African-American Actresses Who Are in the GOAT Conversation (& Rightfully So)

The history of cinema is filled with iconic performances that have shaped the cultural landscape for decades. African American actresses have often overcome systemic barriers to deliver some of the most compelling and transformative work in film and television history. From the pioneers of the early twentieth century to the current stars of today, these women have set the standard for excellence. Their contributions span across genres including intense dramas and groundbreaking comedies. This list celebrates the actresses who are consistently mentioned as the greatest of all time due to their immense talent and lasting impact.

Viola Davis

She is the first African American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Oscar and an Emmy and two Tony Awards. She recently joined the elite group of EGOT winners after receiving a Grammy Award for her narration work. Her performance in the film ‘Fences’ earned her widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She gained further fame for her leading role in the television series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her work in ‘The Help’ and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ solidified her status as a powerhouse in the industry.

Angela Bassett

She rose to prominence with her portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She received her first Academy Award nomination for that performance and recently earned another for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Her career includes iconic roles in films such as ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’. She is frequently recognized for her regal presence and physical dedication to her characters. Her longevity in Hollywood makes her a central figure in the conversation about the greatest performers.

Cicely Tyson

She was a pioneer who refused to take roles that were demeaning to Black women. Her performances in ‘Sounder’ and ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ are considered some of the finest in cinema history. She received an honorary Academy Award for her massive contributions to the industry. Her career spanned seven decades and included numerous Emmy and Tony Awards. She remains a symbol of integrity and excellence for generations of actors.

Whoopi Goldberg

She is one of the few entertainers in history to achieve EGOT status by winning an Emmy and a Grammy and an Oscar and a Tony. She made a stunning film debut in ‘The Color Purple’ and later won an Academy Award for ‘Ghost’. She has successfully transitioned between dramatic roles and comedic performances throughout her career. Her work as a host and producer further demonstrates her wide range of talents. She continues to be a significant voice in American entertainment.

Halle Berry

She made history as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. Her career features a mix of intense action films and deep character studies. She played the iconic character Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and starred in the biographical drama ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’. Her versatility has allowed her to maintain a presence in both blockbuster hits and independent cinema. She is widely cited as a trailblazer for leading women of color in Hollywood.

Ruby Dee

She was a legendary actress and civil rights activist who left an indelible mark on American theater and film. She starred in the landmark production of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ on both Broadway and the big screen. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘American Gangster’ at the age of eighty three. Her partnership with her husband Ossie Davis was one of the most influential in the history of the arts. She is remembered for her powerful voice and her dedication to social justice.

Alfre Woodard

She is one of the most honored actresses in television history with four Primetime Emmy Awards to her name. Her film career includes acclaimed roles in ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Passion Fish’. She is known for her incredible ability to disappear into a wide variety of characters. Critics often praise her for her subtle yet deeply impactful performances. She continues to be a highly sought talent in both major studio films and independent projects.

Octavia Spencer

She rose to international fame after winning an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Help’. She has since received multiple Oscar nominations for her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Her ability to bring warmth and authority to her roles has made her a favorite among audiences and critics alike. She has also successfully ventured into producing her own projects through her production company. Her consistent track record of quality performances places her among the elite in the industry.

Regina King

She began her career as a child star on ‘227’ before becoming a powerhouse dramatic actress. She has won four Emmy Awards and an Academy Award for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Her work in the series ‘Watchmen’ and ‘American Crime’ showcased her exceptional range. She has also gained critical acclaim for her work as a director in ‘One Night in Miami’. Her influence on contemporary film and television is profound and continues to grow.

Taraji P. Henson

She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She became a cultural icon for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the television series ‘Empire’. Her lead role in ‘Hidden Figures’ helped the film become a massive critical and commercial success. She is known for her vibrant energy and her ability to play both tough and vulnerable characters. Her work across film and television has established her as a major force in the industry.

Hattie McDaniel

She was the first African American to ever win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She appeared in over three hundred films throughout her career during a period of intense segregation in the film industry. Despite the limited roles available to Black actors at the time she always brought a sense of dignity to her performances. She was also a talented singer and radio performer who achieved great popularity. Her historic win remains a pivotal moment in the history of global cinema.

Dorothy Dandridge

She was the first Black woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Carmen Jones’. She was a major star of the silver screen who broke many racial barriers in Hollywood. Her beauty and talent made her a leading lady in an era when such opportunities were rare for Black women. She also had a successful career as a nightclub singer and recording artist. Her legacy continues to inspire many modern actresses who follow in her footsteps.

Ethel Waters

She was a groundbreaking performer who excelled in music and theater and film. She was the second African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for her role in ‘Pinky’. She was also the first Black woman to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Her performances in ‘Member of the Wedding’ on both stage and screen are considered legendary. She was a pioneer whose work helped bridge the gap between different eras of entertainment.

Eartha Kitt

She was a versatile entertainer known for her distinctive voice and commanding stage presence. She played Catwoman in the ‘Batman’ television series and starred in films like ‘Anna Lucasta’. Her career included multiple nominations for Tony and Emmy and Grammy Awards. She was also a celebrated singer whose career spanned several continents. Her unique style and fierce independence made her an unforgettable figure in the performing arts.

Audra McDonald

She holds the record for the most Tony Awards won by any performer with a total of six wins. She has demonstrated her vast talent in television series like ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Gilded Age’. Her film work includes a celebrated performance in the live action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. She is frequently cited as the greatest stage actress of her generation. Her ability to master both musical theater and dramatic roles is unparalleled.

Phylicia Rashād

She became a household name for her role as Clair Huxtable in ‘The Cosby Show’. She made history as the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Her recent work in the ‘Creed’ film series and ‘This Is Us’ has introduced her to a new generation of viewers. She is often referred to as the mother of the Black community due to her iconic roles. Her career is marked by elegance and a consistently high standard of acting.

Lynn Whitfield

She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of the legendary Josephine Baker in ‘The Josephine Baker Story’. She has appeared in many notable films including ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’. Her television work includes a lengthy role on the series ‘Greenleaf’. She is known for her ability to play sophisticated and complex women with great nuance. Her contributions to film and television have made her a respected veteran in the industry.

Loretta Devine

She was a member of the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’ and has had a prolific career since then. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her recurring role in the drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her film credits include popular titles such as ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. She is beloved by fans for her soulful performances and her distinctive vocal style. Her long list of credits shows her enduring popularity and talent in the entertainment world.

Jennifer Hudson

She won an Academy Award for her very first film role in ‘Dreamgirls’. She has since achieved EGOT status with wins in music and theater and television as well. Her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in ‘Respect’ showcased her incredible vocal and acting abilities. She has also been a successful coach on ‘The Voice’ and a host of her own talk show. Her rise from a reality competition contestant to a Hollywood icon is truly remarkable.

Mo’Nique

She delivered a haunting and unforgettable performance in the drama ‘Precious’. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for that role and received universal praise from critics. Before her dramatic success she was a famous stand up comedian and star of ‘The Parkers’. Her career has been marked by her ability to move between broad comedy and intense drama. She remains one of the most talented and debated figures in the conversation about great acting.

Please share your thoughts on which of these iconic performers you believe truly defines the gold standard of acting in the comments.