Black Actresses who Have Schockingly Never Been Nominated for an Oscar

The Academy Awards are often considered the pinnacle of recognition in the film industry, yet many incredibly talented performers have never received a nomination. It is surprising to look back at the careers of legendary icons and modern superstars who have delivered unforgettable performances without catching the eye of the Academy voters. This list highlights forty Black actresses who have consistently showcased their range and skill on screen but are still waiting for that specific acknowledgment. These women have shaped pop culture and carried major productions while earning accolades from other prestigious organizations.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is a powerhouse talent who gained massive popularity for her role as Olivia Pope in the hit series ‘Scandal’. Her film career includes significant roles in movies like ‘Django Unchained’ where she played Broomhilda von Shaft under the direction of Quentin Tarantino. She delivered a memorable performance as Della Bea Robinson in the biopic ‘Ray’ alongside Jamie Foxx. Despite her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, the Academy has yet to nominate her for an Oscar.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became a cinema icon in the 1970s as the face of the blaxploitation genre with tough and dynamic roles in films like ‘Foxy Brown’ and ‘Coffy’. She experienced a major career resurgence when Quentin Tarantino wrote the title role of ‘Jackie Brown’ specifically for her. Her performance in that film earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress and accolades from critics across the country. Many film historians consider her exclusion from the Oscar lineup that year to be one of the biggest snubs of the decade.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has delivered compelling performances in both blockbuster hits and intimate dramas throughout her extensive career. She received a BAFTA Award for her supporting role in the Best Picture winner ‘Crash’ where she played a woman dealing with a traumatic encounter with police. Fans also know her for her complex portrayal of Maeve Millay in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ which earned her an Emmy. While she has been recognized by the British Academy and television voters, an Oscar nomination remains elusive.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall first captured audiences with her impeccable comedic timing in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise before transitioning into deeper dramatic work. She received widespread critical acclaim for her leading performance in ‘Support the Girls’ where she played the protective manager of a sports bar. In that film, she became the first African American woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress. Even with this historic win and glowing reviews from major publications, the Academy did not include her in their nominations.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has been a staple in Hollywood for decades with standout roles in teen classics like ‘Bring It On’ and romantic comedies like ‘Think Like a Man’. She showcased her dramatic chops in the film ‘The Birth of a Nation’ and received praise for her raw and emotional performance. Her work as the lead in the series ‘Being Mary Jane’ further demonstrated her ability to carry a complex narrative. She remains a beloved figure in the industry who has yet to be recognized by the Academy.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has quickly become one of the most versatile actresses working today with roles ranging from Marvel blockbusters to independent films. She garnered significant attention for her nuanced performance in ‘Passing’ where she played a woman navigating racial identity in 1920s New York. Her work in ‘Creed’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’ also highlighted her ability to adapt to different genres and tones. Despite her consistent presence in critically acclaimed projects, she has not yet secured an Academy Award nomination.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashād is often called the mother of the television community due to her iconic role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. She is also a titan of the theater world and became the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Her film credits include standout supporting roles in ‘Creed’ and ‘For Colored Girls’. While she has conquered Broadway and television, her film work has not resulted in an Oscar nomination.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is known as the Mother of Black Hollywood because she has played the matriarch in so many celebrated films and television shows. Her voice work in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and her live-action roles in ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ and ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ are fan favorites. She brings a commanding presence and distinct voice to every character she embodies on screen. Despite her legendary status and long resume, the Oscars have never nominated her.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is a master of blending warmth and vulnerability in her performances, which was evident in the original Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls’. On the big screen, she appeared in the Best Picture winner ‘Crash’ and delivered memorable work in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘This Christmas’. She has won an Emmy for her guest role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and remains a constantly working actress. Her extensive contributions to film have yet to translate into an Academy Award nomination.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox burst onto the scene in the massive summer blockbuster ‘Independence Day’ and followed it up with the action film ‘Set It Off’. She worked with Quentin Tarantino in ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ where she played the assassin Vernita Green. Her career spans decades of film and television work including memorable turns in ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Two Can Play That Game’. While she is a recognizable star with many hits, she has never been nominated for an Oscar.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has tackled a variety of genres from the heist film ‘Set It Off’ to the science fiction sequels ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’. She showcased her comedic skills in ‘Girls Trip’ which became a massive box office success and a cultural phenomenon. She also voiced the character Gloria in the popular animated franchise ‘Madagascar’. Despite her visibility and long career in Hollywood, she has not received an Oscar nomination.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is well known for her lead performance in the romantic drama ‘Love & Basketball’ which has become a classic over the years. She also starred in ‘The Best Man’ franchise and delivered a strong performance in the thriller ‘Out of Time’ opposite Denzel Washington. She received a Tony nomination for her work on Broadway in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Her consistent film work has established her as a star, but she remains without an Academy Award nomination.

