The Absolute Best Black Actresses of the Past 10 Years

The last ten years have marked a significant shift in the landscape of cinema and television, driven by the extraordinary talent of Black actresses. From shattering box office records to achieving rare accolades like the EGOT, these women have redefined the boundaries of storytelling. Their performances have spanned genres including historical epics, psychological thrillers, and groundbreaking sitcoms. This list highlights the professionals who have dominated the industry through their skill, versatility, and cultural impact since 2014.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved EGOT status in 2023, solidifying her place as one of the most decorated performers in history. Over the past decade, she won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Fences’ and an Emmy for ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She led the historical epic ‘The Woman King’ and portrayed the legendary blues singer in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Her work is characterized by intense emotional depth and technical precision across both stage and screen.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett received an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She has maintained a strong television presence as the lead of the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ since 2018. In 2024, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored her with an Honorary Oscar for her storied career. Her influence extends into production, where she serves as an executive producer on various high-profile projects.

Regina King

Regina King transitioned from a respected character actress to a powerhouse lead and director over the last ten years. She won an Academy Award for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and earned multiple Emmys for her work in ‘American Crime’ and ‘Watchmen’. King also made her feature directorial debut with the critically acclaimed ‘One Night in Miami…’, which earned several award nominations. Her range allows her to move seamlessly between gritty dramas and high-concept superhero narratives.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer has remained a consistent force in Hollywood with three Academy Award nominations within the last decade. She delivered notable performances in ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘The Shape of Water’, and the ‘Divergent’ series. Spencer also moved into executive production with the limited series ‘Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker’, in which she also starred. Her ability to bring warmth and gravitas to historical and fictional roles has made her a staple of modern cinema.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has built a diverse filmography following her breakout in ’12 Years a Slave’. She took on a dual role in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’, earning widespread acclaim for her physical and emotional performance. Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she portrays Nakia in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Most recently, she led the horror prequel ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’, demonstrating her ability to carry a major franchise.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson became a cultural icon through her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the long-running musical drama ‘Empire’. She received critical praise for her lead role as Katherine Johnson in the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Recently, she showcased her musical talents as Shug Avery in the 2023 reimagining of ‘The Color Purple’. Henson is also a vocal advocate for mental health, often using her platform to discuss industry standards for actresses.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo has had a meteoric rise in both film and theater since 2014. She won a Tony Award for ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway before transitioning to films like ‘Widows’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’. She earned two Academy Award nominations for ‘Harriet’, both for her acting and for writing the original song ‘Stand Up’. Erivo is set to reach even wider audiences as Elphaba in the cinematic adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Zendaya

