Black Actresses Who Made Only One Really Good Movie

The concept of a one-hit wonder is usually reserved for the music industry but it happens in Hollywood as well. Some performers deliver a single tour de force performance that defines their entire career. The following list highlights talented Black actresses who are primarily known for one specific critically acclaimed film role. These women made an indelible mark on cinema history with these standout portrayals.

Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey Sidibe shocked the world with her debut performance in the harrowing drama ‘Precious’ (2009). She played the titular character who faces unimaginable abuse and hardship while trying to find her own identity. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and immediate critical acclaim. While she has appeared in television series and other films since then ‘Precious’ remains her singular cinematic triumph. The raw emotion she displayed in this film anchored the story in a painful but necessary reality.

Mo’Nique

Best known as a stand-up comedian Mo’Nique stunned audiences with her terrifying performance in ‘Precious’ (2009). She played the abusive mother Mary Jones and delivered a portrayal that was both monstrous and deeply complex. This role won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and dominated the awards season that year. Her filmography is largely comedic but this one dramatic turn stands as a monumental achievement in acting. It remains the definitive film performance of her career.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson made the transition from reality television to the big screen with ‘Dreamgirls’ (2006). She played Effie White and her rendition of the song ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ became an instant classic. This debut performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Although she has appeared in other movies ‘Dreamgirls’ is universally considered the one great film where her acting and singing perfectly converged. It established her as a powerhouse talent in Hollywood.

Quvenzhané Wallis

At the age of nine Quvenzhané Wallis became the youngest Best Actress nominee in Oscar history for ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ (2012). She played Hushpuppy and carried the film with a performance that felt incredibly natural and spirited. The movie itself was a critical darling that relied entirely on her ability to command the screen. While she starred in a remake of ‘Annie’ later on her debut remains her most critically respected work. Her work in this independent film captured a unique magic that is rarely seen in child actors.

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye delivered a quiet but powerful performance in the independent film ‘Pariah’ (2011). She played Alike who is a teenager navigating her identity and sexuality in Brooklyn. The film is regarded as a masterpiece of queer cinema and Oduye received a Spirit Award nomination for her work. She has taken supporting roles in other large projects but ‘Pariah’ is the film where she truly shines as the lead. Her nuanced acting provided the emotional core for this celebrated coming-of-age story.

Emayatzy Corinealdi

Emayatzy Corinealdi starred in Ava DuVernay’s breakthrough film ‘Middle of Nowhere’ (2012). She played a woman who puts her life on hold while her husband serves a prison sentence. Her performance was praised for its elegance and emotional depth during the film’s festival run. While she has found consistent success in television this remains her standout lead role in a feature film. Critics hailed her work here as a revelation of quiet strength and resilience.

Shareeka Epps

Shareeka Epps held her own against Ryan Gosling in the drama ‘Half Nelson’ (2006). She played a student who forms an unlikely friendship with her drug-addicted teacher. Her understated performance provided the perfect counterbalance to the intense subject matter of the film. The movie received high praise and remains the most significant credit in her filmography. Epps perfectly captured the skepticism and vulnerability of a young person forced to grow up too fast.

Rachel Mwanza

Rachel Mwanza was a street child in Kinshasa before being cast in the war drama ‘War Witch’ (2012). She played Komona who is a young girl forced to become a child soldier in a rebel army. Her raw and untrained performance earned her the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival. This film stands as her major contribution to cinema and offered a harrowing look at conflict through the eyes of a child. It remains a singular and powerful entry in her life story.

