Black Actresses Who Win You Over Every Time You See Them On A Screen

The film and television industry features a wealth of talented Black actresses who consistently deliver powerful performances across various genres. These performers have garnered numerous accolades and shaped the landscape of modern entertainment with their dedication to their craft. From legendary icons to rising stars, these women bring authenticity and depth to every project they undertake. This list explores the careers of several notable actresses whose work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards. She received critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Doubt’ which earned her an Oscar nomination. Her performance as Annalise Keating in the drama series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ made her the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She also earned an Academy Award for her performance in the film adaptation of ‘Fences’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is widely known for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biographical film ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. This performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’. Bassett received a second Academy Award nomination and an honorary Oscar for her extensive contributions to the film industry.

Regina King

Regina King began her career on the television series ‘227’ before transitioning to major film roles. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King has also earned multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in ‘American Crime’ and ‘Watchmen’. In addition to her acting career, she has found success as a director with the film ‘One Night in Miami’.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer rose to international prominence for her role as Minny Jackson in the film ‘The Help’. This performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She received further Oscar nominations for her work in the historical drama ‘Hidden Figures’ and the fantasy film ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer has also appeared in several television projects including the limited series ‘Self Made’.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained widespread recognition for her role in ‘Hustle and Flow’ and later earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She became a household name for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the musical drama series ‘Empire’. Henson also starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘Hidden Figures’ as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. She has received multiple Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award during her career.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o made her feature film debut in the historical drama ’12 Years a Slave’. Her performance as Patsey earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She later starred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther’ as Nakia. Nyong’o also received praise for her dual roles in the horror film ‘Us’ directed by Jordan Peele.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is best known for her role as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. Her performance earned her multiple nominations for Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. She has starred in films such as ‘Ray’ and ‘Django Unchained’ and received acclaim for her role in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. Washington also starred in and executive produced the limited series ‘Little Fires Everywhere’.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly decorated actress with four Primetime Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Cross Creek’. Her extensive television work includes notable roles in ‘St. Elsewhere’ and the Netflix series ‘Luke Cage’. Woodard has appeared in many successful films such as ‘Passion Fish’ and ’12 Years a Slave’.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She gained mainstream popularity as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise. Berry also starred in ‘Die Another Day’ as a Bond girl and won an Emmy for her role in ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’. She continues to work as both an actress and a director in projects like ‘Bruised’.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve the EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her film debut in ‘The Color Purple’. She later won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Ghost’. Goldberg is also well known for the ‘Sister Act’ franchise and her long tenure as a moderator on ‘The View’.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ before creating the HBO series ‘Insecure’. She starred in the show for five seasons and received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Rae has transitioned into film with roles in ‘The Photograph’ and ‘The Lovebirds’. She also provided voices for animated projects such as ‘Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse’.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is widely recognized for her lead roles in the comedy series ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. Her performance as Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ earned her a Golden Globe Award and several Emmy nominations. She has also appeared in films like ‘The High Note’ and ‘American Fiction’. Ross is known for her work in the fashion industry and as a producer on various media projects.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a child actor on Disney Channel before transitioning to major film and television roles. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. In cinema, she stars as MJ in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and Chani in the ‘Dune’ films. She has also appeared in ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Challengers’.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira gained international fame for her role as Michonne on the horror drama series ‘The Walking Dead’. She also portrays Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe appearing in ‘Black Panther’ and several ‘Avengers’ films. In addition to acting, she is an accomplished playwright who wrote the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. Gurira has received various awards for her contributions to both stage and screen.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained recognition for her role as Dawn Chambers in the period drama series ‘Mad Men’. She went on to star in the independent film ‘Chi-Raq’ and the drama ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Parris joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau in the series ‘WandaVision’ and the film ‘The Marvels’. She also appeared in the satirical horror film ‘They Cloned Tyrone’.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall became known for her comedic timing in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She transitioned into more dramatic and complex roles in films like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Support the Girls’. Hall earned critical acclaim for ‘Support the Girls’ and became the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress. She also starred in the comedy ‘Girls Trip’ and the series ‘Black Monday’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is an acclaimed singer and songwriter who has successfully transitioned into acting. She made a significant impact with her roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ in the same year. Monáe also starred in the horror film ‘Antebellum’ and the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery’. Her work often explores themes of identity and futurism across different mediums.