The Most Handsome African-American Actresses Right Now

The landscape of modern cinema and television is defined by the talent and striking presence of leading women who bring depth to every role they inhabit. These actresses have achieved critical acclaim through prestigious award wins while becoming enduring icons of style and grace within the entertainment industry. From seasoned veterans of the stage to the rising stars of the digital age, their influence extends far beyond the screen into the realms of fashion and social advocacy. This list highlights prominent African-American actresses who are currently making a significant impact on global culture through their performances and distinguished public personas.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is a highly decorated performer who has achieved the rare EGOT status during her illustrious career. She gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance in the film ‘The Help’ and later won an Academy Award for ‘Fences’. For several years, she led the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ as the formidable Annalise Keating. Most recently, she showcased her physical and emotional range in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’. Davis remains one of the most respected and striking figures in Hollywood today.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is renowned for her intense portrayals of strong-willed women and historical figures. She delivered an iconic performance as Tina Turner in the biopic ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, for which she received an Oscar nomination. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she portrays Queen Ramonda in both ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She currently stars in the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ and received an Honorary Academy Award in 2024. Her enduring beauty and commanding screen presence have made her a cinematic legend.

Regina King

Regina King has transitioned seamlessly from a child star on the sitcom ‘227’ to one of the most powerful women in Hollywood. She earned an Academy Award for her supporting role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and received critical praise for the superhero series ‘Watchmen’. King has also made a significant mark behind the camera, directing the acclaimed feature film ‘One Night in Miami…’. She recently portrayed the title character in the biopic ‘Shirley’, chronicling the life of Shirley Chisholm. Her career is marked by a consistent commitment to prestige storytelling.

Zendaya

Zendaya has evolved from a Disney Channel star into a leading force in both film and television. She made history as the youngest two-time winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Euphoria’. On the big screen, she has starred in major blockbusters like ‘Dune’ and the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. Her recent work in ‘Challengers’ further established her as a sophisticated and versatile dramatic actress. She is also widely regarded as a premiere fashion icon of her generation.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multi-talented artist who has found equal success in the worlds of music and acting. She made a significant cinematic debut with roles in the Academy Award-winning ‘Moonlight’ and the historical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Recently, she captivated audiences with her dual role in the mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe is known for her unique aesthetic and her ability to choose projects that challenge social norms. Her presence on screen is characterized by a blend of intelligence and avant-garde style.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a staple of major film franchises while maintaining a presence in independent cinema. She rose to fame in the film ‘Dear White People’ before taking on the role of Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Thompson also stars as Bianca in the ‘Creed’ trilogy and led the cast of the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Her performance in the period drama ‘Passing’ earned her significant critical acclaim and award nominations. She is celebrated for her sharp features and sophisticated approach to diverse characters.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is a versatile actress known for her ability to balance comedy and high-stakes drama. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and later became a household name as Cookie Lyon on ‘Empire’. Henson also led the cast of the box-office hit ‘Hidden Figures’ as mathematician Katherine Johnson. More recently, she appeared in the musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Her career is defined by her expressive performances and charismatic screen identity.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became a global star through her portrayal of political fixer Olivia Pope in the hit series ‘Scandal’. Her performance earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations over the show’s seven-season run. In film, she is recognized for her roles in ‘Ray’ and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’. She also executive produced and starred in the acclaimed miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. Washington is frequently cited for her refined beauty and her influence as a producer in the industry.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her innovative web series before creating and starring in the HBO hit ‘Insecure’. The show’s success earned her multiple Emmy nominations and solidified her status as a leading voice in contemporary television. She has since expanded into film, appearing in ‘The Lovebirds’ and playing President Barbie in the blockbuster ‘Barbie’. Rae also contributed a notable performance to the satirical drama ‘American Fiction’. She is widely praised for her sharp wit and her role as a media mogul.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a celebrated comedic actress who spent eight seasons starring in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Before this success, she was a lead in the long-running series ‘Girlfriends’. Ross is also the founder of the successful hair care brand Pattern Beauty and is a frequent fixture on best-dressed lists. As the daughter of Diana Ross, she has successfully built a legacy entirely her own.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is an actress and playwright who became a fan favorite through her role as Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead’. She further increased her global profile playing the fierce warrior Okoye in ‘Black Panther’ and other Marvel films. Gurira is also an accomplished Broadway playwright, known for the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. She recently returned to her most famous television role in the spin-off series ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’. Her statuesque presence and physical dedication to her roles have made her a standout star.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who is just an Oscar win away from the coveted EGOT status. She won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’ and earned two Academy Award nominations for ‘Harriet’. Erivo also starred in the thriller ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and portrayed Aretha Franklin in ‘Genius: Aretha’. She is set to reach even greater heights playing Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Wicked’. Her bold fashion choices and intense screen presence are hallmarks of her public image.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne rose to prominence with her breakout role in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Since then, she has appeared in the action film ‘The Old Guard’ alongside Charlize Theron and the comedy ‘Coming 2 America’. She also played a significant role in the psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Layne is frequently noted for her classic features and her ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety. She continues to be one of the most promising young talents in the industry.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained attention for her role as Dawn Chambers in the acclaimed series ‘Mad Men’. She went on to star in Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’ and the independent hit ‘Dear White People’. Parris joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau in the series ‘WandaVision’ and the film ‘The Marvels’. She also delivered a strong performance in the social horror film ‘Candyman’. Her career is marked by a steady rise through both prestige television and major film projects.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz is best known for her role as Van in the surreal comedy-drama series ‘Atlanta’. Her performance in the show earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress. On the big screen, she played Domino in ‘Deadpool 2’ and Sophie Dumond in the psychological drama ‘Joker’. She recently reprised her role in the sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. Beetz is celebrated for her natural aesthetic and her ability to ground fantastical stories with authentic performances.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin made history as the youngest person to ever executive produce a major Hollywood film with ‘Little’. She first became a household name playing Diane Johnson on the popular sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Beyond her acting, she has established her own production company, Genius Productions, to create more opportunities for young Black creators. She has also lent her voice to several animated projects, including ‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’. Martin is recognized as a formidable business leader and a talented comedic performer.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi began her career as a child actress before landing her breakout role as Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’. Her character’s popularity led to the spin-off series ‘Grown-ish’, which followed her journey through college. In film, she played the lead in the romance ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ and portrayed Tinker Bell in ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Shahidi is also a graduate of Harvard University and a prominent activist for youth voting rights. She is often praised for her intellectual approach to fame and her striking visual appeal.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained international recognition as Rue in the blockbuster ‘The Hunger Games’. Since then, they have starred in several acclaimed films, including ‘The Hate U Give’ and the horror-comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Stenberg recently joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as the lead in the series ‘The Acolyte’. In addition to acting, they are a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and intersectional feminism. Their career is characterized by a selection of bold and socially relevant roles.

