Black Actresses Who Were Everywhere in the 2010s

The 2010s marked a significant era for Black actresses in the entertainment industry, as many stars achieved unprecedented levels of visibility and critical success. From the rise of prestige television to the dominance of superhero blockbusters, these performers occupied central roles in the culture’s most discussed projects. This period saw many individuals transition from supporting players to leading icons, often breaking historical barriers along the way. The following list highlights the actresses who were prominently featured in major films and television series throughout the decade.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved significant critical acclaim throughout the 2010s for her performances in both film and television. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 2011 drama ‘The Help’ and later won the award for ‘Fences’ in 2016. In 2014, she began starring as Annalise Keating in the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, a role that earned her an Emmy Award. Her presence in the industry was further cemented with leading roles in ‘Widows’ and the action-oriented ‘Suicide Squad’. She became the first Black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting during this decade.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson became a household name in the 2010s primarily through her role as Cookie Lyon on the musical drama ‘Empire’. Her portrayal of the fierce matriarch earned her several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award. In 2016, she starred as Katherine Johnson in the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’, which focused on Black female mathematicians at NASA. She also appeared in successful ensemble films like ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘The Best Man Holiday’. Throughout the decade, she was recognized as a major force in both comedic and dramatic storytelling.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington rose to massive popularity starring as Olivia Pope in the ABC political thriller series ‘Scandal’. The show, which ran from 2012 to 2018, made her one of the highest-paid actresses on television at the time. During this period, she also took on significant film roles, including Broomhilda von Shaft in ‘Django Unchained’. In 2016, she portrayed Anita Hill in the television film ‘Confirmation’, which earned her further award nominations. Her influence during the decade extended beyond acting into various production and activism efforts.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer began the decade with a breakthrough performance in ‘The Help’, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She followed this success with a series of acclaimed performances in films such as ‘Fruitvale Station’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. In 2017, she received another Oscar nomination for her role in the fantasy drama ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer also ventured into television, starring in the 2014 series ‘Red Band Society’ and the 2019 drama ‘Truth Be Told’. She remained one of the most consistently employed and recognized actresses of the ten-year span.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o rose to international stardom after her feature film debut in the 2013 historical drama ’12 Years a Slave’. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her a sought-after talent in Hollywood. She joined the ‘Star Wars’ franchise as Maz Kanata and played Nakia in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther’. In 2019, she received praise for her dual lead roles in the horror film ‘Us’. Her decade was marked by high-profile projects and consistent critical recognition.

