The Absolute Best African-American Actors of the Past Five Years

The landscape of modern cinema has been significantly shaped by the talent and versatility of African-American male actors. Over the last five years, these performers have dominated both the big screen and streaming platforms, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards. From seasoned veterans returning to iconic roles to rising stars leading innovative new projects, their contributions span every genre from historical drama to high-octane action. This list highlights the individuals who have made a substantial impact on the industry through their dedication to the craft and their ability to bring complex characters to life.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the 2021 film ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. He recently returned to his role as Robert McCall in the 2023 action sequel ‘The Equalizer 3’. Beyond acting, Washington has been active as a producer, notably working on the 2020 adaptation of ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. He is cast in the high-profile historical epic ‘Gladiator II’ directed by Ridley Scott. These roles showcase his continued relevance as one of Hollywood’s most prestigious and bankable stars.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright received significant critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his leading role in ‘American Fiction’ in 2023. He also appeared as Jim Gordon in the 2022 film ‘The Batman’, providing a grounded performance alongside Robert Pattinson. In addition to his film work, Wright concluded his tenure as Bernard Lowe in the television series ‘Westworld’. He lent his voice to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as The Watcher in the animated series ‘What If…?’. His career over the last five years has been defined by a mix of blockbuster franchises and intellectual dramas.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bayard Rustin in the 2023 film ‘Rustin’. He played the role of Mister in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Domingo also starred in the 2024 film ‘Sing Sing’, which focuses on a theater program in a maximum-security prison. He has been a series regular on the television show ‘Fear the Walking Dead’, portraying Victor Strand. His recent performances have established him as a major force in contemporary dramatic cinema.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali starred in the 2021 drama ‘Swan Song’, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. In 2023, he played a central role in the Netflix thriller ‘Leave the World Behind’ alongside Julia Roberts. Ali also provided the voice for Aaron Davis in the 2023 animated hit ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. He is currently attached to the ‘Blade’ project within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His work continues to be characterized by nuanced and quiet intensity.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘American Fiction’. He concluded his long-running, award-winning role as Randall Pearson on ‘This Is Us’ in 2022. Brown also starred in the 2022 satirical comedy ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’ alongside Regina Hall. He appeared in the 2024 science fiction film ‘Atlas’ with Jennifer Lopez. His recent output demonstrates a successful transition from television prominence to film acclaim.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan made his directorial debut with the 2023 film ‘Creed III’, in which he also starred as the protagonist Adonis Creed. He took on the role of John Kelly in the 2021 action thriller ‘Without Remorse’, based on the Tom Clancy novel. Jordan also appeared in the 2021 drama ‘A Journal for Jordan’, directed by Denzel Washington. He remains a key figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ in 2022. His career has expanded to include significant influence as a producer and filmmaker.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2022 film ‘Causeway’. He played a prominent role as Phastos in the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe entry ‘Eternals’. Henry also continued his work on the critically acclaimed television series ‘Atlanta’ until its conclusion in 2022. He starred in the 2024 action film ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ as Bernie Hayes. His diverse range of roles highlights his ability to transition between intimate dramas and large-scale blockbusters.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II won an Emmy Award for his performance in the 2019–2020 limited series ‘Watchmen’. He portrayed Morpheus in the 2021 sequel ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and starred in the 2022 action film ‘Ambulance’. In 2023, he returned to his role as Black Manta in the superhero sequel ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’. He also played Bobby Seale in the 2020 historical drama ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’. His rapid rise has made him one of the most sought-after leading men in Hollywood.

John David Washington

John David Washington starred as the Protagonist in Christopher Nolan’s 2020 science fiction epic ‘Tenet’. He appeared alongside Zendaya in the 2021 intimate drama ‘Malcolm & Marie’, which was filmed during the pandemic. Washington led the 2023 science fiction film ‘The Creator’, playing a character tasked with hunting down a mysterious weapon. He also starred in the 2022 film ‘Amsterdam’ as part of an ensemble cast. His choices often lean toward high-concept projects and auteur-driven films.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2021 film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He played the lead character Clarence in the 2024 biblical epic ‘The Book of Clarence’. Stanfield also starred in the 2023 Disney film ‘Haunted Mansion’ and the 2021 Western ‘The Harder They Fall’. He concluded his work on the television series ‘Atlanta’ in 2022. He is known for selecting unconventional and artistically daring roles.