Nia Long

Nia Long has appeared in some of the most iconic films of the 1990s including ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Friday’. She charmed audiences in romantic comedies like ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Love Jones’ and later appeared in the thriller ‘Fatal Affair’. Her career has maintained longevity and relevance across multiple decades of changing industry trends. Even with such a solid filmography, the Academy has never recognized her with a nomination.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise made a stunning film debut in ‘Set It Off’ and immediately marked herself as a serious dramatic talent. She received heavy critical praise for her role in ‘Beloved’ based on the novel by Toni Morrison and for playing the lead in ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. Her intense performance in ‘For Colored Girls’ demonstrated her ability to handle deeply emotional material. She is frequently mentioned in discussions about talented actresses who have been overlooked by the Oscars.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is one of the most decorated performers in stage history and holds six Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. She has brought her talents to the screen in films like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and the Aretha Franklin biopic ‘Respect’. She also stars in the historical drama series ‘The Gilded Age’ as Dorothy Scott. While she is a legend in the theater world with Grammys and Emmys to her name, she has not received an Oscar nomination.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-hyphenate talent who is known for directing, producing, choreography, and acting. She gained fame for her role as Lydia Grant in the film ‘Fame’ and its subsequent television adaptation which earned her multiple Golden Globe awards. She has directed acclaimed television episodes and appeared in the classic film ‘Ragtime’. Despite her immense influence on the entertainment industry and dance, she has never been nominated for an Oscar.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa L. Williams successfully transitioned from music to acting with major roles in films like ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Eraser’. She earned critical acclaim for her role as Wilhelmina Slater in the series ‘Ugly Betty’ which garnered her multiple Emmy nominations. Her film work includes the dance movie ‘Dance with Me’ and the drama ‘Shaft’. Although she has conquered the music charts and television landscape, the Academy has not nominated her.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross established herself as a comedy icon with her roles in ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She won a Golden Globe for her performance as Rainbow Johnson and has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards. She ventured into film with the musical drama ‘The High Note’ where she played a superstar singer. Her talent for comedy and drama is evident, yet she has not received a nomination from the Academy.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones is widely recognized for her role as Ann Perkins in the comedy series ‘Parks and Recreation’. She co-wrote and starred in the film ‘Celeste and Jesse Forever’ which received positive reviews for its honest take on relationships. She also appeared in ‘The Social Network’ and directed the documentary ‘Quincy’ about her father Quincy Jones. While she has won a Grammy for her documentary work, she has never been nominated for an acting Oscar.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph is a comedic force who honed her skills on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before moving into film. She stole scenes in the blockbuster comedy ‘Bridesmaids’ and showcased her dramatic range in the film ‘Away We Go’. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her voice-over work and guest appearances on television. Despite being one of the most respected comedic actresses working today, the Oscars have not nominated her.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae created and starred in the hit series ‘Insecure’ which earned her nominations at the Emmys and Golden Globes. She has expanded her film career with roles in ‘The Photograph’ and ‘The Lovebirds’ as well as a supporting turn in ‘Barbie’. Her work often explores the complexities of modern Black womanhood with wit and authenticity. While she is a major player in television and producing, she has yet to snag an Oscar nomination.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is internationally famous for playing the fierce warrior Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films like ‘Black Panther’. She also gained a massive following for her role as Michonne in the long-running series ‘The Walking Dead’. As a playwright, she wrote ‘Eclipsed’ which was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. Her powerful screen presence has led to blockbuster success but not an Academy Award nomination.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright became a global star playing Shuri in ‘Black Panther’ and eventually took on the mantle of the lead character in the sequel. She delivered a gripping performance in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Black Museum’ which earned her an Emmy nomination. Her film credits also include ‘Death on the Nile’ and ‘Mangrove’ from Steve McQueen’s anthology series. She is a BAFTA winner for Rising Star, but the Oscars have not nominated her yet.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw garnered significant critical buzz for her lead performance in the period drama ‘Belle’. She showcased her singing and acting abilities in ‘Beyond the Lights’ where she played a pop star struggling with fame. She also starred in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ which is widely considered one of the best episodes of the series. Despite consistent praise for her performances, she has never received an Oscar nomination.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe made a seamless transition from music to acting with breakout roles in two Best Picture nominees, ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She continued to impress with her performance as the mysterious entrepreneur in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Her ability to embody distinct and charismatic characters has made her a standout in ensemble casts. Even with her involvement in highly acclaimed films, she has not received an individual Oscar nomination.

