Black Actresses who Never Watch Their Own Movies

Many talented performers in Hollywood pour their hearts and souls into their characters but prefer not to revisit the work once it is done. Whether it is due to self-criticism, a desire to stay in the moment, or simply moving on to the next project, this habit is surprisingly common among elite entertainers. For some, the magic happens during the process of filming, and watching the final product can feel like an unnecessary or even uncomfortable experience. Here are 40 Black actresses who have either stated they avoid watching their own movies or have expressed a strong discomfort with seeing themselves on screen.

Viola Davis

This acclaimed actress has openly discussed her avoidance of watching her own work, noting that she tends to see only the flaws in her performances. Viola Davis has achieved the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards throughout her illustrious career. She delivered powerful performances in films like ‘The Help’ (2011) and ‘Fences’ (2016), solidifying her status as one of the most respected figures in the industry. Her approach to acting focuses deeply on the internal life of her characters, which she leaves behind once filming wraps.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has mentioned in interviews that she rarely watches her own films because she tends to be overly critical of her appearance and performance. She is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. Her breakout role in ‘The Color Purple’ (1985) earned her widespread acclaim and a Golden Globe Award. Throughout her career, she has seamlessly transitioned between dramatic roles and comedic hits like ‘Sister Act’ (1992).

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has admitted that she does not go back to watch her projects, preferring to keep the experience of making them as her primary memory. She has received four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, showcasing her incredible range across both film and television. Her work in ‘Cross Creek’ (1983) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Woodard continues to be a commanding presence in Hollywood, bringing depth and dignity to every role she inhabits.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan has explicitly stated that she changes the channel if she sees her own work on television, as she finds the experience uncomfortable. She gained significant recognition for her lead role in the romantic drama ‘Love & Basketball’ (2000), which became a cult classic. Her voice work as Donna Tubbs in ‘The Cleveland Show’ (2009–2013) demonstrated her versatility beyond live-action performance. Lathan has remained a consistent force in the industry, taking on challenging roles in projects like ‘The Perfect Guy’ (2015).

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer once shared a story about excitedly sitting down to watch a project early in her career only to find her scene was cut, which shifted her perspective on watching final cuts. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’ (2011). Her career has since flourished with critically acclaimed roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016) and ‘The Shape of Water’ (2017). Spencer is also a successful author and producer, expanding her influence in the entertainment world.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris has described watching herself on screen as a painful experience, often focusing on small details rather than the whole performance. She received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in ‘Moonlight’ (2016), where she played a complex and troubled mother. Harris is also well known for her role as Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond films ‘Skyfall’ (2012), ‘Spectre’ (2015), and ‘No Time to Die’ (2021). Her ability to disappear into diverse characters makes her one of the most compelling British actresses working today.

Halle Berry

While she has seen some of her films, Halle Berry has been open about her dissatisfaction with certain projects and the difficulty of watching them. She made history as the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’ (2001). Berry has starred in major blockbusters, including the ‘X-Men’ (2000) franchise and ‘Die Another Day’ (2002). Her extensive filmography spans genres from action to intense drama, showcasing her durability and talent.

Regina King

Regina King focuses intensely on the process of directing and acting, often looking forward rather than dwelling on past performances. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018) and has won four Primetime Emmy Awards. King began her career as a teenager on the sitcom ‘227’ (1985–1990) before transitioning to serious dramatic roles. Her directorial debut, ‘One Night in Miami…’ (2020), received critical praise and three Oscar nominations.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is known for her intense preparation and immersion in her roles, a process that doesn’t necessarily require revisiting the final product. She received an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ (1993). Her commanding presence was further celebrated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’ (2018). Bassett recently received an Honorary Academy Award for her contributions to the film industry.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has expressed that she is her own worst critic, which makes watching her performances a stressful endeavor. She garnered international fame and a Golden Globe Award for her role as Cookie Lyon in the television series ‘Empire’ (2015–2020). Her film career includes an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (2008) and a starring role in ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016). Henson is also an advocate for mental health awareness within the Black community.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has mentioned the strangeness of seeing herself on screen, preferring to rely on the experience of the shoot. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’ (2013). Her performance in the horror film ‘Us’ (2019) was widely acclaimed for her dual role as both the protagonist and the antagonist. Nyong’o has also successfully ventured into voice acting and Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for ‘Eclipsed’.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a playwright and actress who is deeply invested in the creation of stories, often focusing on her writing when not performing. She is best known for her role as Michonne on the horror drama series ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022). Gurira also portrayed Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with ‘Black Panther’ (2018). Her play ‘Eclipsed’ made history on Broadway as the first production with an all-Black and female creative team and cast.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo has spoken about the detachment she feels from the final visual product compared to the emotional experience of performing. She is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner, just an Oscar away from achieving EGOT status. Erivo garnered two Academy Award nominations for her work in ‘Harriet’ (2019), one for acting and one for original song. Her background in theater has translated seamlessly to screen roles that require immense vocal and emotional power.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe views her work as a form of world-building and storytelling that exists in the moment of creation. She made a stunning film debut with supporting roles in two major films released in the same year, ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016) and ‘Moonlight’ (2016). Monáe is also a celebrated musician known for her futuristic concepts and eclectic style. Her acting career continues to grow with lead roles in films like ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022).