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier earned widespread notice for her role as Liz in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. She followed this with a critically acclaimed performance in Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman’, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Harrier also starred in the Ryan Murphy miniseries ‘Hollywood’ as an aspiring actress during the industry’s Golden Age. Recently, she appeared in the remake of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’. She is frequently featured in high-fashion campaigns for brands like Louis Vuitton and Bulgari.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning is best known for her leading role as Samantha White in the Netflix series ‘Dear White People’. Before this, she starred in the dance drama series ‘Hit the Floor’. She also delivered a memorable performance in the psychological horror film ‘The Perfection’ on Netflix. Browning is recognized for her striking features and her commitment to portraying complex, socially conscious characters. She remains a prominent figure in the landscape of contemporary streaming dramas.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne made a significant impact on the industry with her role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She was subsequently cast as Riri Williams, also known as Ironheart, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She is set to lead her own Disney+ series centered on the character in the near future. Thorne’s performances are noted for their high energy and technical precision. She is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the next generation of action stars.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey rose to fame as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle before transitioning into major film roles. She captivated audiences worldwide with her portrayal of Ariel in the live-action reimagining of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Following this, she starred in the musical film ‘The Color Purple’ as young Nettie. Bailey has received numerous accolades for her vocal talent and her ethereal screen presence. She continues to balance a successful solo music career with high-profile acting projects.