Zendaya

Zendaya has become a fashion and acting icon for her generation with two Emmy Awards for her lead role in ‘Euphoria’. She starred in the sci-fi epic ‘Dune’ and its sequel as well as the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. Her performance in the black-and-white drama ‘Malcolm & Marie’ drew attention to her ability to carry a film with limited cast and locations. While she is a favorite of critics and audiences alike, she has yet to be nominated for an Oscar.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has been acting since childhood and gained critical acclaim for her lead role in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She delivered a dynamic performance in Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ which allowed her to display her range in horror and comedy. Her career includes voice work in ‘Lightyear’ and a standout role in ‘Hustlers’. She is a versatile entertainer who has won an Emmy, but an Oscar nomination has not happened yet.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba burst into the spotlight with her portrayal of Suzanne Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She is one of the few actors to win Emmys in both comedy and drama categories for the same role. She also received acclaim for her performance as Shirley Chisholm in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’. While her television work is highly decorated, her film roles have not yet led to an Academy Award nomination.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox made history with her role on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. She appeared in the Oscar-winning film ‘Promising Young Woman’ and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her career continues to break barriers and open doors for other performers. Despite her historical achievements in television, she has not been nominated for an Oscar.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel created, wrote, directed, and starred in the groundbreaking series ‘I May Destroy You’. She became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series. On the big screen, she appeared in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ as Aneka. Her storytelling and acting have been revolutionary for television, but the Academy Awards have not yet recognized her film work.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback received a BAFTA nomination for her supporting role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She played the female lead in the blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ and garnered praise for the series ‘Swarm’. Her performance in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ was noted for its quiet strength and emotional depth. She is seen as a rising star with immense potential who is still waiting for her first Oscar nod.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is perhaps best known as the voice of Tiana in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She also starred alongside Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’. She is a Tony Award winner for her performance in ‘Caroline, or Change’ on Broadway. While she was part of the cast of an Oscar-winning film, she did not receive an individual nomination.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a veteran character actress with a distinctive voice and commanding presence. She received critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Bagdad Cafe’ and has earned multiple Emmy nominations for her television work in shows like ‘The Shield’. She played Moat in the ‘Avatar’ films, contributing to one of the biggest franchises in history. Her extensive body of work is respected throughout the industry, yet she has never been nominated for an Oscar.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is widely recognized for her long-running role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’. She delivered a powerhouse performance in the HBO film ‘Lackawanna Blues’ which earned her an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She also appeared in the film ‘Lincoln’ directed by Steven Spielberg. Despite winning the triple crown of television acting awards for a single role, she has never been nominated for an Oscar.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Josephine Baker in ‘The Josephine Baker Story’ which won her an Emmy Award. She is also famous for her chilling performance as the obsessed Brandi in ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’. Her career includes roles in dramatic films like ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and television series like ‘Greenleaf’. She is a highly respected actress whose work has not been recognized with an Oscar nomination.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie received glowing reviews for her lead performance in the independent drama ‘Miss Juneteenth’. She previously starred in the film ’42’ as Rachel Robinson and played the lead in the television series ‘Sleepy Hollow’. Her work in ‘Miss Juneteenth’ won her the Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Actress. Even with this critical success, the Academy did not nominate her for the role.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne made a memorable film debut as the lead in Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She followed that up with an action role in ‘The Old Guard’ alongside Charlize Theron. Her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ was central to the film’s emotional impact. While the film received Oscar nominations in other categories, she was not nominated for her acting.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith captured attention with her breakout role in the stylish drama ‘Queen & Slim’. She also starred in the science fiction film ‘After Yang’ alongside Colin Farrell. She played the title role in the miniseries ‘Anne Boleyn’ which generated significant discussion. Her striking performances have made her a talent to watch, but she has not yet received an Oscar nomination.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has been a consistent presence in film since her debut in the controversially acclaimed ‘Kids’. She has appeared in a wide range of movies including ‘Rent’, ‘Sin City’, and ‘Seven Pounds’. She recently brought the character Ahsoka Tano to life in the ‘Star Wars’ universe on Disney+. Despite a long and varied career working with top directors, she has never been nominated for an Academy Award.

Tell us in the comments which of these actresses you believe deserves an Oscar the most and what performance should have won it.