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is known for her quiet and internalized acting style, which she finds difficult to watch objectively on a large screen. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Mildred Loving in ‘Loving’ (2016). Negga has also earned praise for her television work, particularly in the series ‘Preacher’ (2016–2019). Her stage work includes critically acclaimed performances in Shakespearean productions like ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Macbeth’.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has been working in the industry for decades and often prefers to look ahead to new challenges rather than reviewing past work. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Maeve Millay in ‘Westworld’ (2016–2022). Her film career includes prominent roles in ‘Crash’ (2004) and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006). Newton recently reclaimed the original Zimbabwean spelling of her name, emphasizing her pride in her heritage.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo is a celebrated British actress who immerses herself fully in her characters, leaving little desire to watch the playback. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Hotel Rwanda’ (2004). Okonedo won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Her versatility allows her to excel in everything from sci-fi action films to classical theater productions.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste made history as the first black British actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for her role in ‘Secrets & Lies’ (1996). She has stated that the process of discovery during rehearsals and filming is the most rewarding part of her job. She had a long-running role on the television drama ‘Without a Trace’ (2002–2009). Jean-Baptiste continues to work internationally, bringing a grounded reality to every character she plays.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is primarily a creature of the stage, where the performance happens live and in the moment, rather than on a screen to be rewatched. She holds the record for the most Tony Awards won by a performer, with six wins in competitive categories. Her television work includes a prominent role in the series ‘The Good Fight’ (2017–2022). McDonald is also a classically trained singer who regularly performs concerts with major orchestras.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashād, known as the mother of the television community, focuses on the craft of acting and directing rather than viewing her own performances. She gained iconic status as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ (1984–1992). Rashād later became the first African American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She currently serves as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-hyphenate talent who is often too busy directing, choreographing, and producing to sit down and watch her acting work. She gained fame for her role as Lydia Grant in the television series ‘Fame’ (1982–1987). Allen has directed countless episodes of television, including for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–present), where she also plays Dr. Catherine Fox. Her influence extends to dance education through the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis, known as “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” brings such high energy to her roles that living them is the primary experience. She has appeared in over 300 film and television roles, including ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ (1996) and the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022). Lewis is also an accomplished author and singer who has performed on Broadway. Her candid discussions about bipolar disorder have made her an important advocate for mental health.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine has a distinct voice and presence that she prefers to share with audiences rather than analyze herself. She was one of the original cast members of the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’. Devine won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–present). Her extensive film credits include ‘Waiting to Exhale’ (1995) and ‘Crash’ (2004).

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise is known for her intense emotional range in dramas, a process that can be draining and not something she necessarily wants to relive on screen. She made a strong film debut in ‘Set It Off’ (1996) and received critical acclaim for ‘Beloved’ (1998). Elise has been a frequent collaborator with Tyler Perry, starring in ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ (2005). She is a four-time NAACP Image Award winner for her work in film.

Nia Long

Nia Long has been a staple in Hollywood since the 1990s and often focuses on the cultural impact of her films rather than her personal performance. She starred in classic films such as ‘Boyz n the Hood’ (1991) and ‘The Best Man’ (1999). Long also had a memorable role on the hit sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996). Her career has remained steady with recent thrillers like ‘Missing’ (2023).