Regina King

Regina King experienced a major career resurgence in the 2010s, moving into prestige television and high-profile film roles. She starred in the police drama ‘Southland’ and later earned multiple Emmy Awards for her work in the anthology series ‘American Crime’. In 2018, she won an Academy Award for her performance in the drama ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She finished the decade starring in the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Watchmen’. King also began establishing herself as a director during this prolific period.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana established herself as a leading figure in major film franchises throughout the 2010s. She continued her role as Uhura in ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond’. In 2014, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Gamora in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, appearing in several subsequent sequels and crossover films. She also maintained her presence in the ‘Avatar’ franchise, which remained a cultural touchstone throughout the decade. Saldana became the first actress to appear in three of the five highest-grossing films of all time during this era.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became a prominent figure in pop culture through her role as Michonne on the long-running series ‘The Walking Dead’. Joining the cast in 2012, she became a fan favorite and a central character for several seasons. Her film career expanded significantly when she was cast as Okoye in the 2018 blockbuster ‘Black Panther’. She reprised this role in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, contributing to some of the highest-grossing films in history. Gurira also received acclaim as a playwright during this period for works like ‘Eclipsed’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson emerged as a major talent in the 2010s with standout roles in independent and blockbuster films. She gained early notice for her performance in the 2014 film ‘Dear White People’ and the sports drama ‘Creed’. In 2017, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, bringing a new dynamic to the franchise. She also starred in the science fiction thriller ‘Annihilation’ and the dark comedy ‘Sorry to Bother You’. By the end of the decade, she was a regular lead in the ‘Men in Black’ franchise and the series ‘Westworld’.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention in the early 2010s with her successful YouTube series ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’. This digital success led to the creation of her HBO comedy-drama series ‘Insecure’, which premiered in 2016. The show explored the Black female experience in modern Los Angeles and earned her multiple award nominations. She also appeared in films like the 2018 drama ‘The Hate U Give’ and the 2019 comedy ‘Little’. Her work in the 2010s was influential in opening doors for digital creators to transition to mainstream television.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish experienced a massive breakout in 2017 with her role in the comedy ‘Girls Trip’. Her performance was widely cited as one of the best comedic turns of the decade, leading to numerous new opportunities. She went on to star in films such as ‘Night School’ and ‘Nobody’s Fool’, as well as the series ‘The Last O.G.’. Haddish also became a frequent host and guest on television, famously hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2017. She ended the decade as one of the most recognizable comedic voices in the industry.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe transitioned from a successful music career into a prominent acting career during the mid-2010s. In 2016, she appeared in two of the year’s most acclaimed films, ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. These roles established her as a capable dramatic actress and led to further opportunities in cinema. She later starred in the 2018 fantasy drama ‘Welcome to Marwen’ and the 2019 biopic ‘Harriet’. Her presence on screen was often noted for its poise and emotional depth.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross became a staple of 2010s television through her lead role in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Starring as Dr. Rainbow Johnson, she received numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe win in 2017. Before ‘Black-ish’, she starred in the sitcom ‘Reed Between the Lines’ and made various guest appearances. She also executive produced and voiced the lead character in the animated spin-off ‘Pals’. Her work during the decade made her one of the most beloved figures in television comedy.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris maintained a strong presence in both British and American cinema throughout the 2010s. She joined the James Bond franchise as Eve Moneypenny in ‘Skyfall’ and reprised the role in ‘Spectre’. In 2016, her performance as Paula in ‘Moonlight’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also portrayed Winnie Mandela in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ and appeared in the boxing drama ‘Southpaw’. Her decade was characterized by high-stakes dramatic roles in prestigious projects.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz rose to prominence starting in 2016 with her role as Vanessa in the critically acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’. Her performance on the show led to major roles in high-profile feature films. In 2018, she played the character Domino in the superhero sequel ‘Deadpool 2’, and in 2019, she appeared in the psychological thriller ‘Joker’. She also worked on the anthology series ‘Easy’ and appeared in films like ‘Geostorm’. By the end of the decade, she was considered one of the most versatile young actresses in the industry.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright gained significant international recognition for her role as Shuri in the 2018 Marvel film ‘Black Panther’. Before this breakout, she appeared in several British television series, including ‘Top Boy’ and ‘Humans’. In 2017, she earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Black Museum’. She reprised her role as Shuri in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, contributing to the franchise’s record-breaking success. Her work during the late 2010s established her as a major new talent on the global stage.