Zendaya has successfully transitioned from a child star to one of the most influential actresses of her generation. She became the youngest two-time winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Euphoria’. Her film credits include the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, the ‘Dune’ franchise, and the romantic drama ‘Challengers’. She is widely recognized for her ability to draw massive audiences and her sophisticated choice of roles.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Holdovers’ in 2024. She first gained major film attention for her performance in ‘Dolemitie Is My Name’ alongside Eddie Murphy. Her television credits include a recurring role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and a lead part in ‘High Fidelity’. Randolph is praised for her comedic timing and her capacity to deliver profound dramatic performances.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Oracene Price in ‘King Richard’. She has been a fixture in prestige television, appearing in ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. In 2023, she starred in the biographical drama ‘Origin’, based on the book ‘Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents’. Her career is marked by a commitment to portraying complex, real-life figures with immense dignity.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler delivered one of the most acclaimed performances of 2022 as Mamie Till-Mobley in ‘Till’. She also garnered attention for her roles in the Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the miniseries ‘Station Eleven’. Deadwyler is known for her background in performance art, which informs her expressive and grounded acting style. She has quickly become a sought-after talent for directors seeking high-intensity dramatic leads.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Mildred Loving in the 2016 film ‘Loving’. She starred in the supernatural series ‘Preacher’ for four seasons, playing the lethal and unpredictable Tulip Hare. In 2021, she received critical acclaim for her role in ‘Passing’, a film exploring racial identity in the 1920s. Negga’s work is often praised for its subtlety and the emotional intelligence she brings to her characters.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris received an Academy Award nomination for her harrowing performance in ‘Moonlight’. She has played Eve Moneypenny in three ‘James Bond’ films, including ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. Her versatility is evident in her roles in the ‘Venom’ sequel and the television series ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’. Harris is celebrated for her ability to transform physically and vocally for a wide variety of roles.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has balanced independent cinema with major franchise roles over the last ten years. She portrays Valkyrie in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ and starred in the ‘Creed’ trilogy as Bianca Taylor. Her work in ‘Passing’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’ highlights her commitment to avant-garde and socially conscious projects. Thompson also co-founded a production company to advocate for more inclusive storytelling in the industry.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae changed the landscape of television with her HBO series ‘Insecure’, which she created and starred in. She has since starred in films such as ‘The Photograph’, ‘The Lovebirds’, and ‘American Fiction’. In 2023, she played President Barbie in the global blockbuster ‘Barbie’. Rae is also a prominent producer, helping to launch the careers of other Black creatives through her company, Hoorae Media.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel gained international fame for creating and starring in the groundbreaking series ‘I May Destroy You’. She won an Emmy for writing the series, which explored themes of trauma and consent with unique narrative structures. Coel also appeared in ‘Black Mirror’ and the blockbuster ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ as Aneka. Her work is often characterized by its unflinching honesty and innovative approach to television writing.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba won two Emmy Awards for her role as Suzanne ‘Crazy Eyes’ Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She continued her success with another Emmy win for portraying Shirley Chisholm in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’. Aduba has also starred in the revival of ‘In Treatment’ and the drama ‘Painkiller’. Her career has been defined by her ability to inhabit eccentric and historically significant characters with equal skill.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross starred as Rainbow Johnson in the hit sitcom ‘black-ish’ for eight seasons, earning several Emmy nominations. She also led the musical drama ‘The High Note’ and appeared in the 2023 film ‘American Fiction’. Ross is known for her impeccable comedic timing and her work as a producer on the spin-off ‘mixed-ish’. Beyond acting, she has become a significant figure in the beauty and fashion industries.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became a household name during her run as Olivia Pope in the political thriller ‘Scandal’. Since the show ended, she has starred in the miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ and the film ‘The School for Good and Evil’. Washington has also become a prolific producer through her company, Simpson Street. She frequently stars in Broadway productions, including the acclaimed play ‘American Son’, which was later adapted for Netflix.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall has transitioned from comedic ensemble roles to leading dramatic and satirical performances. She received critical acclaim for ‘Support the Girls’ and starred in the series ‘Black Monday’. In recent years, she has appeared in ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’ and the miniseries ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. Hall is recognized as one of the most versatile actresses working today, capable of carrying both broad comedies and nuanced indies.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts earned widespread acclaim and an Emmy for her role in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She has led several successful series, including ‘Claws’ and ‘The Rookie: Feds’. Her dramatic turn in ‘When They See Us’ showcased a different side of her talent to audiences who knew her primarily from comedy. Nash-Betts is celebrated for her charisma and her ability to bring depth to procedural and dramatic formats.