The Absolute Best African-American Actresses of the Past 15 Years

The landscape of cinema and television has been profoundly shaped by the contributions of African-American actresses over the last decade and a half. These performers have broken barriers, earned the highest industry accolades, and delivered era-defining performances across genres ranging from historical epics to contemporary comedies. This period has seen a surge in complex roles and diverse narratives, allowing these women to showcase unparalleled range and talent on a global stage. The following list highlights the most influential and accomplished African-American actresses who have dominated the screen since 2009.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved the Triple Crown of Acting within the last fifteen years, securing an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tonys. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Rose Maxson in the 2016 film ‘Fences’, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Davis also broke television records as Annalise Keating in the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, becoming the first Black woman to win the Lead Actress Emmy. Her leading role in the 2022 epic ‘The Woman King’ further established her as a formidable force in the action genre.

Regina King

Regina King has experienced a significant career surge in the last 15 years, transitioning into one of the most decorated actresses of her generation. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her soulful performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ in 2018. King also dominated the Emmy Awards with four wins, including a notable performance in the superhero limited series ‘Watchmen’. Her work in the anthology series ‘American Crime’ showcased her incredible dramatic range across multiple seasons.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer became a household name following her breakout performance in the 2011 film ‘The Help’, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She followed this success with Oscar-nominated turns in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer has consistently delivered strong performances in a variety of roles, including the lead in the psychological thriller ‘Ma’. In recent years, she has also found success in television, starring in the Apple TV+ series ‘Truth Be Told’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has continued to solidify her status as a Hollywood icon with several major roles over the past 15 years. She made history by receiving an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Bassett has also been a mainstay in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series, earning multiple Emmy nominations for her various characters. Her starring role as Athena Grant in the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ has made her one of the highest-paid actresses on television.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained massive popularity for her role as Cookie Lyon on the hit musical drama series ‘Empire’, which earned her a Golden Globe Award. She also received critical praise for her portrayal of mathematician Katherine Johnson in the 2016 biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Henson’s versatility is evident in her work in films like the action-thriller ‘Proud Mary’ and the comedy ‘What Men Want’. Most recently, she appeared as Shug Avery in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’.