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo rose to fame on the stage winning a Tony Award for her performance in the revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She transitioned to film with roles in ‘Widows’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’. Erivo received two Academy Award nominations for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biographical film ‘Harriet’. She also played Aretha Franklin in the anthology series ‘Genius’.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a British actress who gained international attention for her role in ’28 Days Later’. She played Eve Moneypenny in several James Bond films including ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Spectre’. Harris received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Paula in the film ‘Moonlight’. She has also appeared in ‘Mandela Long Walk to Freedom’ and ‘Venom Let There Be Carnage’.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is an Irish-Ethiopian actress who received critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Loving’. Her performance as Mildred Loving earned her nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. She starred as Tulip Hare in the television series ‘Preacher’ for several seasons. Negga also appeared in the film ‘Passing’ and the science fiction movie ‘Ad Astra’.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw gained critical recognition for her lead role in the period drama ‘Belle’. She starred in the romantic drama ‘Beyond the Lights’ and the ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’. Her career includes roles in big-budget films like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She also portrays Ravonna Renslayer in the Disney series ‘Loki’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson rose to prominence with roles in independent films like ‘Dear White People’. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie in ‘Thor Ragnarok’ and subsequent films. Thompson has also starred in the ‘Creed’ franchise and the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Her filmography includes a wide range of projects from ‘Sorry to Bother You’ to ‘Passing’.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch gained widespread attention for her role as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’. She played the first female 00 agent in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. Lynch also appeared in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’ and the musical ‘Matilda the Musical’. She continues to take on high-profile roles in both action and drama genres.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba became famous for her role as Suzanne Warren in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for this performance in both comedy and drama categories. Aduba later won a third Emmy for her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the limited series ‘Mrs. America’. She has also appeared on Broadway and in films like ‘Lightyear’.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks gained recognition for her role as Tasha Jefferson in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. she earned a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in ‘The Color Purple’. Brooks later reprised her role as Sofia in the film adaptation of the musical and received an Academy Award nomination. She also stars in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is known for her work in both comedy and drama across several decades. She starred in the comedy series ‘Reno 911’ and the drama ‘Claws’. Nash-Betts received critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for her role in the limited series ‘Dahmer Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She has also appeared in projects like ‘When They See Us’ and ‘The Rookie Feds’.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child actress in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She became a prominent figure on Nickelodeon before moving into mature roles in ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Nope’. Palmer made history as the youngest talk show host with ‘Just Keke’ and won an Emmy for ‘Turnt Up with the Taylors’. She is also known for her voice work and stage performances.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. At the age of fourteen she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history for the film ‘Little’. She has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her acting and production work. Martin continues to build her career through her production company and various acting roles.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi rose to fame playing Zoey Johnson on the series ‘Black-ish’. Her character was so popular that it led to the spin-off series ‘Grown-ish’ where she served as the lead. Shahidi played Tinker Bell in the live-action film ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’. She is also recognized for her activism and her work as a producer.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid had her breakout role as Meg Murry in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She plays Gia Bennett in the drama series ‘Euphoria’ and appeared in the horror film ‘The Invisible Man’. Reid also starred in the thriller ‘Missing’ and the television series ‘The Last of Us’. She won an Emmy Award for her guest performance in ‘The Last of Us’.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright gained international stardom for her role as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She took on the lead role in ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ following the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Wright has appeared in the series ‘Black Mirror’ and the film ‘Death on the Nile’. She also starred in the historical drama ‘The Silent Twins’.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu is a South African actress who gained international acclaim for her role in ‘The Underground Railroad’. She received several awards and nominations for her portrayal of Cora in the limited series. Mbedu made her feature film debut in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’ alongside Viola Davis. She is known for her emotional depth and powerful screen presence.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel is the creator and star of the hit series ‘Chewing Gum’ and ‘I May Destroy You’. She became the first Black woman to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series for ‘I May Destroy You’. Coel joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ as Aneka. She is recognized for her unique storytelling and bold performances.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph first gained attention for her Tony-nominated role in the musical ‘Ghost’. She appeared in films such as ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’. Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Holdovers’. She also stars in the mystery comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has had a long career with notable roles in ‘The Help’ and ‘Quantico’. She received critical praise for her performance in the limited series ‘When They See Us’. Ellis-Taylor earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Oracene Price in ‘King Richard’. She also starred in the film ‘Origin’ directed by Ava DuVernay.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union became a star with her role in the teen comedy ‘Bring It On’. She has starred in many films including ‘Bad Boys II’ and ‘Deliver Us from Eva’. Union led the drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ for several seasons on BET. She is also a successful author and producer in the entertainment industry.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is well known for her roles in films like ‘Love and Basketball’ and ‘The Best Man’. She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway play ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Lathan starred in the action film ‘Alien vs. Predator’ and the series ‘The Affair’. She also directed the film ‘On the Come Up’.