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard continues to be one of the most respected figures in the industry with a career spanning decades. In the last ten years, she starred in ‘Clemency’, earning a BAFTA nomination for her role as a prison warden. She also appeared in the series ‘See’ and the film ‘The Gray Man’. Woodard’s presence in a project is often cited as a hallmark of quality and emotional gravitas.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe successfully expanded her career from music to high-profile acting roles starting with ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She took on a lead role in the psychological thriller ‘Antebellum’ and starred in the second season of ‘Homecoming’. In 2022, she joined the ensemble cast of ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, receiving several award nominations. Monáe is known for her bold style and her choice of socially relevant and intellectually stimulating projects.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw gained international recognition for her lead role in the period drama ‘Belle’. She has since starred in the acclaimed ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ and the Disney film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. Currently, she plays Ravonna Renslayer in the Marvel series ‘Loki’ and stars in the thriller ‘The Girl Before’. Her performances are often noted for their grace, intelligence, and emotional vulnerability.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright rose to global prominence as Shuri in the ‘Black Panther’ franchise within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She led the sequel, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, following the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Wright also appeared in the anthology series ‘Small Axe’ and the film ‘The Silent Twins’. She is recognized for her ability to balance blockbuster action with sensitive, character-driven drama.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is best known for her roles as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and Okoye in ‘Black Panther’. Beyond her acting, she is an award-winning playwright, famous for the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. She reprised her role as Michonne in the 2024 spin-off series ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’. Gurira is praised for bringing a powerful physical presence and deep psychological layers to her warrior characters.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch made history as the first woman to hold the 007 designation in ‘No Time to Die’. She also starred in ‘The Woman King’ as the fierce warrior Izogie and played Miss Honey in ‘Matilda the Musical’. Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she appeared as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’ and ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. Lynch is quickly becoming a major star in the action and musical genres alike.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has had a prolific decade, culminating in her acclaimed performance in Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’. She won an Emmy for her work in the series ‘Turnt Up with the Taylors’ and hosted the MTV Video Music Awards. Palmer also appeared in the hit film ‘Hustlers’ and provided voices for ‘Lightyear’. Her long career, which began in childhood, has evolved into a powerhouse brand involving acting, singing, and hosting.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback earned a BAFTA nomination for her performance in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She starred in the Amazon series ‘Swarm’, which garnered her an Emmy nomination for her unsettling lead performance. Her film credits also include ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Project Power’. Fishback is often praised by critics for her intense focus and her ability to portray complex, often misunderstood characters.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu made a massive impact with her international debut in the limited series ‘The Underground Railroad’. She followed this success by starring alongside Viola Davis in the historical action film ‘The Woman King’. Before her Hollywood breakout, she was already a two-time International Emmy nominee for her work in South African television. Mbedu is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the industry today.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks became a fan favorite as Taystee in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ before moving to the Broadway stage. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Sofia in the 2023 film ‘The Color Purple’. Brooks also stars in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’ as Leota Adebayo. Her career is marked by powerful vocal performances and a commanding screen presence.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor earned critical acclaim for her lead role in the 2023 drama ‘A Thousand and One’. While she was previously known for her music and choreography, this role established her as a serious dramatic actress. She also appeared in ‘Coming 2 America’ and ‘The Book of Clarence’. Taylor is recognized for her raw, naturalistic acting style and her ability to capture the spirit of New York City.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett gained widespread recognition for her role as Leti Lewis in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’. She also portrayed Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’, a role that earned her a dedicated following in the superhero genre. Her recent projects include the thriller ‘Lou’ and the legal drama ‘The Burial’. Smollett has been acting since childhood and has successfully transitioned into complex, adult action and dramatic roles.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz rose to fame through her role as Van in the critically acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’. She entered the world of comic book films playing Domino in ‘Deadpool 2’ and Sophie in ‘Joker’. Beetz has also lent her voice to the animated series ‘Invincible’ and appeared in the Western ‘The Harder They Fall’. She is known for her effortless cool and her ability to ground fantastical stories with realistic performances.

