The Most Attractive Black Actresses Right Now

The entertainment industry is currently home to a vast array of talented Black actresses who have made significant impacts across film, television, and theater. These women are recognized not only for their striking screen presence but also for their record-breaking achievements and dedication to their craft. From rising stars in major superhero franchises to seasoned veterans with prestigious awards, they represent the pinnacle of modern Hollywood success. This list highlights fifty prominent actresses who are currently shaping the landscape of global cinema and television.

Zendaya

Born in 1996, Zendaya has transitioned from a child star into one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. She is widely recognized for her starring role as Rue Bennett in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’, which earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards. Her film credits include major blockbusters like ‘Dune’, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, and ‘Challengers’. Outside of acting, she is a global brand ambassador for several high-end fashion and beauty labels.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o gained international prominence after winning an Academy Award for her performance in ’12 Years a Slave’. She is well-known for her role as Nakia in the ‘Black Panther’ films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nyong’o also delivered a dual performance in the horror film ‘Us’, showcasing her range as a lead actress. In addition to her film work, she is a published author of the children’s book ‘Sulwe’.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first African-American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards. She is widely recognized for her powerful role as Annalise Keating in the legal drama series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Davis received further acclaim for her roles in ‘Fences’ and ‘The Woman King’. She continues to be a leading figure in the industry through her production company, JuVee Productions.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention through her YouTube web series ‘Awkward Black Girl’. She later co-created, wrote, and starred in the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Insecure’, which earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Rae has since expanded her career into film, appearing in projects like ‘The Photograph’ and ‘Barbie’. Her work often focuses on the nuances of contemporary Black experiences and relationships.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is renowned for her portrayal of strong, influential women throughout her storied career. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. In recent years, she has garnered praise for her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Bassett is also a staple in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’ and the drama ‘9-1-1’.

Regina King

Regina King has built a prolific career both in front of and behind the camera. She won an Academy Award for her performance in the film adaptation of ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King has also earned multiple Emmy Awards for her work in ‘Seven Seconds’ and the superhero series ‘Watchmen’. She made her feature film directorial debut with the critically acclaimed ‘One Night in Miami…’.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz has established herself as a versatile actress in both independent films and major blockbusters. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Bonnie Carlson in the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’. Kravitz also portrayed Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, in the film ‘The Batman’. In addition to acting, she has pursued a career in music and fashion, representing various high-end labels.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson became a household name with her roles in ‘Creed’ and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She is known for portraying complex characters in films such as ‘Dear White People’ and the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Thompson also starred in the period drama ‘Passing’, which explored themes of racial identity in the 1920s. She continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is best known for her starring role as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. Her performance earned her several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations over the course of the show’s seven seasons. She has also appeared in prominent films such as ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘The Last King of Scotland’. Washington is highly active in political activism and various philanthropic efforts.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is widely celebrated for her lead roles in the long-running sitcoms ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. Her performance as Rainbow Johnson earned her multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Beyond television, she has appeared in films like ‘The High Note’ and ‘American Fiction’. Ross is also the founder of a hair care line specifically designed for textured hair.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union rose to fame with her roles in teen films like ‘Bring It On’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’. She later starred as the title character in the drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’, which ran for five seasons. Union has also become a prominent advocate for survivors of sexual assault and a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. She frequently shares her personal life and parenting journey through her social media platforms and books.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained critical acclaim for her role as Cookie Lyon in the musical drama series ‘Empire’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Henson also starred as Katherine Johnson in the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. In addition to her acting career, she is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in the Black community.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw first gained international attention for her starring role in the period drama ‘Belle’. She has since appeared in a variety of genres, including the ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’ and the superhero series ‘Loki’. Mbatha-Raw also starred in the films ‘Beyond the Lights’ and ‘Motherless Brooklyn’. She was appointed a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR in 2021.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is widely recognized for her roles as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She is also an accomplished playwright, having written the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. Gurira often portrays physically demanding and emotionally complex characters on screen. She serves as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on gender equality and girls’ rights.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe began her career as a successful recording artist before making a significant impact in film. She appeared in the Academy Award-winning films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ in the same year. Monáe also took on the lead role in the psychological horror film ‘Antebellum’ and starred in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Her artistic work often incorporates themes of Afrofuturism and identity.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey first rose to fame as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle. She transitioned into a high-profile acting career after being cast as Ariel in the live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Bailey also appeared in the 2023 musical film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. She continues to balance her work in the music industry with major theatrical film roles.