Chloe Bailey

Chloe Bailey, the older sister of Halle Bailey, has similarly expanded her career from music into acting. She starred in the ‘Black-ish’ spin-off series ‘Grown-ish’ for several seasons. Bailey also took on a lead role in the psychological thriller series ‘Swarm’ and starred in the film ‘Praise This’. Known for her bold fashion sense and powerful stage presence, she has become a major cultural influencer. Her acting work often showcases her versatility and charisma.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson is the creator, executive producer, and star of the hit mockumentary series ‘Abbott Elementary’. For her work on the show, she became the first Black woman to be nominated for three comedy Emmys in a single year. Before her television success, she gained a following through her viral comedic content on social media. She also appeared in the series ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ and the film ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’. Brunson is widely respected for her sharp writing and her ability to revitalize the network sitcom.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a versatile actress who has excelled in both comedy and heavy drama. She is well known for her roles in ‘Reno 911!’ and the comedy-horror series ‘Scream Queens’. More recently, she won a Primetime Emmy for her heartbreaking performance in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She also leads the police procedural ‘The Rookie: Feds’ as Simone Clark. Her career longevity and ability to pivot between genres have made her a staple of American television.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her warmth and commanding screen presence. She won her Oscar for her role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’ and received further nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer has also starred in the drama series ‘Truth Be Told’ for Apple TV+. She often portrays highly intelligent and resilient characters who navigate social challenges. Her consistent excellence has made her one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson first rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for her film debut in ‘Dreamgirls’. She has since starred in ‘Sex and the City’, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’, and portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biopic ‘Respect’. Hudson is also a Grammy-winning recording artist and a Tony-winning producer, achieving EGOT status. She currently hosts her own successful daytime talk show, ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’. Her powerful voice and classic elegance continue to define her career.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish became a breakout star following her hilarious performance in the comedy ‘Girls Trip’. Since then, she has starred in numerous films including ‘Night School’, ‘The Kitchen’, and ‘Haunted Mansion’. She made history as the first Black female stand-up comedian to host ‘Saturday Night Live’. Haddish is also a published author and a Grammy winner for Best Comedy Album. Her boisterous personality and comedic timing have made her a favorite in the entertainment world.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has been a prominent figure in film and television since her breakout role in ‘Bring It On’. She starred in the long-running drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’, for which she received critical acclaim. Union has also appeared in action films like ‘Bad Boys II’ and more recently in the drama ‘The Inspection’. Beyond acting, she is a successful entrepreneur with her own hair care and clothing lines. She is often celebrated for her timeless beauty and her advocacy for women of color in Hollywood.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good began her career as a child actress in the film ‘Eve’s Bayou’ before becoming a major star in the 2000s. She is known for her roles in ‘Deliver Us from Eva’, ‘Roll Bounce’, and the ‘Think Like a Man’ franchise. She recently appeared in the superhero film ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ and stars in the series ‘Harlem’. Good has maintained a steady presence in the industry for over two decades. Her striking features and consistent work across genres have solidified her status as a Hollywood mainstay.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is best known for her comedic genius in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise and the hit film ‘Girls Trip’. She has also displayed her dramatic range in projects like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. Hall made history as one of the hosts of the 94th Academy Awards. Her performance in the independent film ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’ earned her significant critical praise. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and underrated actresses working today.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is recognized for her leading roles in classic films such as ‘Love & Basketball’ and ‘Brown Sugar’. she has also starred in the action thriller ‘Alien vs. Predator’ and the thriller ‘Contagion’. Lathan received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Recently, she starred in and directed the film ‘On the Come Up’ and appeared in the series ‘Succession’. Her career is marked by her poise and her ability to lead both romantic and dramatic stories.