Zendaya

Zendaya has quickly risen to become one of the most prominent actresses of the modern era through her work in film and television. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in the HBO drama series ‘Euphoria’. On the big screen, she played MJ in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy and Chani in the science fiction epic ‘Dune’. Her performance in the 2024 film ‘Challengers’ demonstrated her ability to lead a complex adult drama.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became a global star through her role as Olivia Pope in the ABC political thriller ‘Scandal’, which ran from 2012 to 2018. Her performance earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and made her a fashion icon. Washington also starred as Broomhilda von Shaft in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’. In 2020, she received further acclaim for her lead role in the Hulu limited series ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ alongside Reese Witherspoon.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has remained a staple of prestige cinema and television throughout the last 15 years. She delivered a powerhouse performance in the 2019 film ‘Clemency’, playing a prison warden grappling with the emotional toll of executions. Woodard also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a role in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and provided the voice of Sarabi in the 2019 version of ‘The Lion King’. Her work on the Netflix series ‘Luke Cage’ as Mariah Dillard showcased her talent for playing complex antagonists.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross became a beloved comedic figure for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the ABC sitcom ‘black-ish’. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2017. Ross also starred in the 2020 musical drama ‘The High Note’, where she showcased her vocal talents as a superstar singer. She has been a consistent advocate for representation and diversity within the entertainment industry during her tenure on television.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae transitioned from a successful web series creator to a major television star with the HBO series ‘Insecure’. As the co-creator, writer, and star, she earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Issa Dee. Rae has also expanded into film, starring in projects such as the romantic drama ‘The Photograph’ and the satirical comedy ‘American Fiction’. In 2023, she appeared as President Barbie in the global phenomenon ‘Barbie’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe successfully moved from a celebrated music career into a highly respected acting career within the last 15 years. She had a major impact in 2016 with supporting roles in two Best Picture-nominated films, ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe took on the lead role in the psychological horror film ‘Antebellum’ and appeared in the second season of the series ‘Homecoming’. She further proved her range as a comedic and dramatic actress in the 2022 mystery ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major star through her roles in both independent films and blockbuster franchises. She gained critical attention for her performance in the 2014 film ‘Dear White People’ and later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. Thompson also starred in the ‘Creed’ trilogy as Bianca Taylor and took a leading role in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Her work in the 2021 drama ‘Passing’ earned her significant praise during the awards season.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba rose to fame for her portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. This role earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards in two different categories, Guest Actress in a Comedy and Supporting Actress in a Drama. Aduba continued her success by winning a third Emmy for her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the limited series ‘Mrs. America’. She also starred in the 2021 revival of the HBO series ‘In Treatment’.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts has transitioned from comedic roles to heavy dramatic work with great success over the past 15 years. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the Netflix limited series ‘When They See Us’, directed by Ava DuVernay. Nash-Betts won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Glenda Cleveland in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Her work in the series ‘Claws’ also demonstrated her ability to balance dark humor with intense drama.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall has established herself as one of the most versatile actresses working in Hollywood today. She received widespread critical acclaim and several critics’ awards for her performance in the 2018 independent film ‘Support the Girls’. Hall also starred in the successful ‘Girls Trip’ and led the cast of the Showtime series ‘Black Monday’. In 2022, she took on a more dramatic role in the psychological thriller ‘Master’.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks first gained recognition for her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She transitioned to the stage and then back to the screen with a powerful performance as Sofia in the 2023 film ‘The Color Purple’. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Brooks also appeared in the DC Extended Universe series ‘Peacemaker’ as Leota Adebayo.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has become a prominent figure in film and television following a string of standout performances. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mary Lamb in the 2023 film ‘The Holdovers’. Randolph also gained fans for her comedic work in the series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Her performance in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ opposite Eddie Murphy was another high point in her recent career.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has been a consistent force in the industry, delivering powerful performances in both film and television. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Oracene “Brandy” Price in the 2021 film ‘King Richard’. Ellis-Taylor also starred in the acclaimed HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Her leading role in the 2023 film ‘Origin’ further showcased her depth as a dramatic actress.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler delivered one of the most talked-about performances of recent years in the 2022 biographical drama ‘Till’. She portrayed Mamie Till-Mobley with a raw intensity that earned her a BAFTA nomination and several critics’ awards. Deadwyler also appeared in the Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the limited series ‘Station Eleven’. Her ability to convey deep emotion has made her a highly sought-after talent in Hollywood.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has successfully transitioned from a child star to a versatile adult actress with a major presence in film and television. She received rave reviews for her performance in the 2022 Jordan Peele film ‘Nope’. Palmer also appeared in the 2019 hit ‘Hustlers’ and led the series ‘Scream Queens’. Beyond acting, she has become a significant media personality and host, winning an Emmy for her work on ‘Turntable’.