Karidja Toure is inspired by black actresses who are ''proud'' of their skin colour.

The 21-year-old French actress - who stars in the drama movie 'Girlhood', about a group of girls who live in a rough neighbourhood outside Paris - has revealed she looks upon the likes of Lupita Nyong'o and Kerry Washington as her role models.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Karidja said: ''It was one of my dreams to appear in an American movie. When I was little, I wanted to be in American movies.

''I was not relating myself in France, so I was thinking that to be an actress I would have to go to Hollywood.

''I really love Kerry Washington and Lupita Nyango. I think she's a good role model - she's a really black girl and is proud of her skin.''

Karidja said she admires Lupita particularly because she makes no effort to change her appearance in order to satisfy the desires of Hollywood.

She shared: ''Sometimes we find other musicians and other actors who are changing their skin. So for me, she's a really strong woman.''

'Girlhood' is out now on Blu-ray and DVD.