Nia Long

Nia Long became a household name with her roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘Friday’, and ‘The Best Man’. She has maintained a prolific career in television, with recurring roles in ‘Empire’, ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’, and ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Recently, she reprised her role in the limited series ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’. Long is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful women in the industry. Her enduring appeal and consistent performances have made her a beloved figure in Black cinema.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith rose to fame in the series ‘A Different World’ before starring in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘The Nutty Professor’. She played the iconic role of Niobe in ‘The Matrix’ sequels and starred in the medical drama ‘Hawthorne’. In recent years, she became a significant media figure as the host of the talk show ‘Red Table Talk’. Smith is also known for her musical career as the lead singer of the metal band Wicked Wisdom. Her career has spanned several decades and multiple facets of the entertainment world.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz has established herself as a major star with roles in ‘Big Little Lies’ and the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise. She received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, in ‘The Batman’. Kravitz also starred in the television adaptation of ‘High Fidelity’, where she served as an executive producer. She recently made her directorial debut with the thriller film ‘Blink Twice’. Her distinct style and edgy screen presence have made her a fashion and cinematic icon.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore rose to international fame for their role as Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. Their performance helped bring the history of New York City’s ballroom culture to a mainstream audience. Moore has since transitioned into film, appearing in ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’ and ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’. They are also a prominent fashion model, having worked with major brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Moore is a vocal advocate for transgender rights and non-binary visibility in Hollywood.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback earned critical acclaim for her breakout role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, for which she received a BAFTA nomination. She previously starred in the HBO series ‘The Deuce’ and the film ‘The Hate U Give’. Recently, she led the cast of the Amazon Prime series ‘Swarm’, delivering a haunting and praised performance. Fishback is also a playwright and a poet, often incorporating her writing skills into her creative process. She is considered one of the most intense and capable young actors in the industry today.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler delivered one of the most acclaimed performances of recent years in the biographical drama ‘Till’. Her portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley earned her numerous awards and a BAFTA nomination. She has also appeared in ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the miniseries ‘Station Eleven’. Deadwyler is known for her background in performance art and her ability to bring immense gravity to historical roles. She is currently one of the most sought-after dramatic actresses in Hollywood.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her iconic role as Maxine Shaw on the classic sitcom ‘Living Single’. She has remained a consistent presence in the industry, appearing in the horror hit ‘Get Out’ and the series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’. Recently, she received critical praise for her role in the Academy Award-nominated film ‘American Fiction’. Alexander is also a co-founder of Color Farm Media, a company focused on diverse storytelling. Her intelligence and sharp comedic timing remain her professional trademarks.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a veteran of stage and screen who recently won an Emmy Award for her role in ‘Abbott Elementary’. She originally rose to fame as the star of the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’, for which she received a Tony nomination. Her long television career includes roles in ‘Moesha’ and ‘Instant Mom’. Ralph is also a dedicated activist, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Her recent career resurgence has introduced her legendary talent to a new generation of viewers.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Holdovers’. She first gained major recognition for her performance in the Broadway musical ‘Ghost’, which earned her a Tony nomination. Her film work includes notable roles in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘The Lost City’. She also has a recurring role in the hit mystery-comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Randolph is celebrated for her expressive acting and her ability to steal scenes in both comedy and drama.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is widely known for her role as Tasha ‘Taystee’ Jefferson in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the musical film ‘The Color Purple’. Brooks is also a Tony-nominated Broadway actress, having starred in ‘The Piano Lesson’. She currently stars in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’ as Leota Adebayo. Her powerful voice and vibrant personality have made her a standout performer on both stage and screen.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor is a multi-hyphenate artist who has excelled as a singer, dancer, and actress. She received massive critical acclaim for her leading role in the independent film ‘A Thousand and One’. She also appeared in ‘Coming 2 America’ and the film ‘The Book of Clarence’. Taylor is known for her high-fashion sensibility and her work as a creative director for major musical artists. Her transition into serious dramatic acting has been met with widespread industry respect.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid had her breakout role as Meg Murry in the fantasy film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She went on to play Gia Bennett, the sister of Zendaya’s character, in the acclaimed series ‘Euphoria’. Reid also starred in the thriller ‘Missing’ and the horror film ‘The Invisible Man’. She recently won a Primetime Emmy for her guest role in the series ‘The Last of Us’. As she balances her acting career with her studies at USC, she remains a prominent young voice in Hollywood.

Jasmine Guy

Jasmine Guy became a cultural icon playing Whitley Gilbert on the hit sitcom ‘A Different World’. Following the show’s success, she released a self-titled music album and starred in films like ‘Harlem Nights’. More recently, she had a recurring role in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and appeared in the series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She continues to work steadily in both television and theater, often taking on sophisticated and matriarchal roles. Her legacy as a leading lady of the 1990s continues to influence modern television.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her record-breaking run as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’. She has won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in the television film ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Currently, she stars as Sharon Goodwin in the drama series ‘Chicago Med’. Merkerson is also a two-time Tony Award nominee for her work in the theater. Her authoritative presence and consistency have made her one of the most respected actresses in procedural television.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most honored actresses of her generation, with four Emmy Awards and an Academy Award nomination. She has starred in a wide range of films, including ‘Passion Fish’, ‘Clemency’, and ’12 Years a Slave’. In the television world, she is known for her roles in ‘Hill Street Blues’ and the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’. Woodard is also a prominent activist and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her distinguished career is built on a foundation of immense dramatic depth.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson is best known for her long-running role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her performance has earned her multiple Emmy nominations and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Before her television success, she was a frequent performer on the Broadway stage in productions like ‘Caroline, or Change’. Wilson has also directed numerous episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and its spin-offs. She is recognized for her powerful screen presence and her leadership within the longest-running medical drama in history.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a legendary performer who holds the record for the most Tony Awards won by a single performer. While primarily known for her theater work, she has had a significant career in television starring in ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Good Fight’. She also appeared in the live-action film ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and the biopic ‘Respect’. McDonald is a classically trained soprano who frequently performs with major orchestras around the world. Her regal presence and immense talent make her a unique figure in the entertainment landscape.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is perhaps best known for voicing Tiana, the first African-American Disney Princess, in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She won a Tony Award for her performance in ‘Caroline, or Change’ and starred in the hit film ‘Dreamgirls’. Rose has also appeared in several television series, including ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’. She recently starred in the horror series ‘Let the Right One In’ and the Netflix film ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’. Her career is defined by her versatility as a singer and a dramatic actress.

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