Nia Long

Nia Long gained fame for her roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The Best Man’ franchise. She had a long-running role in the crime drama series ‘Third Watch’ and appeared in ‘Empire’. Long has starred in several successful romantic comedies such as ‘Love Jones’ and ‘The Best Man Holiday’. She continues to work in both film and television projects.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith began her career on the sitcom ‘A Different World’. She starred in major films such as ‘The Nutty Professor’ and the ‘Matrix’ sequels. Smith provided the voice for Gloria in the ‘Madagascar’ animated franchise. She is also the host of the talk show ‘Red Table Talk’.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a British actress known for her roles in ‘Beloved’ and ‘Mission Impossible II’. She won a BAFTA Award for her performance in the film ‘Crash’. Newton played Maeve Millay in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ and won a Primetime Emmy Award for the role. She has appeared in other major projects like ‘Solo A Star Wars Story’.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Hotel Rwanda’. She has appeared in many films including ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘Death on the Nile’. Okonedo is a Tony Award winner for her work on Broadway in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She has also starred in various British television dramas.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her role in ‘Secrets and Lies’. She became a familiar face on American television as Vivian Johnson in ‘Without a Trace’. She has appeared in films such as ‘Spy Game’ and ‘RoboCop’. Her career spans international film and stage productions.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’. She is widely known for her film roles in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. Devine won a Primetime Emmy Award for her recurring role on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. she also starred in the comedy series ‘Family Reunion’.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is often referred to as the mother of Black Hollywood due to her many roles as matriarchs. She starred as Ruby Johnson in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ for its entire run. Her film credits include ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. Lewis has also provided voices for animated characters in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and ‘Cars’.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’. She starred in the sitcom ‘Moesha’ as Dee Mitchell for several seasons. Ralph won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Barbara Howard in the comedy series ‘Abbott Elementary’. She is a veteran of both the stage and the screen.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her role as Maxine Shaw on the sitcom ‘Living Single’. She also appeared on ‘The Cosby Show’ earlier in her career. Alexander has transitioned into film with roles in ‘Get Out’ and ‘American Fiction’. She is active as a writer and producer in addition to her acting work.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald has won six Tony Awards which is more than any other performer. She is also an Emmy and Grammy winner for her diverse artistic work. McDonald starred in the series ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Good Fight’. She has appeared in films like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Respect’.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose won a Tony Award for her performance in ‘Caroline or Change’. She is the voice of Tiana in the Disney film ‘The Princess and the Frog’. Rose starred in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’ as Lorrell Robinson. She has also appeared in television series like ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah began her career as a rapper before finding major success as an actress. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’. Latifah starred in the sitcom ‘Living Single’ and many films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Bringing Down the House’. She currently leads the action series ‘The Equalizer’.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie gained recognition for her roles in the films ‘American Violet’ and ‘Shame’. She starred as Abbie Mills in the supernatural drama series ‘Sleepy Hollow’. Beharie received critical acclaim and a Gotham Award for her performance in the film ‘Miss Juneteenth’. She has also appeared in ‘Black Mirror’ and the series ‘The Morning Show’.

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