Kelvin Harrison, Jr.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. took on the title role in the 2022 historical drama ‘Chevalier’. He also appeared as Christian in the 2021 musical film ‘Cyrano’ alongside Peter Dinklage. In 2020, he played Fred Hampton in ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’, showcasing his ability to portray historical figures. He provided voice work for the character Scar in the 2024 prequel ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. Harrison Jr. is frequently recognized for his choice of complex and musically inclined characters.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope earned significant critical recognition for his leading role in the 2022 film ‘The Inspection’. He received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of a young man joining the Marines. Pope also starred in the 2020 Netflix limited series ‘Hollywood’, for which he received an Emmy nomination. He appeared in the 2023 film ‘The Collaboration’, playing artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. His background in theater has translated into a successful and high-profile screen career.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins played the lead role of Benny in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’. He starred in the 2023 horror film ‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter’ as Clemens. Hawkins also appeared as Harpo in the 2023 musical version of ‘The Color Purple’. He took on a central role in the 2021 film ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ alongside Denzel Washington. His recent work demonstrates a strong versatility in both musical and dramatic genres.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie officially took on the mantle of Captain America in the 2021 Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. He starred in the 2023 television series ‘Twisted Metal’, based on the popular video game franchise. Mackie appeared in the 2020 science fiction film ‘Synchronic’ and the 2021 thriller ‘Outside the Wire’. He is set to lead the 2025 feature film ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. His career has become synonymous with the modern era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx provided the voice for the lead character Joe Gardner in the 2020 Pixar film ‘Soul’. He reprised his role as Electro in the 2021 blockbuster ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. Foxx starred in the 2023 Netflix film ‘They Cloned Tyrone’, a satirical science fiction mystery. He also appeared in the 2022 action film ‘Day Shift’ as a vampire hunter. His recent work continues to span voice acting, comedy, and high-budget action.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson starred in the 2023 Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Secret Invasion’ as Nick Fury. He appeared in the 2020 film ‘The Banker’ and the 2021 horror sequel ‘Spiral: From the Book of Saw’. Jackson received an Honorary Academy Award in 2022 for his lifelong contribution to cinema. He also voiced a character in the 2024 animated film ‘The Garfield Movie’. He remains one of the highest-grossing actors in the history of the film industry.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito played the primary antagonist Moff Gideon in the television series ‘The Mandalorian’ between 2019 and 2023. He concluded his iconic role as Gus Fring in ‘Better Call Saul’ in 2022. Esposito starred in the 2024 series ‘The Gentlemen’ and the experimental Netflix series ‘Kaleidoscope’. He also appeared in the 2024 horror film ‘Abigail’. His recent career is marked by his reputation for portraying sophisticated and calculated characters.

Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams has earned widespread acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for his role as Gregory Eddie in ‘Abbott Elementary’. He appeared in the 2021 biographical drama ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’. Williams also starred in the 2020 film ‘The Argument’. His work on ‘Abbott Elementary’ has revitalized his television career, making him a household name. He is recognized for his comedic timing and subtle dramatic choices.

William Jackson Harper

William Jackson Harper starred in the 2021 limited series ‘The Underground Railroad’, directed by Barry Jenkins. He played a lead role in the 2022 mystery series ‘The Resort’. Harper also appeared in the 2023 Marvel film ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ as Quaz. He lent his voice to the animated series ‘Ten Year Old Tom’. Since his breakout in ‘The Good Place’, he has consistently worked in high-quality television and film projects.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs starred in the television series ‘Snowpiercer’ from 2020 through 2024. He voiced Sebastian in the 2023 live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Diggs also appeared in the 2021 film ‘The Starling’ and lent his voice to ‘Soul’ in 2020. He continues to work as a writer and producer, notably on the series ‘Blindspotting’. His career remains deeply rooted in both musical performance and narrative drama.

