Black Actors who Can Make You Cry Quickly
Some performances don’t just land; they linger. The actors below have anchored films and series where the emotional stakes are built into the story—grief and joy, loss and healing, love and conflict—brought to life through characters you remember long after the credits. This list focuses on those projects and roles, highlighting the essential details that make their work stand out.
Each entry includes concrete information about notable roles, awards, and the creative teams behind them. You’ll find character names, directors, and distinctions that show how these performances were built, with facts about casting, collaborators, and accolades that shaped these memorable screen moments.
Denzel Washington
Washington won Academy Awards for ‘Glory’ and ‘Training Day’, and earned nominations for ‘Malcolm X’, ‘The Hurricane’, ‘Flight’, ‘Fences’, ‘Cry Freedom’, and ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’. He portrayed Troy Maxson in ‘Fences’, which he also directed, and played Malcolm X in ‘Malcolm X’ and Rubin Carter in ‘The Hurricane’.
His filmography includes collaborations with Spike Lee in ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Inside Man’, Antoine Fuqua in ‘Training Day’ and ‘The Equalizer’, and Tony Scott in ‘Man on Fire’ and ‘Crimson Tide’. He produced August Wilson adaptations for screen and produced ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, extending Wilson’s work to film.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Ejiofor received an Academy Award nomination and won the BAFTA for ’12 Years a Slave’, portraying Solomon Northup under director Steve McQueen. He played Okwe in ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ and appeared as Karl Mordo in ‘Doctor Strange’.
He wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’, adapting William Kamkwamba’s memoir. On television, he led ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’, a continuation of Walter Tevis’s story developed for contemporary settings.
David Oyelowo
Oyelowo portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’, directed by Ava DuVernay, earning major award nominations for his performance. He also headlined ‘A United Kingdom’ as Seretse Khama, depicting diplomatic and constitutional developments tied to Botswana’s history.
He starred in ‘Nightingale’ for HBO, a single-location feature recognized by awards bodies for writing and acting. Additional credits include voice work as Agent Kallus in ‘Star Wars Rebels’, contributing to canonical arcs in the franchise.
Forest Whitaker
Whitaker won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘The Last King of Scotland’, portraying Idi Amin under Kevin Macdonald’s direction. He has portrayed prominent figures in ‘The Butler’, ‘Bird’, and appeared in science fiction with ‘Arrival’.
On television, Whitaker starred in ‘Godfather of Harlem’ as Bumpy Johnson, a series intersecting organized crime and civil-rights-era politics. He has produced features and series through Significant Productions, supporting titles such as ‘Fruitvale Station’.
Idris Elba
Elba played Commandant in ‘Beasts of No Nation’, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, earning a SAG Award and multiple critics’ prizes. He portrayed Nelson Mandela in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, adapted from Mandela’s autobiography.
In television, he led ‘Luther’ as DCI John Luther and later returned to the role in a feature continuation. He directed ‘Yardie’, his feature debut adapted from Victor Headley’s novel, and continues to act and produce across film and series.
Sterling K. Brown
Brown won Emmy and SAG awards for ‘This Is Us’, playing Randall Pearson across an ensemble drama with interwoven timelines. He won an Emmy for ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’, portraying prosecutor Christopher Darden under showrunners Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.
His film credits include ‘Waves’, focusing on a Florida family’s recovery after a crisis, and ‘American Fiction’, which brought additional award recognition. He also voices roles in animated features, expanding his work for family audiences.
Michael B. Jordan
Jordan starred in ‘Fruitvale Station’, directed by Ryan Coogler, portraying Oscar Grant; the film won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance. He later collaborated with Coogler on ‘Creed’ as Adonis Creed and on ‘Black Panther’ as Erik Killmonger.
He produced and starred in ‘Just Mercy’, portraying attorney Bryan Stevenson in an adaptation of Stevenson’s memoir. Through Outlier Society, he adopted an inclusion rider policy across productions and developed film and television projects with partner studios.