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett continued her long-standing career with several prominent roles throughout the 2010s. She became a central figure in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series, appearing in multiple seasons and earning Emmy nominations. In 2018, she portrayed Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’, a role that resonated globally. She also starred in the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ starting in 2018 and provided voice work for ‘Bumblebee’. Bassett remained a consistent and powerful presence across both film and television.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba achieved widespread fame for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her performance was a standout throughout the show’s run from 2013 to 2019, earning her two Emmy Awards in different categories. During the decade, she also appeared in the television special ‘The Wiz Live!’ as Glinda the Good Witch. She transitioned into film with roles in ‘Tallulah’ and ‘American Pastoral’. Aduba’s work during this period was frequently cited for its emotional range and depth.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall was a constant presence in 2010s comedy, appearing in several successful film franchises. She starred in both ‘Think Like a Man’ and its sequel, as well as ‘The Best Man Holiday’. In 2017, she played a lead role in the blockbuster hit ‘Girls Trip’, which further elevated her profile. She earned critical acclaim for her leading role in the 2018 independent film ‘Support the Girls’. By 2019, she was starring in the series ‘Black Monday’ and the comedy film ‘Little’.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good maintained a steady career in film and television throughout the 2010s. She starred in the commercially successful ‘Think Like a Man’ franchise and played the lead in the 2013 series ‘Deception’. Good also appeared in the comedy sequel ‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues’ and the horror film ‘The Intruder’. In 2019, she joined the DC Extended Universe as the adult version of Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam!’. Her work during the decade spanned across multiple genres, from romance to superhero action.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union was a prominent figure in 2010s media, particularly through her starring role in ‘Being Mary Jane’. The series ran from 2013 to 2019 and was a major success for the BET network. On the film side, she appeared in ‘Think Like a Man’, ‘Almost Christmas’, and the action-thriller ‘Breaking In’. In 2019, she began starring in the series ‘L.A.’s Finest’ alongside Jessica Alba. Union also gained attention for her role as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent’ during the decade.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first came to national attention as Rue in the 2012 film ‘The Hunger Games’. As the decade progressed, they took on more leading roles in young adult adaptations such as ‘Everything, Everything’. In 2018, Stenberg starred in ‘The Hate U Give’, a performance that received high critical praise for its emotional weight. They also appeared in the science fiction film ‘The Darkest Minds’ and the period drama ‘Where Hands Touch’. Stenberg’s choices during the 2010s often highlighted significant social and cultural themes.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi became a recognizable face starting in 2014 with her role as Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’. Her character’s popularity led to the creation of the spin-off series ‘Grown-ish’, which focused on her transition to college life. In addition to her television work, she starred in the 2019 film ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’. Shahidi also became a prominent voice for her generation, often speaking on social issues and education. Her work during the 2010s made her a prominent representative of young Black Hollywood.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo transitioned from a highly successful stage career to screen stardom in the late 2010s. She gained notice for her performance in the 2018 thriller ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and the heist film ‘Widows’. In 2019, she played the title role in the biographical film ‘Harriet’, depicting Harriet Tubman. This performance earned her two Academy Award nominations, one for acting and one for original song. Her rapid ascent in film during the latter half of the decade was notable for its critical impact.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga appeared in a variety of projects throughout the 2010s, building a reputation for versatile acting. She played Raina in ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and joined the cast of the supernatural series ‘Preacher’ in 2016. That same year, she starred in the historical drama ‘Loving’, portraying Mildred Loving. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and significant critical praise. She also appeared in the science fiction epic ‘Ad Astra’ and the film adaptation of ‘Warcraft’.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw earned critical acclaim for her leading roles in several 2010s films. She played the title character in the 2013 historical drama ‘Belle’ and starred as a pop star in the 2014 film ‘Beyond the Lights’. In 2016, she appeared in the popular ‘San Junipero’ episode of the anthology series ‘Black Mirror’. She also took on roles in blockbusters like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. Her work throughout the decade was marked by a blend of prestige dramas and major studio productions.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry remained an active and influential figure in Hollywood throughout the 2010s. She starred in the multi-narrative film ‘Cloud Atlas’ and returned to her iconic role as Storm in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. In 2013, she led the thriller ‘The Call’, which was a surprise commercial success. She also ventured into television with the science fiction series ‘Extant’ and joined the ‘John Wick’ franchise in 2019. Her work during this period showcased her continued range across various high-stakes genres.