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson made a massive impact on the television landscape as the creator, writer, and star of ‘Abbott Elementary’. She won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, becoming the first Black woman to do so in over 40 years. Brunson’s work on the show has been credited with revitalizing the network sitcom format. Before her television success, she was a pioneer in digital content and appeared in the ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph experienced a significant career resurgence with her role as Barbara Howard in the sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’. She won her first Primetime Emmy Award for the role in 2022, delivering a memorable acceptance speech. Ralph has been a veteran of the industry for decades, but her recent work has introduced her to a new generation of viewers. She also appeared in the series ‘Ray Donovan’ and ‘Motherland: Fort Worth’.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett has built a strong body of work in the last 15 years, particularly in prestige television. She starred as Letitia “Leti” Lewis in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’, for which she received an Emmy nomination. Smollett also joined the DC Extended Universe as Black Canary in the 2020 film ‘Birds of Prey’. Her career has included notable roles in ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Underground’.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish became a breakout star following her performance in the 2017 comedy ‘Girls Trip’. She made history as the first Black female stand-up comedian to host ‘Saturday Night Live’, winning an Emmy for the appearance. Haddish has since starred in numerous films, including ‘Night School’ and ‘The Kitchen’. She also provided voices for animated projects like ‘The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part’ and ‘Tuca & Bertie’.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback has earned critical acclaim for her intense and nuanced performances in recent years. She starred in the 2021 film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, earning a BAFTA nomination for her role as Deborah Johnson. Fishback also led the Amazon Prime series ‘Swarm’, which garnered her an Emmy nomination. Her earlier work in the series ‘The Deuce’ established her as a rising star to watch.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained attention for her role as Dawn Chambers in the period drama ‘Mad Men’. She went on to star in the 2015 Spike Lee film ‘Chi-Raq’ and the acclaimed 2018 drama ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Parris entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau in the series ‘WandaVision’. She reprised the role in the 2023 film ‘The Marvels’, cementing her place in major franchise cinema.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has maintained a steady and influential career in both film and television over the past 15 years. She starred in the lead role of the hit drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ from 2013 to 2019. Union also appeared in the ‘Bad Boys’ spin-off series ‘L.A.’s Finest’ and the 2022 film ‘The Inspection’. She has become a prominent producer and advocate for diversity through her production company, I’ll Have Another.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey made a major cultural impact when she was cast as Ariel in the 2023 live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Her performance was praised for her vocal ability and screen presence in the iconic role. Bailey also appeared in the 2023 musical film ‘The Color Purple’ as young Nettie. Along with her sister Chloe, she has balanced a successful music career with her burgeoning acting roles.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis became the youngest person ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 2012 film ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’. At age nine, she captured the world’s attention with her performance as Hushpuppy. She later starred in the 2014 remake of ‘Annie’ and had a recurring role in the series ‘black-ish’. Wallis has continued her career with roles in ‘Swagger’ and the film ‘Breathe’.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin rose to fame as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘black-ish’, a role she played for eight seasons. At age 14, she became the youngest person to ever produce a studio film with the 2019 comedy ‘Little’. Martin also starred in the film, which she pitched herself to Universal Pictures. Her work has earned her multiple NAACP Image Awards and established her as a powerful young executive in Hollywood.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid gained widespread recognition for her lead role as Meg Murry in the 2018 film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She followed this with a recurring role as Gia Bennett in the HBO drama series ‘Euphoria’. Reid also starred in the 2023 thriller ‘Missing’ and appeared in the acclaimed series ‘The Last of Us’. Her performance in the latter earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi became a breakout star on ‘black-ish’ before leading her own spin-off series, ‘grown-ish’. She has been recognized as a significant voice for her generation, balancing her acting career with social activism. Shahidi voiced the lead character in the animated series ‘Trollhunters’ and starred in the film ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’. In 2023, she portrayed Tinker Bell in the Disney film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first came to prominence as Rue in the 2012 film ‘The Hunger Games’. She has since led several major projects, including ‘The Hate U Give’, where her performance earned critical acclaim. Stenberg also starred in the science fiction series ‘The Acolyte’, playing dual roles as Osha and Mae. Her career is marked by a selection of roles that often explore social and political themes.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz has appeared in several of the most popular franchises and prestige dramas of the last 15 years. she played Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, in the 2022 film ‘The Batman’. Kravitz was also part of the ensemble cast of the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’, which won multiple awards. Her filmography includes roles in the ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series, as well as the lead in the ‘High Fidelity’ series.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson followed her earlier Oscar win with a series of significant performances over the last 15 years. She portrayed Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biographical film ‘Respect’, a role for which she was hand-picked by the singer herself. Hudson also starred in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Cats’ and appeared in the series ‘Empire’. In 2022, she achieved EGOT status after winning a Tony Award as a producer for ‘A Strange Loop’.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne had a breakout year in 2018 with her lead role in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Her performance as Tish Rivers was highly praised for its emotional depth and vulnerability. She went on to star in the action film ‘The Old Guard’ alongside Charlize Theron. Layne also appeared in the 2022 film ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the satirical comedy ‘Native Son’.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan has continued to be a prominent figure in the industry, taking on varied roles in film and television. She received an Emmy nomination for her guest role in the HBO series ‘Succession’. Lathan also starred in the 2018 film ‘Nappily Ever After’ and provided the voice for Donna Tubbs in ‘The Cleveland Show’. Her directorial debut, ‘On the Come Up’, was released in 2022 to positive reviews.