Daniel Kaluuya
Kaluuya received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Get Out’, directed by Jordan Peele, and won the Academy Award for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ for portraying Fred Hampton under Shaka King. Additional credits include ‘Widows’ with Steve McQueen and ‘Queen & Slim’ with Melina Matsoukas.
Kaluuya co-wrote and produced ‘The Kitchen’, a London-set dystopian feature. He also voices Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’, contributing to a major animated franchise.
LaKeith Stanfield
Stanfield earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and starred in ‘Sorry to Bother You’, written and directed by Boots Riley. On television, he played Darius Epps in ‘Atlanta’, appearing across multiple seasons.
He led ‘The Changeling’ on Apple TV+, adapted from Victor LaValle’s novel, and appeared in ‘Short Term 12’, ‘The Photograph’, and ‘Uncut Gems’. His work spans indie drama, romance, and thriller projects.
Mahershala Ali
Ali won two Academy Awards for Supporting Actor for ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’, working with directors Barry Jenkins and Peter Farrelly. In ‘Moonlight’, he portrayed Juan, a key figure in the protagonist’s development.
On television, Ali starred in ‘True Detective’ Season 3 as Detective Wayne Hays, receiving major award nominations. He has also been cast as the lead in Marvel’s ‘Blade’, alongside continued collaborations in independent film.
Chadwick Boseman
Boseman received a posthumous Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe for ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, adapted from August Wilson’s play with Denzel Washington as producer. He portrayed Jackie Robinson in ’42’, James Brown in ‘Get on Up’, and Thurgood Marshall in ‘Marshall’.
As T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’, Boseman led a Marvel Studios film that achieved major box-office milestones and multiple Academy Awards in craft categories. He also appeared as T’Challa in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ensemble ‘Avengers’ entries.
John Boyega
Boyega starred in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy as Finn, appearing across three mainline features. He received a Golden Globe for ‘Small Axe: Red, White and Blue’, part of Steve McQueen’s anthology examining the West Indian community in London.
Additional credits include ‘Detroit’ under director Kathryn Bigelow, covering the Algiers Motel incident, and producing roles on independent features. He continues to develop projects as both actor and producer.
Brian Tyree Henry
Henry received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Causeway’, portraying James alongside Jennifer Lawrence in a story about trauma and recovery. He has been Emmy-nominated for ‘Atlanta’, playing Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles across multiple seasons.
He appeared in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ under Barry Jenkins and voices Jefferson Davis in ‘Spider-Verse’ installments. Other credits include ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ and ‘Bullet Train’, spanning action and ensemble projects.
Trevante Rhodes
Rhodes portrayed Chiron in ‘Moonlight’, working with Barry Jenkins on a triptych narrative adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney’s ‘In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue’. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture and multiple guild honors.
He portrayed Mike Tyson in ‘Mike’ on Hulu, covering personal history, legal challenges, and career milestones. Rhodes has also appeared in ‘The Predator’ and ‘Bird Box’, working within sci-fi and thriller genres.
Colman Domingo
Domingo received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for ‘Rustin’, portraying Bayard Rustin under director George C. Wolfe. He won an Emmy for Guest Actor in a Drama Series for ‘Euphoria’, adding to extensive stage credentials.
He appeared in ‘Zola’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and took part in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ within August Wilson screen adaptations. Domingo also writes and produces, developing projects that highlight historical figures and underrepresented perspectives.
Jonathan Majors
Majors appeared in ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’, directed by Joe Talbot, portraying Montgomery Allen in a story centered on home and friendship. He received an Emmy nomination for ‘Lovecraft Country’, created by Misha Green.
Feature credits include ‘Creed III’ and ‘Devotion’, along with appearances in Marvel titles as variants of Kang. He has also participated in festival premieres and limited releases focused on character-driven narratives.
