Janelle Monáe acts for a living.
Janelle Monáe Robinson ( born December 1 , 1985 ) ( [ dʒəˈnɛl_moʊˈneɪ ] ) is an American singer , songwriter , actress , and model signed to her own imprint , Wondaland Arts Society , and Atlantic Records . In 2016 , she had major roles in two feature films , Hidden Figures and Moonlight , for which she received widespread praise . Both films received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture , with Moonlight winning the award at the 89th Academy Awards .