Kirby Howell-Baptiste

Kirby Howell-Baptiste has appeared in several of the most popular television shows of the last decade. Her credits include ‘The Good Place’, ‘Killing Eve’, ‘Barry’, and ‘Why Women Kill’. She also played Death in the Netflix adaptation of ‘The Sandman’, receiving praise for her empathetic portrayal. Her versatility allows her to transition easily between dark comedy and high-concept fantasy.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

MJ Rodriguez made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe for her role in ‘Pose’. Her performance as Blanca Evangelista was the emotional anchor of the series throughout its three-season run. She has since appeared in the comedy series ‘Loot’ and provided voice work for ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. Rodriguez is a trailblazer whose work has opened doors for greater representation in Hollywood.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained international fame for playing Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. They have since appeared in films such as ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’ and ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’. Moore is also a prominent model and an outspoken advocate for marginalized communities. Their work is characterized by a unique blend of vulnerability and striking screen presence.

Quintessa Swindell

Quintessa Swindell had a breakout role in the Netflix series ‘Trinkets’ before joining the DC Extended Universe. They played Cyclone in ‘Black Adam’, showcasing their ability to handle large-scale action sequences. Swindell also appeared in the film ‘Master Gardener’ and the series ‘In Treatment’. They are considered one of the leading non-binary actors working in the industry today.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid landed a major lead role in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ at a young age, directed by Ava DuVernay. She has since starred in the hit series ‘Euphoria’ and the thriller ‘Missing’. In 2023, she won an Emmy for her guest role in ‘The Last of Us’. Reid has also moved into production, aiming to create more opportunities for young actors of color.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg followed her role in ‘The Hunger Games’ with powerful leads in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. She recently joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as the lead in the series ‘The Acolyte’. Stenberg is known for choosing projects with significant social and political themes. She is also an active voice in cultural conversations regarding identity and representation.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi became a breakout star on the sitcom ‘black-ish’ before leading her own spin-off, ‘grown-ish’. She played Tinker Bell in the live-action ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’, marking a milestone for inclusive casting. Shahidi is also a producer and a graduate of Harvard University, balancing her academic pursuits with her acting career. She is frequently cited as a role model for her generation.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin made history as the youngest person to ever produce a studio film with ‘Little’ in 2019. She starred in ‘black-ish’ for its entire run, winning multiple NAACP Image Awards for her performance. Martin continues to build her production empire through her company, Genius Productions. Her work focuses on creating content that centers Black stories for younger audiences.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne had a breakthrough performance in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She has since appeared in the action film ‘The Old Guard’ and the psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. In 2022, she voiced Gadget Hackwrench in ‘Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers’. Layne is recognized for her classic Hollywood elegance and her ability to lead both indie dramas and blockbusters.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram earned an Emmy nomination for her role as Jolene in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. She gained further prominence playing Reva, the Third Sister, in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. Her film work includes ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ and the action thriller ‘Ambulance’. Ingram is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama, and her technical skill is evident in her varied choice of roles.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell gained critical acclaim for her performance in the 2019 drama ‘Waves’. She starred in the horror franchise ‘Escape Room’ and led the romantic horror film ‘Bones and All’ alongside Timothée Chalamet. Russell also appeared in the series ‘Lost in Space’ as Judy Robinson. She is praised for her ethereal screen presence and her willingness to take on unconventional, challenging roles.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo has maintained a prestigious career across British and American film and television. In the last decade, she appeared in ‘Ratched’, ‘The Wheel of Time’, and ‘Death on the Nile’. She earned a Tony nomination for her work on Broadway in ‘The Crucible’. Okonedo is highly regarded for her versatility and her ability to elevate every production she joins.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is a veteran actress who continues to deliver powerful performances in modern television and film. She starred in the series ‘Blindspot’ and ‘Homecoming’ during the last ten years. In 2024, she received rave reviews for her lead role in Mike Leigh’s ‘Hard Truths’. Her career is defined by her consistency and her status as one of the most respected Black British actresses.

Adina Porter

Adina Porter has become a mainstay of modern prestige television, particularly through her work in ‘American Horror Story’. She earned an Emmy nomination for her role in ‘American Horror Story: Cult’. Her other credits include ‘The 100’, ‘The Morning Show’, and ‘The Changeling’. Porter is known for her commanding voice and her ability to play authority figures and complex villains.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander has experienced a significant career resurgence with roles in ‘Get Out’ and ‘American Fiction’. She also appeared in the series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ and ‘Run the World’. While many know her from her iconic role in ‘Living Single’, her recent work showcases her range in drama and satire. Alexander is also a producer and activist focusing on equity in the tech and media sectors.

Kelly Jenrette

Kelly Jenrette earned an Emmy nomination for her guest role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has since starred in the series ‘All American: Homecoming’ and ‘Manhunt’. Her work often balances intense drama with relatable, grounded characters. Jenrette is considered one of the industry’s most reliable and talented character actresses who has moved into significant lead positions.

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