Nia Long

Nia Long maintained a consistent presence in film and television throughout the decade. She reprised her role in the successful sequel ‘The Best Man Holiday’ in 2013 and appeared in the 2014 comedy ‘The Single Moms Club’. On television, she had recurring roles in major series such as ‘Empire’, ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’, and ‘Hand of God’. She also starred in the 2017 television remake of ‘Beaches’. Long’s decade was defined by her ability to move seamlessly between comedic films and dramatic television roles.

Tasha Smith

Tasha Smith was a frequent presence in 2010s television, most notably in the series ‘For Better or Worse’. She starred in the sitcom from 2011 to 2017, continuing her collaboration with Tyler Perry. During the decade, she also appeared in the high-profile musical drama ‘Empire’ as Carol Hardaway. Her film credits during this time included roles in ‘Addicted’ and ‘Jumping the Broom’. Smith also began to focus on directing and acting coaching, expanding her influence within the industry.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton starred in several major motion pictures during the first half of the 2010s. In 2011, she played Jane Carter in ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’, which became one of the decade’s biggest action hits. She followed this with roles in ‘2 Guns’ alongside Denzel Washington and the romantic comedy ‘Baggage Claim’. In 2016, she portrayed Garona in the fantasy epic ‘Warcraft’. Her work during this period often placed her in central roles in large-scale studio projects.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks became widely known for her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her performance was a cornerstone of the series, which ran for seven seasons on Netflix. In 2015, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of ‘The Color Purple’, earning a Tony Award nomination. She also appeared in films like ‘Clemency’ and provided voice work for ‘The Angry Birds Movie’. Brooks emerged during the 2010s as a powerful voice for body positivity and representation.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley gained fame as Poussey Washington on the Netflix hit ‘Orange Is the New Black’. After leaving the series, she took on a major role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ as Moira, for which she won an Emmy Award. She also appeared in recurring roles in comedies like ‘You’re the Worst’ and ‘Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television’. Her film work during the decade included the 2016 thriller ‘Nerve’. Wiley’s performances in the 2010s established her as a prominent dramatic and comedic talent.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained attention with her role as Dawn Chambers in the acclaimed series ‘Mad Men’. She went on to star in the 2014 independent hit ‘Dear White People’ and played the lead in Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’. In 2018, she appeared in the Academy Award-winning drama ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She also starred in the television series ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ for several seasons. Her decade was marked by her involvement in projects that addressed complex social and cultural issues.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King rose to prominence as Michaela Pratt in the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. The series, which debuted in 2014, made her a recognizable face to millions of viewers. In 2016, she starred in the historical drama ‘The Birth of a Nation’, receiving praise for her performance. She also appeared in the 2017 film ‘The Upside’ and the drama ‘Sylvie’s Love’. King was frequently recognized as a rising star throughout the latter half of the decade.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard continued her prolific career with several notable roles during the 2010s. She appeared in the historical drama ’12 Years a Slave’ and played the villainous Mariah Dillard in the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’. In 2019, she received significant critical acclaim for her leading role in the prison drama ‘Clemency’. She also provided the voice for Sarabi in the 2019 remake of ‘The Lion King’. Woodard remained a highly respected veteran whose presence added weight to every project she joined.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green became a major television star in the 2010s through two high-profile franchises. She first joined the cast of ‘The Walking Dead’ in 2012 as Sasha Williams, a role she played for five seasons. In 2017, she was cast as the lead character, Michael Burnham, in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. This role made her the first Black woman to lead a ‘Star Trek’ series. She also appeared in the series ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’ during the decade.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning gained popularity in the 2010s through several television projects. She starred in the cheerleading drama ‘Hit the Floor’ before taking the lead role of Samantha White in the Netflix series ‘Dear White People’. The show, which premiered in 2017, was a critical success and solidified her status as a leading actress. She also appeared in the horror film ‘The Perfection’ in 2018. Browning’s work often focused on the complexities of modern identity and campus life.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel emerged as a major creative force in the mid-2010s with her series ‘Chewing Gum’. She wrote and starred in the E4 comedy, which earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Female Comedy Performance. She also appeared in the ‘Black Mirror’ episodes ‘Nosedive’ and ‘USS Callister’. In 2018, she starred in the musical film ‘Been So Long’ and the thriller series ‘Black Earth Rising’. Her work during this period was noted for its unique perspective and bold storytelling.

