Lupita Nyong’o and Joshua Jackson’s Complete Relationship Timeline

Rumors started in fall 2023 that Lupita Nyong'o and Joshua Jackson were dating after they each experienced fairly public breakups. Jackson and ex Jodie Turner-Smith, with whom he shares 4-year-old daughter Juno Rose Diana Jackson, filed for divorce in early October 2023, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

“She decided that she is done,” a source told People of Turner-Smith’s reasons for ending the relationship. “It turned into an unhealthy marriage that made her unhappy.”

In mid-October, Nyong’o posted on her Instagram Stories that she was experiencing a “season of heartbreak” after splitting with boyfriend Selema Masekela.

“I find myself in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception,” she wrote. “I am reminded that the magnitude of the pain I am feeling is equal to the measure of my capacity for love. And so, I am choosing to face the pain, cultivating the courage to meet my life exactly as it is, and trusting that this too shall pass.”

The former couple started dating in December 2022.

Since then, Jackson and Nyong’o were been spotted together, sparking romantic rumors, and seemingly confirmed the relationship with some public affection in Joshua Tree, California, in December.

But their love story did not last. In October 2024, Nyong’o shared she was single again.

Here, their complete relationship timeline.

Jackson and Nyong’o were seen with some friends at a Janelle Monáe concert in Inglewood, California. This happened to be the same day that the Black Panther actress confirmed her split with Masekela.

“Joshua has a type and Lupita definitely fits that to a tee,” a source said at the time. “But they are just friends, it is still a little early for Joshua to start dating again. Could he be an item with Lupita down the road? Without question... They are both still going through it with their recent breakups and still are looking to heal.”

The pair held hands as they walked in Joshua Tree, California, in photos published by The Daily Mail. She wore a white shirt reading “It’s Okay to Cry” with bright yellow pants, a green beanie, hiking boots, and black sunglasses. Jackson was also in a white long-sleeve shirt, beige pants, sneakers, a gray beanie, and brown sunglasses.

A source stated that their friendship had become a “romance.”

“Things have slowly turned to romance between the two,” said the insider. “They have been amazing friends for a long time and Josh didn’t want to ruin that. But as they’ve hung out more and more and dealt with their breakups, dealing with it together has added another level to their friendship. Now it is a physical relationship. They are a couple.”

The very next day, Nyong’o and Jackson were spotted leaving Erewhon after doing some grocery shopping together. The Black Panther actress wore an oversized floral-print sweatshirt with loose-fitting brown corduroy pants, an army-green hat, hoop earrings, and black tinted sunglasses. The Dawson’s Creek actor wore a plain white, long-sleeve sweater with jeans and white sneakers. They each carried brown paper Erewhon bags as they walked through the parking lot before getting into a car together.

In some photographs obtained by E! on March 3, Nyong’o and Jackson seemingly confirmed their romance with a rare PDA moment on the beach. To celebrate Nyong’o’s 41st birthday, the couple flew to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In one picture, the actress has her arms wrapped around his neck as he leans for a kiss, his arms around her waist. In some of the other photos, Nyong’o and Jackson hold hands as they have fun by the water.

On Nyong’o’s actual birthday, March 1, Jackson reportedly went all out to make her feel special. A source told E! that he had “a large balloon display and a stunning bouquet of flowers set up in their hotel suite.”

The couple then spent time together around the resort, like at the spa for a moment of relaxation.

“They looked madly in love,” an eyewitness revealed. “Like they just couldn’t get enough of one another.”

In an interview with The Cut, Jackson’s ex Jodie Turner-Smith stated that she hopes her ex finds “happiness” with Nyong’o.

“Good for them,” she said. “We need happiness in order to peacefully co-parent...I’m trying to get us to the Gwyneth and Chris Martin level. I truly hope they’re happy and that it benefits us as a family.”

Rumors of a breakup swirled when Jackson was seen with German model Nastassja Roberts in New York City at an event for Ryan Murphy’s show Grotesquerie.

Jackson and Nyong’o’s love story quietly came to an end. In her interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK released that day, the actress spoke about being single. “My love for my cat is singular,” she said. “If I’m ever so lucky to be in a romantic relationship again, it’ll be because of him. I was ready to shut that door and lock it and bolt it. He has ensured that my heart remains open.”

It was rumored that Jackson might be seeing Vanderbilt University Law School, Nicole Langston, after they were seen spending some time together in Calabasas.