Nia Long

Nia Long has maintained a strong presence in Hollywood with roles in several successful television series and films. She starred in the 2022 limited series ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’, reprising her beloved role as Jordan Armstrong. Long also had a recurring role in ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ and starred in the Netflix thriller ‘Fatal Affair’. Her career over the last 15 years includes work in ‘Empire’ and the film ‘The Banker’.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good has been a consistent performer in both the action and horror genres over the last decade and a half. She starred in the NBC drama series ‘Deception’ and the television adaptation of ‘Minority Report’. Good joined the DC Extended Universe as the adult Super Hero version of Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam!’ and its sequel. She currently stars in the Amazon Prime series ‘Harlem’, which has been praised for its depiction of modern sisterhood.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor transitioned from a successful music and dance career into a serious acting career with great success. She received critical acclaim for her leading role in the 2023 film ‘A Thousand and One’, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Taylor also appeared in ‘Coming 2 America’ and the 2023 remake of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’. Her performance in ‘A Thousand and One’ earned her several nominations during the film awards season.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King is best known for her role as Michaela Pratt in the series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her performance on the show earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination. King also starred in the 2016 historical drama ‘The Birth of a Nation’ as Cherry Turner. Recently, she appeared in the Apple TV+ series ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ alongside Brie Larson.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renee Elise Goldsberry is a Tony Award winner who has made a significant impact on screen in recent years. She starred in the hit comedy series ‘Girls5eva’ as the ambitious Wickie Roy. Goldsberry also appeared in the Disney+ Marvel series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. Her performance in the filmed version of the musical ‘Hamilton’ brought her worldwide recognition and an Emmy nomination.

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Jasmine Cephas Jones gained fame as a member of the original cast of the Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the short-form series ‘#FreeRayshawn’ in 2020. Jones also starred in the television series ‘Blindspotting’, reprising her role from the 2018 film of the same name. Her work has been noted for its grounded and realistic portrayals of contemporary life.

Adrienne Warren

Adrienne Warren is a powerhouse performer who transitioned from a Tony-winning stage career to television. She portrayed Mamie Till-Mobley in the 2022 limited series ‘Women of the Movement’. Warren also appeared in the film ‘The Woman King’ as the warrior Ode. Her ability to lead historical narratives has made her a standout talent in the last few years.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley became a star through her role as Mercedes Jones on the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. During her time on the show, she became a fan favorite for her powerful vocal performances. Since the show ended, Riley has won ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and starred in several television movies. She also performed in the 2015 live television special ‘The Wiz Live!’ as Addaperle.

Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton is widely recognized for her role as Tasha St. Patrick in the hit Starz series ‘Power’. She played the character for six seasons and earned multiple NAACP Image Awards for her performance. Naughton also portrayed Lil’ Kim in the 2009 biographical film ‘Notorious’. She has continued to work in television, starring in the 2021 series ‘Queens’.

Emayatzy Corinealdi

Emayatzy Corinealdi had a breakout role in the 2012 Ava DuVernay film ‘Middle of Nowhere’. Her performance earned her a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Actor and an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Corinealdi has since appeared in the series ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Ballers’. In 2022, she took on the lead role in the legal drama series ‘Reasonable Doubt’.

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye received critical acclaim for her breakout role in the 2011 independent film ‘Pariah’. She followed this success with a role in the Academy Award-winning ’12 Years a Slave’. Oduye also appeared in the 2017 film ‘The Dinner’ and the Marvel series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Her work is often praised for its subtlety and emotional authenticity.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose has had a prolific career across film, television, and animation over the last 15 years. She famously voiced Tiana in the 2009 Disney film ‘The Princess and the Frog’, becoming the first African-American Disney Princess. Rose also held recurring roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’. She recently starred in the Netflix limited series ‘Maid’ and the horror series ‘Let the Right One In’.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie gained a loyal following for her role as Abbie Mills in the supernatural series ‘Sleepy Hollow’. She also delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the 2020 independent film ‘Miss Juneteenth’. Beharie appeared in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Striking Vipers’ and the series ‘The Morning Show’. Her career has been marked by her ability to command both genre fiction and prestige drama.

Please share your favorite performances from these talented actresses in the comments.