Dola Rashad

Condola Rashad transitioned from a successful stage career to prominent television roles in the 2010s. She starred in the 2012 television movie ‘Steel Magnolias’ and had a recurring role in the musical series ‘Smash’. Starting in 2016, she played Kate Sacker in the Showtime drama ‘Billions’, a role she maintained for several seasons. She also appeared in the films ‘Money Monster’ and ‘Come Sunday’. Rashad’s presence in the decade was marked by her work in high-stakes dramatic ensembles.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid began the 2010s as a child actress, appearing in the 2013 film ’12 Years a Slave’. Her major breakout occurred in 2018 when she was cast as the lead, Meg Murry, in Disney’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. In 2019, she began starring as Gia Bennett in the HBO drama ‘Euphoria’ and appeared in the limited series ‘When They See Us’. She also led the cast of the 2019 superhero film ‘Sleight’. By the end of the decade, she was established as one of the most promising young talents in Hollywood.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became a household name starting in 2014 for her role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. In 2019, she starred in the comedy film ‘Little’, which she also executive produced. This achievement made her the youngest person ever to hold a producer credit on a major Hollywood production. She won numerous NAACP Image Awards for her work throughout the decade. Martin was widely recognized as a young powerhouse in both acting and production.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne experienced a rapid rise to fame at the end of the decade. Her breakout role came in 2018 as Tish Rivers in the Barry Jenkins film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. The performance was widely praised and led to her being cast in several major projects. In 2019, she starred in the drama ‘Native Son’ and appeared in the short film ‘The Staggering Girl’. She finished the decade as one of the most talked-about new arrivals in the film industry.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renee Elise Goldsberry had a prominent decade on both the stage and screen. She appeared in a recurring role on the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’ for several years. In 2015, she originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in the musical ‘Hamilton’, which became a massive cultural phenomenon. Following her stage success, she starred in the 2017 film ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ and the 2018 series ‘Altered Carbon’. Her decade was a testament to her versatility across different mediums.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett maintained a busy schedule throughout the 2010s with several major television roles. She starred in the final seasons of ‘Friday Night Lights’ and joined the cast of ‘True Blood’ in 2013. In 2016, she played a lead role in the historical drama series ‘Underground’, which followed the story of the Underground Railroad. She also appeared in the film ‘Hands of Stone’ and began filming for her role as Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’ toward the end of the decade. Her work often involved physically demanding and emotionally intense roles.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie began the decade with roles in acclaimed films like ‘Shame’ and the Jackie Robinson biopic ’42’. In 2013, she took on the lead role of Abbie Mills in the supernatural series ‘Sleepy Hollow’, which ran for several seasons. She also appeared in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Striking Vipers’ in 2019. Her film career continued with a leading role in the 2019 drama ‘Miss Juneteenth’. Beharie was often recognized for her strong screen presence and emotional clarity.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a prominent cultural figure through her role as Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination, making her the first openly transgender person to be nominated in an acting category. Throughout the 2010s, she appeared in various series including ‘The Mindy Project’, ‘Doubt’, and ‘Dear White People’. She also starred in the 2016 television remake of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. Her visibility and work during the decade had a significant impact on representation in media.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash expanded her career from comedy into acclaimed dramatic territory during the 2010s. She starred in the HBO series ‘Getting On’ and the Fox horror-comedy ‘Scream Queens’. In 2017, she took the lead role in the series ‘Claws’, playing a salon owner involved in organized crime. Her performance in the 2019 limited series ‘When They See Us’ earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Nash ended the decade as one of the most respected actresses working in both genres.

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye gained significant attention in 2011 for her leading role in the independent film ‘Pariah’. Her performance as a teenager exploring her identity was widely praised by critics and industry veterans. She followed this success with roles in the 2012 television movie ‘Steel Magnolias’ and the 2013 drama ’12 Years a Slave’. In 2015, she appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film ‘The Big Short’. Her decade was defined by her involvement in high-quality, socially relevant projects.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton starred in several high-profile projects throughout the 2010s, most notably the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. For her role as Maeve Millay, she received widespread critical acclaim and won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2018. During the decade, she also appeared in the crime drama ‘Line of Duty’ and the ‘Star Wars’ anthology film ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. Earlier in the decade, she was featured in the ensemble film ‘For Colored Girls’ and the series ‘Rogue’. Her performances often explored complex themes of agency and identity.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander remained a consistent presence on television throughout the 2010s with roles in various dramas and comedies. She appeared in the crime series ‘Low Winter Sun’ and joined the cast of the superhero show ‘Black Lightning’ in 2018. In 2017, she played a memorable role in the horror-satire film ‘Get Out’, which became a cultural phenomenon. She also had recurring roles in the series ‘Last Man Standing’ and ‘Insecure’. Her decade was defined by a mix of supporting roles in prestigious projects and recurring television work.

Which of these actresses’ performances from the 2010s was your favorite to watch? Share your thoughts in the comments.