Jeffrey Wright
Wright received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for ‘American Fiction’, adapted from Percival Everett’s ‘Erasure’ and directed by Cord Jefferson. He previously won a Tony and an Emmy for ‘Angels in America’, playing Belize and additional roles.
He collaborated with Wes Anderson on ‘The French Dispatch’ and portrayed CIA agent Felix Leiter in the ‘James Bond’ franchise. Television work includes ‘Westworld’, where he played Bernard Lowe across multiple seasons.
Will Smith
Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘King Richard’, portraying Richard Williams under Reinaldo Marcus Green and producing via Westbrook. He previously received nominations for ‘Ali’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, both centered on real-life figures.
His filmography includes ‘I Am Legend’, ‘Men in Black’, and ‘Bad Boys’ titles, alongside producing responsibilities in film and television. On television, ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ established his screen presence ahead of feature leads.
Jamie Foxx
Foxx won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘Ray’, directed by Taylor Hackford, and received a Supporting Actor nomination for ‘Collateral’ in the same awards cycle. He has released multi-platinum music that intersects with his portrayal of Ray Charles through recorded performance.
Additional film credits include ‘Just Mercy’ as Walter McMillian, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘Project Power’. Foxx has anchored television projects and specials that combine acting and music.
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Gooding Jr. won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Jerry Maguire’, playing Rod Tidwell in Cameron Crowe’s sports-industry drama. He portrayed Dr. Ben Carson in the television film ‘Gifted Hands’, focusing on neurosurgical milestones.
His credits include ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’, portraying O.J. Simpson in a limited series. He has also appeared in stage productions and ensemble features.
Don Cheadle
Cheadle received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Hotel Rwanda’, portraying Paul Rusesabagina in a historical drama about the Rwandan genocide. He won a Golden Globe for ‘The Rat Pack’ and earned Emmy nominations for ‘House of Lies’ and ‘Black Monday’.
Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he plays James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine in ensemble titles and spin-offs. Cheadle directed ‘Miles Ahead’, a biographical film about Miles Davis that combines narrative sections with musical performance.
Terrence Howard
Howard received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Hustle & Flow’, portraying DJay under director Craig Brewer; the film’s original song won the Academy Award. He led ‘Empire’ as Lucious Lyon, earning multiple award nominations for his television work.
Credits include ‘Crash’, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and ‘Iron Man’, where he originated James Rhodes in the franchise’s first entry. He has also appeared in period dramas and legal dramas across film and television.
Derek Luke
Luke won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for ‘Antwone Fisher’, directed by Denzel Washington and based on Antwone Fisher’s life. He portrayed Bobby Joe Hill in ‘Glory Road’, a sports drama about the Texas Western Miners’ historic NCAA season.
On television, he appeared in ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ’13 Reasons Why’, contributing to ensemble storytelling in youth-centered dramas. Additional film credits include ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ and ‘Madea Goes to Jail’.
Andre Braugher
Braugher won the Primetime Emmy Award for Lead Actor in a Drama Series for ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’, portraying Detective Frank Pembleton. He later won a Primetime Emmy for ‘Thief’, leading a limited series about a professional heist crew.
He starred as Captain Raymond Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, earning multiple Emmy nominations and Critics’ Choice recognition. Film credits include ‘Glory’ and ‘City of Angels’, along with extensive stage work in classical and contemporary repertory.
Delroy Lindo
Lindo starred in ‘Da 5 Bloods’, directed by Spike Lee, portraying Paul in a narrative that links war, friendship, and memory. He has collaborated with Lee on ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Crooklyn’, maintaining a long-running director-actor partnership.
On television, he appeared in ‘The Good Fight’ as Adrian Boseman, earning multiple critics’ nominations. His filmography includes ‘The Cider House Rules’ and ‘Get Shorty’, and he has performed on stage in the UK and the US.
Share your picks and the roles that moved you most in the comments!