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge portrayed Hawkman in the 2022 superhero film ‘Black Adam’. He starred as Jim Brown in the 2020 film ‘One Night in Miami…’, receiving praise for his portrayal of the sports icon. Hodge also appeared in the 2020 film ‘The Invisible Man’ as Detective James Lanier. He held a leading role in the television series ‘City on a Hill’ until its conclusion in 2022. He is currently cast as the lead in the series ‘Cross’, based on the James Patterson novels.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome starred in the 2023 satirical series ‘I’m a Virgo’, created by Boots Riley. He appeared in the 2020 film ‘Concrete Cowboy’ alongside Idris Elba. Jerome also provided a voice for the 2023 film ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. He gained significant attention for his role in the 2019 limited series ‘When They See Us’, which impacted his career trajectory into the 2020s. His recent work focuses on bold, character-driven narratives.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin has continued his role as Lucas Sinclair in the global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’. He starred in the 2020 film ‘Concrete Cowboy’, showcasing his growth as a dramatic actor. In 2024, he appeared in the biblical comedy-drama ‘The Book of Clarence’. He also starred in the 2023 film ‘Shooting Stars’, portraying a young Dru Joyce III. McLaughlin is successfully transitioning from a child star to a versatile adult actor.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke returned to his role as M’Baku in the 2022 sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. He starred in the 2020 film ‘Nine Days’, which explored philosophical themes of life and existence. Duke also appeared in the 2024 action-comedy ‘The Fall Guy’ alongside Ryan Gosling. He played a lead role in the 2020 Netflix action film ‘Spenser Confidential’. His presence is often noted for his physical stature and commanding screen authority.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso has gained significant popularity for his role as Mother’s Milk in the series ‘The Boys’. He has been a core cast member of the show throughout its run from 2019 to the present. Alonso also appeared in the 2021 film ‘Wrath of Man’ directed by Guy Ritchie. He lent his voice to the 2023 animated series ‘My Dad the Bounty Hunter’. His work in ‘The Boys’ has made him a staple of the modern superhero deconstruction genre.

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo received critical acclaim for his performance as Paul in the 2020 Spike Lee film ‘Da 5 Bloods’. He starred in the 2021 Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ as Bass Reeves. Lindo also appeared in the television series ‘UnPrisoned’ starting in 2023. He is cast in the upcoming ‘Blade’ film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His performance in ‘Da 5 Bloods’ is often cited as one of the best of his long career.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne reprised his role as the Bowery King in the 2023 action film ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. He appeared in the 2022 Netflix film ‘The School for Good and Evil’. Fishburne also starred in the 2021 film ‘The Ice Road’ alongside Liam Neeson. He has continued to provide voice work for various projects, including the 2023 series ‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’. His veteran status continues to bring gravitas to every project he joins.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle appeared in the 2022 film ‘White Noise’, based on the novel by Don DeLillo. He reprised his role as James Rhodes in the 2023 series ‘Secret Invasion’ and is set to lead ‘Armor Wars’. Cheadle also starred in the series ‘Black Monday’ until its conclusion in 2021. He received an Emmy nomination for a brief appearance in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. His career remains balanced between major franchise work and experimental cinema.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker has led the television series ‘Godfather of Harlem’ as Bumpy Johnson since 2019. He appeared in the 2021 biographical film ‘Respect’ as C.L. Franklin. Whitaker also starred in the 2020 Christmas film ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’. He appeared in the 2024 film ‘Megalopolis’, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. He continues to be recognized for his immersive and intense character transformations.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. received two Academy Award nominations for his work in the 2020 film ‘One Night in Miami…’, one for acting and one for songwriting. He starred in the 2022 sequel ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Odom Jr. also appeared in the 2021 film ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ and the 2023 film ‘The Exorcist: Believer’. His transition from the stage in ‘Hamilton’ to film has been highly successful and prolific.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance won an Emmy Award for his performance in the 2020 series ‘Lovecraft Country’. He starred in the 2022 legal drama series ’61st Street’. Vance also appeared in the 2020 film ‘Uncorked’ and the 2024 film ‘Heist 88’. He has taken on several high-profile voice-over roles for documentaries and animated projects. His work is often characterized by a strong moral presence and intellectual depth.