Andra Day

Andra Day transformed completely for her role in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ (2021). She embodied the legendary jazz singer with a performance that captured both her vocal talent and her tragic struggles. This role earned her a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. While she is primarily a musician this film marked a massive acting debut that she has yet to replicate. It is a defining biographical performance that carried the entire weight of the production.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is a legend in the music industry but she earned serious acting credibility with ‘Mudbound’ (2017). She played Florence Jackson who is a matriarch trying to protect her family in the Jim Crow South. The role was stripped of all glamour and allowed her to disappear completely into the character. She received two Academy Award nominations for the film for both her acting and her original song. This movie remains her crowning achievement in the world of cinema.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey surprised critics with her unglamorous role in ‘Precious’ (2009). She played a social worker named Ms. Weiss who helps the protagonist navigate her difficult life. This performance was a stark contrast to her previous film work and proved she had genuine dramatic chops. Critics praised her for stripping away her diva persona to serve the story. It stands as the one undeniably great movie in her acting resume.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul but her acting career is defined by ‘The Color Purple’ (1985). She played Sofia and delivered a heartbreaking performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination. The character’s journey from defiance to brokenness is one of the most memorable arcs in the film. While she has acted in other projects this role remains her most iconic and critically acclaimed film work. It showcased a raw intensity that helped make the movie a classic.

Margaret Avery

Margaret Avery played the unforgettable character Shug Avery in ‘The Color Purple’ (1985). Her performance as the glamorous jazz singer who befriends Celie was pivotal to the emotional impact of the film. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for this role. Although she continued to work in the industry this film is the one that solidified her legacy. Her chemistry with the cast created some of the most touching moments in cinema history.

Akosua Busia

Akosua Busia captured hearts as Nettie in Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Color Purple’ (1985). She played the beloved sister of the main character and served as the emotional anchor of the story. Her role required her to convey hope and love across oceans and decades through her letters. This film remains her most significant and widely recognized contribution to Hollywood. Her performance provided the essential narrative drive for the entire movie.

Desreta Jackson

Desreta Jackson played the young version of Celie in ‘The Color Purple’ (1985). Her performance set the stage for the entire film by establishing the trauma and resilience of the main character. She effectively conveyed the pain and innocence that Whoopi Goldberg would later build upon. This role is her most notable film credit and remains crucial to the movie’s powerful opening act. Jackson left a lasting impression with limited screen time in this cinema classic.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet took a dark turn from her sitcom persona in the psychological horror film ‘Angel Heart’ (1987). She played Epiphany Proudfoot and delivered a performance that was mysterious and haunting. The film is a cult classic that showcased her ability to handle mature and complex material. While she is a pop culture icon this movie stands as her most significant dramatic film work. Her presence in the movie added a layer of supernatural intrigue that critics praised.

Robin Givens

Robin Givens starred as the ambitious and stylish Jacqueline in ‘Boomerang’ (1992). She played the formidable boss who turns the tables on Eddie Murphy’s character. The film is considered a classic of Black cinema and her performance is a major reason for its success. Givens perfectly embodied the confident corporate executive who knows exactly what she wants. It remains the definitive movie role that audiences associate with her career.

Shari Headley

Shari Headley is forever immortalized as Lisa McDowell in ‘Coming to America’ (1988). She played the independent woman who captures the heart of an African prince. Her chemistry with Eddie Murphy grounded the fairy tale elements of the story in reality. While she returned for the sequel decades later the original film is the classic that defined her career. Her performance provided the heart and soul of this beloved romantic comedy.

Madge Sinclair

Madge Sinclair brought regal dignity to her role as Queen Aoleon in ‘Coming to America’ (1988). She played the mother of the protagonist and offered a voice of reason and warmth within the royal family. Her commanding presence on screen made her the perfect counterpart to James Earl Jones. While she had a successful television career this film is her most enduring big-screen appearance. She brought a sense of grace to the role that elevated the entire production.

N’Bushe Wright

N’Bushe Wright played the lead female role of Dr. Karen Jenson in the action horror hit ‘Blade’ (1998). She brought intelligence and toughness to a character who is usually relegated to a damsel in distress. Her performance helped ground the vampire mythology in a scientific reality. This film was a major box office success and remains her most high-profile movie role. Wright held her own in action sequences and dramatic moments alike.