Chloe Bailey

Chloe Bailey is a singer, songwriter, and actress who gained prominence alongside her sister in the duo Chloe x Halle. She starred as Jazlyn Forster in the sitcom ‘Grown-ish’ for several seasons. Bailey also took on a leading role in the thriller series ‘Swarm’, created by Janine Nabers and Donald Glover. She has released solo music and continues to build a distinct brand in the entertainment world.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel is best known for her role as Missandei in the fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. She also joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as the skilled computer hacker Ramsey. Emmanuel has starred in other projects like the series ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and the film ‘The Invitation’. She is recognized for her advocacy regarding natural hair and body positivity.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz rose to prominence with her role as Vanessa in the comedy-drama series ‘Atlanta’. She gained further international fame playing Domino in the superhero film ‘Deadpool 2’. Beetz also appeared in the psychological thriller ‘Joker’ and the western ‘The Harder They Fall’. Her performances are often noted for their grounded realism and charismatic presence.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi first became known for her role as Zoey Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. She later starred in and produced her own spin-off series titled ‘Grown-ish’. Shahidi portrayed the character of Tinker Bell in the live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Outside of acting, she is a Harvard University graduate and a prominent activist for youth voting and education.

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier gained significant recognition for her role as Liz Allan in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. She also starred in Spike Lee’s biographical drama ‘BlacKkKlansman’, which received critical acclaim. Harrier appeared in the Netflix miniseries ‘Hollywood’ as an aspiring actress in the 1940s. She is frequently featured in major fashion campaigns and is considered a rising star in the industry.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch made history as the first woman to hold the 007 designation in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. She is also known for her role as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’ and its related projects. Lynch delivered a powerful performance as Izogie in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’. She has received a BAFTA Rising Star Award for her contributions to the film industry.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained attention for her role as Dawn Chambers in the period drama series ‘Mad Men’. She has since starred in films such as ‘Chi-Raq’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Parris joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau, appearing in ‘WandaVision’ and ‘The Marvels’. She is recognized for her ability to portray strong, multifaceted characters across different genres.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne had her breakout role as Tish Rivers in the film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She followed this success with roles in ‘The Old Guard’ and ‘Coming 2 America’. Layne also appeared in the psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ alongside an ensemble cast. She has quickly become a respected name in Hollywood for her emotional depth and screen presence.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a highly decorated actress and singer who has won a Tony, an Emmy, and a Grammy. She received two Academy Award nominations for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic ‘Harriet’. Erivo also starred in the crime thriller ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and the series ‘The Outsider’. She was cast as Elphaba in the cinematic adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became famous for her role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. At the age of 14, she became the youngest person ever to produce a studio film with the comedy ‘Little’. She has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her acting and production work. Martin continues to develop new projects through her production company, Genius Productions.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith garnered widespread acclaim for her leading role in the film ‘Queen & Slim’. She has also appeared in projects such as ‘Without Remorse’ and the series ‘Anne Boleyn’, where she played the title character. Turner-Smith is known for her striking looks and bold fashion choices on the red carpet. She continues to take on challenging roles that highlight her versatility as an actress.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel is a multi-talented creator who wrote and starred in the series ‘Chewing Gum’. She gained immense critical praise for her semi-autobiographical series ‘I May Destroy You’, which won multiple Emmy Awards. Coel joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ as the character Aneka. She is celebrated for her unique voice and willingness to tackle difficult subject matter.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Mildred Loving in the film ‘Loving’. She is also known for her role as Tulip O’Hare in the television series ‘Preacher’. Negga starred in the acclaimed drama ‘Passing’, for which she received numerous award nominations. Her work spans theater, television, and film on an international scale.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first rose to fame as Rue in the first ‘Hunger Games’ film. She has since starred in several young adult adaptations, including ‘Everything, Everything’ and ‘The Hate U Give’. Stenberg also appeared in the horror-comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the series ‘The Eddy’. She is a vocal activist for social justice and LGBTQ+ representation.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo is an acclaimed British actress who received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Hotel Rwanda’. She has had a long career in both film and television, appearing in ‘Aeon Flux’ and the series ‘Ratched’. Okonedo won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She recently appeared in the film ‘Death on the Nile’ and the series ‘Slow Horses’.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is well-known for her role as Eve Moneypenny in several James Bond films. She received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film ‘Moonlight’. Harris has appeared in major franchises such as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback gained recognition for her roles in the series ‘The Deuce’ and the film ‘The Hate U Give’. She received a BAFTA nomination for her performance in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. Fishback also took on the lead role in the psychological thriller series ‘Swarm’ and appeared in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. She is also a published playwright and poet.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is best known for their role as Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. The series highlighted the ballroom culture of New York City and earned widespread critical praise. Moore has also appeared in films like ‘Queen & Slim’ and ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’. They are a prominent advocate for transgender rights and non-binary representation in media.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