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce continued his role as James Greer in the series ‘Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan’ until 2023. He starred in the 2024 procedural series ‘Elsbeth’, a spin-off of ‘The Good Wife’. Pierce appeared in the 2022 film ‘Don’t Die Tomorrow’ and the 2020 film ‘Burning Cane’. He is also active in theater, having recently starred in a major production of ‘Death of a Salesman’. He remains one of the most respected character actors in the industry.

Bokeem Woodbine

Bokeem Woodbine played the character Soren-066 in the television series ‘Halo’ from 2022 to 2024. He appeared in the 2021 blockbuster ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. Woodbine also starred in the 2023 comedy film ‘Old Dads’ and the 2020 series ‘Fargo’. He is known for his ability to play both intimidating villains and sympathetic supporting characters. His recent television work has seen him take on more prominent, series-regular roles.

Jabari Banks

Jabari Banks rose to fame in 2022 as the lead character Will Smith in ‘Bel-Air’, a dramatic reimagining of the classic sitcom. This role marked his professional acting debut and earned him immediate recognition. He has led the series through multiple seasons, receiving praise for his interpretation of the iconic character. Banks has also appeared in various media events and short films since his breakout. He is considered one of the most promising young talents in the industry today.

Algee Smith

Algee Smith is well known for his role as Chris McKay in the hit series ‘Euphoria’, appearing in both seasons. He starred in the 2021 Academy Award-winning film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ as Jake Winters. Smith also led the 2021 science fiction film ‘Mother/Android’ alongside Chloë Grace Moretz. He appeared in the 2020 film ‘The Hate U Give’ which continued to resonate into the early 2020s. His career focuses on projects with significant social and cultural relevance.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors starred as the primary antagonist Kang the Conqueror in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ and the ‘Loki’ series. He received praise for his role as Damian Anderson in the 2023 film ‘Creed III’. Majors also led the 2022 historical war film ‘Devotion’ and the 2020 drama ‘Da 5 Bloods’. In 2023, he starred in the independent film ‘Magazine Dreams’, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. His recent career has been defined by his physical transformation for diverse roles.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick starred in the 2021 Zack Snyder film ‘Army of the Dead’ as Vanderohe. He appeared in the 2023 Netflix action film ‘The Mother’ alongside Jennifer Lopez. Hardwick also starred in the 2020 horror film ‘Spell’. Following the conclusion of ‘Power’, he has focused on a variety of film genres, including action and thriller. He remains a popular leading man in both streaming and theatrical releases.

Wood Harris

Wood Harris reprised his role as Tony ‘Little Duke’ Evers in the 2023 film ‘Creed III’. He appeared as Spencer Haywood in the HBO series ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ from 2022 to 2023. Harris also starred in the series ‘Empire’ and appeared in ‘BMF’. He had a role in the 2021 film ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’. His career continues to benefit from his long history of playing iconic urban and sports-related characters.

Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman received critical acclaim for his performance as Toledo in the 2020 film ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. He appeared in the 2023 biographical drama ‘Rustin’ as A. Philip Randolph. Turman also starred in the 2021 series ‘Women of the Movement’. He provided a memorable performance in the 2020 season of ‘Fargo’ as Doctor Senator. As a veteran of the industry, he continues to deliver high-caliber performances in prestige dramas.

André Holland

André Holland starred in the 2021 film ‘Passing’, directed by Rebecca Hall. He led the 2024 miniseries ‘The Big Cigar’, portraying Black Panther Party leader Huey P. Newton. Holland also appeared in the 2022 film ‘Bones and All’. He continued his work in the series ‘The Eddy’ in 2020. He is recognized for his intellectual approach to acting and his choice of sophisticated, indie-leaning projects.