Rachel True

Rachel True became a cult icon for her role as Rochelle in the supernatural horror film ‘The Craft’ (1996). She played one of four teenage witches who experiment with dark magic. Her character dealt with unique challenges involving racism and bullying that set her apart from the other leads. The movie has maintained a massive following and True’s performance is central to its legacy. It stands as the most culturally significant film in her body of work.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash is best known for her role as Dionne in the teen comedy ‘Clueless’ (1995). She played the fashionable best friend to the protagonist and delivered iconic lines that are still quoted today. The film is a defining piece of 90s cinema that relied heavily on her comic timing and screen presence. While she has remained in the public eye this movie is the undisputed peak of her acting career. Her character remains a beloved figure in pop culture history.

Trina Parks

Trina Parks made history as Thumper in the James Bond film ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ (1971). She was the first African American woman to serve as a significant antagonist in the franchise. Her character was a bodyguard who engaged in a memorable fight scene with Sean Connery. This role is her most famous cinematic contribution and cemented her place in Bond history. Parks brought a unique physicality and style to the film that fans still remember.

Gloria Foster

Gloria Foster introduced the world to the Oracle in the sci-fi blockbuster ‘The Matrix’ (1999). Her performance provided the philosophical backbone for the film’s complex narrative. She played the character with a mix of grandmotherly warmth and mystical authority. This role introduced her to a massive global audience near the end of her distinguished career. It remains the one film role for which modern audiences know and revere her.

Tamara Dobson

Tamara Dobson became an action icon with her role in ‘Cleopatra Jones’ (1973). She played a government agent who uses martial arts and gadgets to fight drug traffickers. The film is a staple of the Blaxploitation era and Dobson’s stylish performance defined the genre. She stood out for her height and commanding fashion sense throughout the movie. This film remains her most successful and recognized contribution to cinema.

LisaRaye McCoy

LisaRaye McCoy burst onto the scene as Diamond in ‘The Players Club’ (1998). She played a single mother who enters the world of exotic dancing to pay for her education. The film became a cult classic and established her as a recognizable star. Her performance captured the grit and determination of a woman trying to survive in a harsh environment. It remains the signature movie role that defines her acting career.

Chrystale Wilson

Chrystale Wilson is famously known as Ronnie in ‘The Players Club’ (1998). She played the villainous antagonist who creates trouble for the main character. Her memorable lines and intense performance made her a standout in the film. Fans of the movie frequently quote her scenes and recognize her impact on the story. This role is the defining cinematic moment of her career.

Monica Calhoun

Monica Calhoun is best loved for her role as Mia in the romantic comedy-drama ‘The Best Man’ (1999). She played the heart of the friend group whose illness brings everyone together. Her performance added a necessary layer of emotional weight to the film’s lighter moments. The movie is considered a classic and her character is the emotional center of the franchise. It remains the most critically appreciated film in her resume.

Eve

Eve made a seamless transition from rap to acting with her role in ‘Barbershop’ (2002). She played Terri who is the only female barber in the shop and has to deal with a cheating boyfriend. Her performance was praised for its toughness and comedic timing within the ensemble cast. The film was a major hit and showcased her ability to hold the screen. This role stands as her most successful venture into feature films.

Diana Ross

Diana Ross earned an Academy Award nomination for her debut in ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ (1972). She portrayed the legendary Billie Holiday and captured the singer’s tragic life story with incredible depth. While she starred in other films like ‘The Wiz’ those projects were critically panned. This biopic remains the one movie where her acting was universally acclaimed. It proved she could translate her stage presence into serious dramatic acting.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie delivered a stunning performance in the independent drama ‘Miss Juneteenth’ (2020). She played a former beauty queen who is trying to guide her rebellious daughter. The film received near-universal acclaim and Beharie won a Gotham Award for her work. It is considered a modern masterpiece of acting that highlights her range and emotional intelligence. This film is the standout critical success in her filmography.

Chanté Adams

Chrystale Adams garnered attention for her role in the biopic ‘Roxanne Roxanne’ (2017). She played the hip-hop pioneer Roxanne Shanté and navigated the character’s tough upbringing in Queens. Her performance earned her a Special Jury Prize for Breakthrough Performance at Sundance. The film relies entirely on her capability to portray resilience and talent. It remains the most critically lauded film she has headlined.