MJ Rodriguez gained international fame for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the series ‘Pose’. She made history by becoming the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama. Rodriguez has also appeared in theater productions and released music as a solo artist. She continues to be a leading voice for the LGBTQ+ community in the entertainment industry.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu is a South African actress who gained international acclaim for her role in ‘The Underground Railroad’. She followed this success with a starring role alongside Viola Davis in ‘The Woman King’. Mbedu has won multiple awards in her home country for her work in the series ‘Is’Thunzi’. She is recognized for her powerful emotional range and dedication to her craft.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim is a Ugandan-British actress and musician who has won two Laurence Olivier Awards for her work in theater. She appeared in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’ as the character Amenza. Atim has also been seen in the series ‘The Underground Railroad’ and the film ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. She is considered one of the most talented performers in the contemporary British arts scene.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall became a comedic icon through her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise. She has since starred in numerous successful films, including ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘The Best Man’ series. Hall also received critical praise for her lead performance in the independent film ‘Support the Girls’. She has hosted the Academy Awards and continues to be a staple in both comedy and drama.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good began her career as a child actress in films like ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She has since starred in a variety of projects, including the ‘Think Like a Man’ franchise and the series ‘Harlem’. Good has also appeared in the superhero films ‘Shazam!’ and its sequel. In addition to acting, she has worked as a director and producer on several independent projects.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid had her breakthrough role as Meg Murry in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She is also known for her role as Gia Bennett in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Reid starred in the thriller film ‘Missing’ and the horror film ‘The Invisible Man’. She balances her acting career with her studies at the University of Southern California.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King is best known for her role as Michaela Pratt in the legal drama series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She also starred in the historical drama ‘The Birth of a Nation’ and the film ‘Sylvie’s Love’. King has been a spokesperson for major beauty brands like L’Oréal Paris. She continues to take on roles in both television and independent cinema.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green gained popularity for her role as Sasha Williams in ‘The Walking Dead’. She went on to lead the series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ as Captain Michael Burnham. Martin-Green also appeared in the film ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ alongside LeBron James. Her work often showcases her ability to lead action-oriented and science fiction narratives.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne is a rising star known for her role as Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She made her debut in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and is set to lead her own Disney+ series. Thorne also appeared in the critically acclaimed films ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She is recognized for her intellectual and charismatic screen presence.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell gained significant attention for her leading role in the horror film ‘Escape Room’ and its sequel. She received critical praise for her performance in the drama ‘Waves’ and the romance film ‘Bones and All’. Russell has also appeared in the series ‘Lost in Space’ as Judy Robinson. She is noted for her ability to convey complex emotions in intimate, character-driven stories.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has had a long career in Hollywood, starring in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘The Matrix’ sequels. She also voiced the character Gloria in the ‘Madagascar’ animated franchise. Pinkett Smith hosted the popular Facebook Watch talk show ‘Red Table Talk’ for several seasons. She is a prominent figure in the industry as both an actress and a businesswoman.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is known for her roles in films such as ‘Beloved’, ‘Crash’, and ‘Mission: Impossible 2’. She received an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Maeve Millay in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Newton has also appeared in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ and the series ‘Line of Duty’. She is a vocal advocate for various human rights causes across the globe.

Kelly McCreary

Kelly McCreary is widely recognized for her role as Dr. Maggie Pierce on the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She appeared on the show for nine seasons before departing in 2023. McCreary has also worked extensively in theater and has appeared in series like ‘Scandal’ and ‘Castle’. She is known for her articulate and compassionate portrayal of professional characters.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renée Elise Goldsberry is best known for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’, for which she won a Tony Award. She currently stars in the comedy series ‘Girls5eva’. Goldsberry has also appeared in the series ‘The Good Wife’ and the science fiction show ‘Altered Carbon’. Her career spans musical theater, television, and film.

Adjoa Andoh

Adjoa Andoh gained widespread international fame for her role as Lady Danbury in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. She has a prolific career in British theater and television, including roles in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Casualty’. Andoh also appeared in the film ‘Invictus’ directed by Clint Eastwood. She is a celebrated stage director and an Associate Artist at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Golda Rosheuvel

Golda Rosheuvel is best known for her portrayal of Queen Charlotte in the hit series ‘Bridgerton’ and its prequel ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’. She has also appeared in films like ‘Dune’ and the series ‘Lady Macbeth’. Rosheuvel has an extensive background in theater, performing in various productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her portrayal of the iconic queen has made her a standout figure in modern television.

Please share which of these incredibly talented actresses is your favorite in the comments.