Ashton Sanders

Ashton Sanders starred as Bobby Brown in the 2022 Whitney Houston biopic ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’. He led the series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ as RZA until its conclusion in 2023. Sanders also appeared in the 2021 film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ as Larry Roberson. He starred in the 2019 film ‘Native Son’, which maintained its impact into the 2020s. He is noted for his intense screen presence and distinct fashion sense.

Trevante Rhodes

Trevante Rhodes starred as the title character Mike Tyson in the 2022 Hulu miniseries ‘Mike’. He appeared in the 2024 Tyler Perry thriller ‘Mea Culpa’ as Zyair Malloy. Rhodes also starred in the 2021 film ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ as Jimmy Fletcher. He is known for his physical roles and his breakout performance in ‘Moonlight’, which established his career path. His recent work has focused heavily on streaming platforms.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy starred in the 2021 sequel ‘Coming 2 America’, reprising his roles as Prince Akeem and various other characters. He appeared in the 2023 Netflix comedy ‘You People’ alongside Jonah Hill and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. In 2024, he returned to one of his most famous roles in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’. Murphy also starred in the 2023 holiday film ‘Candy Cane Lane’. His career in the 2020s has focused on revitalizing his classic franchises for modern audiences.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock starred in the 2021 horror film ‘Spiral: From the Book of Saw’, which he also executive produced. He played a leading dramatic role as Loy Cannon in the 2020 season of ‘Fargo’. Rock appeared in the 2023 biographical film ‘Rustin’ as Roy Wilkins. He also had a role in the 2022 ensemble film ‘Amsterdam’. His recent career has seen a significant shift toward serious dramatic roles alongside his comedy work.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart starred in the 2021 drama ‘Fatherhood’, showcasing a more serious side of his acting range. He led the 2024 Netflix action heist film ‘Lift’. Hart appeared in the 2022 film ‘The Man from Toronto’ and the 2021 limited series ‘True Story’. He also provided voice work for ‘DC League of Super-Pets’ in 2022. Despite his comedy roots, Hart has increasingly moved into action-lead territory.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard reprised his role as Quentin Spivey in the 2022 limited series ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’. He appeared in the 2020 film ‘Cut Throat City’ directed by RZA. Howard also starred in the 2022 film ‘The System’ and the 2021 film ‘Triumph’. Following the end of the series ‘Empire’ in 2020, he has focused on independent film projects. He remains a recognizable figure with a career spanning several decades.

Mike Colter

Mike Colter has starred as David Acosta in the supernatural drama series ‘Evil’ since 2019. He appeared in the 2023 action film ‘Plane’ alongside Gerard Butler. Colter also starred in the 2022 film ‘Carter’ and the 2020 film ‘Fatal Affair’. He continues to be a prominent leading man in both television and action-oriented cinema. His role in ‘Evil’ has been highly praised for its complexity and moral ambiguity.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs has starred as Billy Baker in the series ‘All American’ since 2018, with his character’s arc concluding in 2023. He reprised his role as Harper Stewart in the 2022 series ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’. Diggs also appeared in the 2021 film ‘The Love Guru’ and has done extensive voice work. He remains a steady presence in the romantic drama and television procedural genres.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman starred in the 2023 series ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ as Edwin Mullins. He appeared in the 2023 film ‘A Good Person’ and the 2021 action film ‘Vanquish’. Freeman also starred in the 2022 film ‘Paradise Highway’. He continues to be one of the most prolific narrators and supporting actors in the film industry. His presence in the 2020s remains as consistent as in previous decades.

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore voiced the lead character Miles Morales in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. He has starred as Sha/Raekwon in the series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ since 2019. Moore appeared in the 2020 film ‘Cut Throat City’ as Blink. He also starred in the 2023 film ‘The French Quarter Will Not Be Spared’. His career is currently defined by his central role in one of the most successful animated franchises in history.

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