Sasha Lane

Sasha Lane made an explosive debut in the road drama ‘American Honey’ (2016). She was discovered on a beach and cast as the lead character Star who joins a traveling magazine crew. Her naturalistic performance was the driving force behind the film’s critical success at Cannes. The movie is a unique exploration of youth culture that hinges on her raw energy. It stands as the defining artistic achievement of her career thus far.

Taylour Paige

Taylour Paige astonished critics with her performance in the dark comedy ‘Zola’ (2020). She played a waitress who gets dragged into a wild road trip involving sex work and crime. Her ability to convey skepticism and humor through facial expressions became a highlight of the film. The movie was a critical hit and established her as a serious talent. It remains the most widely acclaimed film she has led.

Kiki Layne

Kiki Layne starred as Tish in the beautiful adaptation of ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018). She played a young woman fighting to clear her lover’s name in 1970s Harlem. Her performance was praised for its tenderness and emotional vulnerability. The film is a visual masterpiece where her face often tells the story without words. This role is her most significant contribution to serious cinema.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King delivered a memorable supporting performance in ‘The Birth of a Nation’ (2016). She played Cherry who is the wife of Nat Turner and suffers brutal treatment at the hands of slave owners. Her performance provided the emotional stakes for the rebellion depicted in the film. While she is well-known for television this movie offered her a significant dramatic showcase. It remains a high point in her film career.

Sharon Leal

Sharon Leal is best remembered for her role as Michelle Morris in ‘Dreamgirls’ (2006). She played the singer who replaces the lead character in the group The Dreams. Her performance required both singing ability and dramatic presence to fit into the ensemble. The film was a massive success and gave her a place in cinema history. It remains the most high-profile and acclaimed movie on her resume.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner dominated the screen as Aunty Entity in ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ (1985). She played the ruthless ruler of Bartertown and created an iconic sci-fi villain. Her performance was praised for its charisma and she also contributed hit songs to the soundtrack. While the movie had mixed reviews compared to its predecessors her role is universally considered a highlight. It stands as her one great contribution to action cinema.

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill showcased her acting and vocal talents in ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ (1993). She played Rita Watson who is a talented but rebellious student who finds her voice. Her performance of ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ is one of the most memorable scenes in the movie. Although she focused on music afterward this film remains a beloved classic. It is the one movie where her potential as an actress was fully realized.

Barbara McNair

Barbara McNair starred alongside Sidney Poitier in the crime drama ‘They Call Me Mister Tibbs!’ (1970). She played the wife of the iconic detective Virgil Tibbs. Her performance provided a domestic grounding for the intense police procedural elements. While she was primarily a singer this film offered her a significant dramatic platform. It remains her most notable film role in a major studio production.

Vonetta McGee

Vonetta McGee starred in the spaghetti western masterpiece ‘The Great Silence’ (1968). She played Pauline who is a widow seeking revenge for the death of her husband. The film is considered one of the best westerns ever made and her performance is central to its tragic tone. She brought a haunting beauty and sadness to the role. This movie is the most critically respected entry in her career.

Sheila Frazier

Sheila Frazier is iconic for her role as Georgia in the classic film ‘Super Fly’ (1972). She played the supportive girlfriend of the main character Priest. Her natural performance helped ground the stylized world of the movie in genuine emotion. The film is a landmark of the genre and her presence is a key part of its enduring appeal. It remains the one film for which she is most celebrated.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams anchored the family drama ‘Soul Food’ (1997) as the eldest sister Teri. She played a successful lawyer whose bossy nature causes friction within the family. Her performance was praised for its intensity and complexity as she balanced strength with vulnerability. The film is a beloved classic that revolves around her character’s conflict. It remains the most critically acclaimed film role she has delivered.

Tell us which of these performances you found most memorable in the comments.