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is a comedic powerhouse who often moves quickly from one project to the next, leaving little time for self-viewing. She rose to prominence with her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ (2000) film series. Hall received widespread critical acclaim for her lead performance in the comedy ‘Girls Trip’ (2017). In recent years, she has taken on darker roles in films like ‘Master’ (2022), showcasing her dramatic range.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has mentioned that she focuses on the business and production side of her projects, sometimes detaching from the acting performance itself. She gained fame as a cheerleader in the teen comedy ‘Bring It On’ (2000). Union starred in and produced the popular series ‘Being Mary Jane’ (2013–2019). She has also become a best-selling author and an outspoken advocate for women’s health and workplace equality.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good has been acting since childhood and has developed a professional detachment that allows her to focus on the work rather than the result. She starred in the hit film ‘Think Like a Man’ (2012) and its sequel. Good played the lead role in the series ‘Deception’ (2013) and has appeared in superhero films like ‘Shazam!’ (2019). She often directs and produces independent projects alongside her acting career.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter is focused on creating opportunities and content, often looking at the big picture of a production rather than just her scenes. She played the lead role of Candace Young in the Tyler Perry soap opera ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ (2013–2021). Sumpter produced and starred in the film ‘Southside with You’ (2016), playing Michelle Obama. She also stars in the live-action ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ (2020) film franchise.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King is known for her breakout role as Michaela Pratt in the legal drama series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020). She received critical praise for her performance in the historical film ‘The Birth of a Nation’ (2016). King is a Yale School of Drama graduate who brings a classical training approach to her characters. She recently starred in the limited series ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ (2023).

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba immerses herself so deeply in her unique characters that the performance belongs to the moment of creation. She won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019). Aduba also delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Shirley Chisholm in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’ (2020). Her stage work includes a Tony-nominated performance in ‘Clyde’s’.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a trailblazer who focuses on the message and impact of her work, rather than scrutinizing her own image on screen. She became the first transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019). Cox starred in the thriller ‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020). She is also a prominent documentary producer and television host.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is known for her vibrant and emotional performances, which she prefers to leave on the set. She gained fame as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019). Wiley won an Emmy Award for her role as Moira in the dystopian drama ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–present). She trained at the Juilliard School and has a strong background in theater.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks brings a raw authenticity to her roles that she doesn’t feel the need to critique by watching them back. She played Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019) and received a Tony nomination for her role in ‘The Color Purple’ musical. Brooks reprised her role as Sofia in the film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ (2023), earning an Academy Award nomination. She is also a singer and voice actress.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett has been acting since she was a child and has developed a habit of focusing on the craft rather than the celebrity aspect of watching herself. She received critical acclaim for her role in ‘Eve’s Bayou’ (1997) when she was just a young girl. Smollett portrayed Black Canary in the superhero film ‘Birds of Prey’ (2020). She also starred in the horror drama series ‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020).

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg is known for selecting socially conscious roles and focuses on the storytelling impact rather than her personal screen time. She gained early recognition for her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ (2012). Stenberg received praise for her lead performance in ‘The Hate U Give’ (2018). She is also a musician and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid is a young talent who prioritizes the learning experience on set over watching the finished movies. She made her film debut in the Academy Award-winning ’12 Years a Slave’ (2013). Reid played the lead role of Meg Murry in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ (2018), directed by Ava DuVernay. She also gained popularity for her role as Gia Bennett in the drama series ‘Euphoria’ (2019–present).

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a hip-hop pioneer and Hollywood star who often produces her own projects, focusing on the creative execution rather than watching her acting. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Chicago’ (2002). Her hit comedy ‘Bringing Down the House’ (2003) was a major box office success. She currently stars in the reboot of the action series ‘The Equalizer’ (2021–present).

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson pours tremendous emotion into her singing and acting, a process that is often enough without needing to rewatch the result. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her debut film role in ‘Dreamgirls’ (2006). Hudson recently achieved EGOT status, adding a Tony Award to her Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar wins. She also portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biopic ‘Respect’ (2021).

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique delivered a performance so raw and intense in her biggest film that revisiting it can be a heavy experience. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as the abusive mother Mary Lee Johnston in ‘Precious’ (2009). She originally gained fame as a stand-up comedian and the star of the sitcom ‘The Parkers’ (1999–2004). Mo’Nique continues to tour as a comedian and act in various film projects.

Many of these actresses prove that you don’t need to be your own audience to captivate the world—tell us which of their performances is your favorite in the comments below!