Black Actresses Who Are in the GOAT Conversation (& Rightfully So)

The history of cinema and television has been profoundly shaped by the immense talent of Black actresses who have consistently delivered iconic performances. These women have not only broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings but have also set the standard for excellence in the craft of acting. From pioneers of the Golden Age to modern day legends their work spans across genres and mediums to define the very best of entertainment. The following list celebrates those who are frequently mentioned in the conversation regarding the greatest of all time.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis holds the distinction of being the most nominated Black actress in Academy Award history and has achieved the rare EGOT status. Her powerhouse performance in ‘Fences’ earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress while showcasing her immense emotional range. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Annalise Keating in the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Throughout her career she has broken numerous barriers for Black performers in both film and television.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is widely celebrated for her ability to embody real life historical figures with grace and intensity. She delivered an iconic portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ which earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ further solidified her legendary status. She is known for her commanding screen presence and her dedication to complex roles across multiple genres.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a pioneer who refused to take roles that were demeaning to Black women throughout her decades long career. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the film ‘Sounder’ and became a household name with ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Her legacy includes being the first Black woman to win a Lead Actress Emmy and receiving an Honorary Oscar. She spent her life advocating for representation and delivering masterclasses in dramatic acting.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few performers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Her film debut in ‘The Color Purple’ remains one of the most powerful performances in cinematic history. She demonstrated her comedic versatility in the blockbuster hit ‘Sister Act’ and won an Oscar for her role in ‘Ghost’. Beyond acting she has become a significant cultural figure through her work as a host and comedian.

Regina King

Regina King transitioned from a child star on the series ‘227’ to one of the most respected dramatic actresses in the industry. She won an Academy Award for her supporting role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ after years of consistent excellence. Her work in television includes multiple Emmy wins for ‘American Crime’ and the critically acclaimed series ‘Watchmen’. She has also successfully moved behind the camera to direct award winning feature films.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly decorated actress with an extensive body of work spanning over four decades. She has earned four Primetime Emmy Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in ‘Cross Creek’. Her performance in the drama ‘Clemency’ was widely praised by critics for its depth and emotional resonance. She is often cited by her peers as one of the most talented and versatile performers working in Hollywood today.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a legendary figure in American theater and film who used her platform for civil rights activism. She became a prominent voice in the industry through her roles in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and ‘American Gangster’. Her career lasted over sixty years and included numerous awards such as a Grammy and an Emmy. She was known for her enduring partnership with her husband Ossie Davis as they fought for social change.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll made history as the first Black woman to star in her own television series ‘Julia’ where she did not play a servant. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Claudine’ which depicted the life of a single mother. Her work on the prime time soap opera ‘Dynasty’ showcased her ability to play sophisticated and glamorous characters. She remained a trailblazer for future generations of Black actresses in major network productions.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer became a household name after her breakout role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’ for which she won an Academy Award. She has since received multiple Oscar nominations for her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Her ability to blend humor and heart makes her a favorite among audiences and critics alike. She continues to lead major film projects and produce content that highlights diverse stories.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. She earned this accolade for her raw performance in the drama ‘Monster’s Ball’. Her career includes high profile roles in the ‘X Men’ franchise and the action film ‘John Wick Chapter 3’. She remains a globally recognized star who has influenced the industry through her longevity and versatility.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first Black woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Carmen Jones’. She was a talented performer who found success as a singer and a dancer before conquering Hollywood. Despite the systemic barriers of her time she delivered memorable performances in films like ‘Porgy and Bess’. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the talent and struggles of early Black cinema icons.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was a groundbreaking figure who became the first Black person to win an Academy Award. She received the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her iconic role as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’. Throughout her career she appeared in over three hundred films and was a pioneer on the radio. Her win marked a significant moment in Hollywood history despite the segregation laws of the era.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o gained instant international fame after winning an Academy Award for her film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’. She has since proven her range by starring in the blockbuster ‘Black Panther’ and the horror film ‘Us’. Her performance in ‘Us’ was particularly noted for her dual portrayal of two distinct characters. She is recognized for her incredible craft and her influence on global fashion and beauty standards.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has built a career defined by bold performances and a strong screen presence. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ alongside Brad Pitt. Her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the television series ‘Empire’ became a massive cultural phenomenon. She also led the hit film ‘Hidden Figures’ which celebrated the contributions of Black women to NASA history.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is primarily known for her unprecedented success on the Broadway stage with a record breaking six Tony Awards. She has also made a significant impact in television and film through projects like ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Gilded Age’. Her powerful soprano voice and dramatic range have earned her accolades across multiple disciplines including two Emmy Awards. She is widely considered one of the greatest stage performers of her generation.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became a global superstar through her role as Olivia Pope in the hit political thriller series ‘Scandal’. She was the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly forty years when the show premiered. Her film work includes critically acclaimed roles in ‘Ray’ and ‘Django Unchained’. She has since expanded her career into producing and directing while maintaining a strong presence in social activism.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a British actress known for her incredible versatility and commitment to her characters. She received an Academy Award nomination for her harrowing performance as a mother struggling with addiction in ‘Moonlight’. Her filmography includes a major role as Eve Moneypenny in several ‘James Bond’ installments. She has appeared in a wide variety of genres from science fiction in ’28 Days Later’ to historical dramas like ‘Mandela Long Walk to Freedom’.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste rose to prominence with her role in the film ‘Secrets and Lies’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She was the first Black British actress to receive such a nomination and has continued to work steadily in international cinema. Her career includes a long standing role on the television series ‘Without a Trace’. She is celebrated for her understated acting style and her ability to bring humanity to every character she plays.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a legendary versatile performer who found success in music film television and on the stage. She is famously known for her portrayal of Catwoman in the ‘Batman’ television series of the 1960s. Her distinctive voice and sultry persona made her a unique presence in the entertainment world for several decades. She was a courageous advocate for civil rights and continued to perform well into her later years.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who is only one Oscar win away from completing the prestigious EGOT. She won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’ before transitioning to film. She received dual Oscar nominations for her acting and songwriting in the biopic ‘Harriet’. Her upcoming roles in major musical adaptations continue to showcase her extraordinary vocal and dramatic talents.

Please share which of these legendary performers is your personal favorite in the comments.