTAR

You’ve had a career that spans decades without losing relevance. What has guided your choices over time?

Life experiences and a commitment to always showing up as my authentic self. Authenticity is timeless and reliable. I’m also really big on taking time to myself for self-reflection and spiritual growth.

How do you define success today versus earlier in your career?

Success is finding peace and quiet between the hurried moments. Finding time to sit in silence and reflect on what’s been done and what’s to come with intention and gratitude. Success is living to thrive and inspire. 

dress LAQUAN SMITH
shoes LARROUDÉ x ALTUZARRA

What does reinvention mean to you at this stage of your life?

I don’t really subscribe to reinvention because that would require losing a piece of myself completely. I think we evolve and expand through aligning ourselves with our divine purpose, and I also think it’s important to acknowledge the younger version of myself as it speaks to my journey.

Your work has consistently resonated with Black audiences globally—how conscious have you been of that cultural responsibility? 

My body of work is a footprint left behind to inspire all audiences to feel something. To feel a visceral human sensation.   

As an executive producer on the upcoming Don’t Ever Wonder, how does your relationship to storytelling change?

On this particular project, Larenz Tate and I spent almost three years trying to get the film made. We’re determined to tell a story with levity, and the chemistry audiences are looking forward to seeing. Larenz and I hold a very special space within the culture that we don't take that for granted. 

shirt and skirt THE FRANKIE SHOP
necklace DINOSAUR DESIGNS
bangle ALEXIS BITTAR
rings JOHN HARDY and ALEXIS BITTAR
shoes STYLIST’S OWN

As the first North American ambassador for Estée Lauder, what does beauty mean to you today?

I feel the most beautiful when my skin is clean and hydrated. A rested spirit is beautiful. Messy hair and sweatpants might just be my favorite. The desire to look perfect isn’t appealing to me. There’s a freedom that arrives from complete self-acceptance. That’s when I feel the most beautiful, when I take time to nurture myself, all of myself. And sometime that means I feel the most beautiful when I’m not afraid to explore the things about myself that I don't fully understand.

There’s a timeless quality to your presence. How do you maintain a sense of self in an industry driven by trends?

I don’t compare myself to anyone, ever. I can be inspired by other women, other artists, but I kind of walk my own path with a grounded, unwavering authenticity. I don't need to be the most popular in the room. I prefer to live a lowkey lifestyle. I crave truth not power.

suit CLAUDIA LI
shoes LARROUDÉ
earrings DINOSAUR DESIGNS

TEAM CREDITS:

talent NIA LONG
photography TYLER PATRICK KENNY
styling ROBYN VICTORIA FERNANDES at THE ONLY AGENCY
makeup CAMILLE THOMPSON
hair GEO BRIAN for EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS using CÈCRED
models ISAIAH K HAMILTON, IBRAHIM B WILLIAMS, SAMBA and MONTE V SEVEN with U MODELS
models STEPHANY MARTINS, FARAH TAYLOR, NATHALIE JOSEPH and NATT MINX with MAJOR MODELS NY
makeup and hair SANDRADENE FEARON
videography MEECH
photography assistant BANDO
location THE 9 STUDIOS NYC / MEMBERSHIP STUDIOS
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN