The Absolute Best Black Actresses of the Last Five Years

The landscape of modern cinema and television has been significantly shaped by the immense talent of Black actresses who have delivered groundbreaking performances. Over the last five years, these women have garnered major awards, broken box office records, and redefined storytelling across various genres. From historical epics to contemporary dramas, their work reflects a high level of craft and dedication to the industry. The following list highlights the most influential and successful Black actresses active in the entertainment world today.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved EGOT status in 2023, cementing her place as one of the most decorated performers in history. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of the legendary blues singer in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ (2020), earning an Academy Award nomination. In ‘The Woman King’ (2022), she showcased her physical prowess and range as the formidable General Nanisca. Her recent work continues to highlight her ability to anchor complex historical dramas and character-driven narratives with profound emotional depth.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett made history with her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022), becoming the first actor from a Marvel Studios film to receive an Academy Award nomination. Her performance in the sequel was widely praised for its emotional gravity and commanding presence. In 2024, she was honored with an Honorary Academy Award for her decades of contributions to the film industry. Bassett also continues to lead the cast of the long-running procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ as Athena Grant-Nash.

Regina King

Regina King has balanced a successful career in both acting and directing over the past half-decade. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her lead role in the critically acclaimed limited series ‘Watchmen’ (2019). King also made her feature film directorial debut with ‘One Night in Miami…’ (2020), which received multiple Academy Award nominations. In 2024, she portrayed the political pioneer Shirley Chisholm in the biographical drama ‘Shirley’.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o delivered a haunting dual performance in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ (2019), which remains one of the most discussed horror performances of the era. She reprised her role as Nakia in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022), further developing her character’s importance in the franchise. Nyong’o also provided the voice for the character Roz in the 2024 animated hit ‘The Wild Robot’. Her work across horror, action, and animation demonstrates her extensive versatility as a performer.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a teen star to a powerhouse actress with her role as Rue Bennett in ‘Euphoria’, for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards. She played a central role in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, including the record-breaking ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021). Zendaya also starred as Chani in the sci-fi epics ‘Dune’ (2021) and ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024). In 2024, she led the sports drama ‘Challengers’, further proving her ability to draw audiences to theaters.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph reached a career peak with her performance as Mary Lamb in the 2023 film ‘The Holdovers’. This role earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as a Golden Globe and a SAG Award. Before this breakout, she appeared in notable projects like ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ (2019) and ‘The Lost City’ (2022). She also has a recurring role in the popular mystery-comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks earned widespread acclaim for her performance as Sofia in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. For this role, she received nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award. Brooks previously established herself as a major talent in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and the DC show ‘Peacemaker’. Her transition from television to major film roles has been marked by strong, resonant performances.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Oracene “Missy” Price in ‘King Richard’ (2021). She followed this success with a powerful lead performance in Ava DuVernay’s ‘Origin’ (2023), portraying author Isabel Wilkerson. Ellis-Taylor is also recognized for her work in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Her recent filmography showcases her commitment to portraying significant historical and social figures.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor earned critical praise for her lead performance in the 2023 independent drama ‘A Thousand and One’. Her portrayal of a mother struggling to raise her son in a changing New York City won her several breakthrough awards and nominations. Taylor also appeared in the 2021 sequel ‘Coming 2 America’ and the 2023 remake of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’. Her recent projects have successfully transitioned her from a music and dance career into a serious dramatic actress.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson became a household name as the creator and star of the hit mockumentary series ‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present). She has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for the show, including Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her work on the series is credited with revitalizing the network sitcom format. In addition to her television success, Brunson appeared in ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ (2022) as Oprah Winfrey.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri rose to prominence with her role as Sydney Adamu in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Bear’. For her performance, she has won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award. In 2023 alone, she starred in the comedy ‘Bottoms’ and provided voice work for ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’. Edebiri’s rapid ascent has made her one of the most sought-after young actresses in Hollywood.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer gained massive critical attention for her starring role in Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ (2022). Her performance was lauded for its energy and emotional range, earning her a New York Film Critics Circle Award. In 2022, she also provided the voice for Izzy Hawthorne in the Pixar film ‘Lightyear’. Palmer hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ and won a Primetime Emmy for her work on ‘Turnt Up with the Taylors’, highlighting her multifaceted career.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe delivered a standout performance in the 2022 whodunit ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Her dual role in the film earned her several nominations, including a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also starred in the 2020 psychological horror film ‘Antebellum’, where she played a high-profile author trapped in a nightmare. Monáe continues to balance a successful music career with increasingly high-profile and demanding film roles.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch broke barriers as Nomi, the new 007, in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ (2021). She also showcased her range in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’ (2022) as the fierce warrior Izogie. In 2022, she took on the role of Miss Honey in the musical film ‘Matilda the Musical’. Lynch recently appeared as Rita Marley in the 2024 biographical film ‘Bob Marley: One Love’, portraying the legendary singer’s wife.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu made a powerful international debut as the lead in Barry Jenkins’ limited series ‘The Underground Railroad’ (2021). Her performance as Cora Randall earned her an Independent Spirit Award and a Gotham Award. She followed this success with a starring role alongside Viola Davis in ‘The Woman King’ (2022). Mbedu has quickly established herself as a rising star capable of carrying intense and emotionally taxing narratives.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler gave one of the most acclaimed performances of 2022 in the biographical drama ‘Till’. She portrayed Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, earning a BAFTA nomination and a SAG Award nomination. Deadwyler also appeared in the Netflix Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ (2021) as Cuffee. In 2021, she had a notable role in the HBO Max limited series ‘Station Eleven’.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback received a BAFTA nomination for her performance as Deborah Johnson in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021). In 2023, she starred in the Amazon Prime series ‘Swarm’, which earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Lead Actress. She also took a leading role in the blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ (2023). Fishback is known for her ability to play characters with intense inner lives and psychological complexity.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo earned two Academy Award nominations for her work in ‘Harriet’ (2019), both for acting and for the original song “Stand Up.” She portrayed Aretha Franklin in the 2021 season of the anthology series ‘Genius’, receiving an Emmy nomination. Erivo also starred in the 2023 film ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ alongside Idris Elba. She is set to portray Elphaba in the highly anticipated 2024 film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga delivered a subtle and powerful performance in the 2021 film ‘Passing’, directed by Rebecca Hall. Her role as Clare Bellew earned her nominations for a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award. Negga also starred in the final seasons of the television series ‘Preacher’, which concluded in 2019. In 2022, she made her Broadway debut in ‘Macbeth’ alongside Daniel Craig, earning a Tony Award nomination.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has been a mainstay of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie, appearing in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022) and ‘The Marvels’ (2023). She also starred in and executive produced the acclaimed 2021 drama ‘Passing’. In the ‘Creed’ franchise, she continued her role as Bianca Taylor, most recently in ‘Creed III’ (2023). Thompson is recognized for her ability to navigate both large-scale blockbusters and intimate independent films.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae concluded her groundbreaking HBO series ‘Insecure’ in 2021, which garnered her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Since then, she appeared in the 2023 films ‘Barbie’ as President Barbie and ‘American Fiction’ as Sintara Golden. Rae also voiced Jessica Drew, a version of Spider-Woman, in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023). She continues to expand her influence as a producer and actress through her company, Hoorae Media.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross wrapped her eight-season run on the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’ in 2022, a role that earned her numerous accolades. In 2020, she starred in the musical drama ‘The High Note’ as a superstar singer. Ross also delivered a notable performance in the 2023 satirical comedy ‘American Fiction’. She remains a prominent figure in the industry, known for her comedic timing and fashion influence.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 for her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the limited series ‘Mrs. America’. She followed this with a lead role in the fourth season of the HBO drama ‘In Treatment’ (2021). Aduba also appeared in the 2023 Netflix limited series ‘Painkiller’, which examines the origins of the opioid crisis. Her recent work continues to focus on complex, high-stakes dramatic roles.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel created, wrote, and starred in the critically acclaimed limited series ‘I May Destroy You’ (2020). The series won several Emmy Awards, and her performance was lauded for its raw honesty and bravery. Coel also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Aneka in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022). In 2024, she appeared in the series ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ on Amazon Prime.

Andra Day

Andra Day won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ (2021). She was also nominated for an Academy Award for the same role, marking a significant transition from singer to actress. In 2024, she starred in the supernatural horror film ‘The Deliverance’. Day continues to be recognized for her ability to embody legendary figures with vocal and emotional authenticity.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey rose to global fame for her portrayal of Ariel in the 2023 live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Her performance was widely praised for its vocal excellence and charm. She also starred as the young Nettie in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Bailey’s transition into major film roles has established her as a prominent leading lady in Hollywood.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi continued her starring role in the ‘Black-ish’ spin-off ‘Grown-ish’, which concluded its six-season run in 2024. In 2023, she played Tinker Bell in the Disney live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. She also starred in the 2019 romantic drama ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’. Shahidi is frequently recognized for her activism and her influence as a young leader in the entertainment industry.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright took on a central role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022), where her character Shuri became the new Black Panther. She also starred in and produced the 2022 film ‘The Silent Twins’, portraying one of the real-life June and Jennifer Gibbons. Wright appeared in the 2022 thriller ‘Death on the Nile’ as Rosalie Otterbourne. Her work often involves complex, intelligence-driven characters in both sci-fi and drama.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira reprised her role as Okoye in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022), continuing her tenure as a fan-favorite in the MCU. She also returned to her iconic role as Michonne in the spin-off series ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ (2024). Gurira is also an accomplished playwright, and her work often explores themes of identity and history. She remains a prominent figure in both action-oriented television and prestigious theater.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw has taken on diverse roles, including Ravonna Renslayer in the Disney+ series ‘Loki’ (2021–2023). She starred in the 2022 psychological thriller series ‘Surface’ on Apple TV+. In 2024, she appeared in the action-comedy film ‘Lift’ alongside Kevin Hart. Mbatha-Raw is consistently praised for her elegance and versatility across drama, sci-fi, and action.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo appeared in the 2022 film ‘Death on the Nile’ as Salome Otterbourne. She earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her guest role in the Netflix series ‘Ratched’ (2020). In 2023, she starred in the film ‘Heart of Stone’ alongside Gal Gadot. Okonedo’s recent career has been marked by high-profile supporting roles in international productions and television.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris returned as Eve Moneypenny in the 2021 James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. She also starred as the villainous Shriek in ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ (2021). In 2022, she took a lead role in the science fiction series ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’. Harris is known for her ability to transition seamlessly between intense character studies and large-scale action franchises.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer starred in the 2019 horror film ‘Ma’, showcasing a darker side of her acting range. She led the Apple TV+ series ‘Truth Be Told’ as Poppy Parnell, which ran for three seasons ending in 2023. In 2020, she portrayed Sarah Breedlove in the limited series ‘Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker’. Spencer remains one of the most consistent and bankable actresses in both film and television.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson starred as Shug Avery in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’, receiving a SAG Award nomination. She also voiced Belle Bottom in the animated hit ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ (2022). In 2020, she concluded her iconic role as Cookie Lyon in the final season of ‘Empire’. Henson continues to be a powerhouse performer with a career spanning drama, comedy, and voice acting.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson portrayed the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biopic ‘Respect’. Her performance earned her a SAG Award nomination and several other critical accolades. In 2022, she achieved EGOT status after winning a Tony Award as a producer for ‘A Strange Loop’. Since 2022, she has also hosted her own successful daytime talk show, ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

MJ Rodriguez made history in 2022 by becoming the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in ‘Pose’. Her portrayal of Blanca Evangelista concluded in 2021, leaving a lasting impact on television history. She appeared in the 2021 film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ as Carolyn. In 2022, she joined the cast of the Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained international recognition for their role as Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’, which concluded in 2021. Since then, they appeared in the 2021 horror sequel ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’. In 2023, Moore joined the DC Extended Universe as Karshon in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’. They continue to be a prominent figure in both the fashion world and the acting industry.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Riri Williams in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022). Before this, she had a notable role in the 2021 film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She is set to lead her own Disney+ series, ‘Ironheart’, continuing her character’s journey. Thorne is recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the superhero genre.

Xosha Roquemore

Xosha Roquemore appeared in the 2021 film ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ as Shanice James. She also starred in the 2021 independent film ‘The Nowhere Inn’. In 2023, she had a role in the series ‘Atlanta’ and was cast in the upcoming ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Roquemore is known for her comedic timing and her increasing presence in both indie and blockbuster projects.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her role as Jolene in the 2020 hit series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. She also starred as Reva Sevander, the Third Sister, in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022). In 2021, she appeared in ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ directed by Joel Coen. Ingram’s rapid rise has seen her take on significant roles in major franchises and prestige dramas alike.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell received critical acclaim for her leading role in the 2022 film ‘Bones and All’ alongside Timothée Chalamet. For this performance, she won the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival. Russell also starred in the 2019 film ‘Waves’, which earned her a Gotham Award. She continues to be one of the most respected young actresses in the independent film circuit.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz returned for the final seasons of ‘Atlanta’, which concluded in 2022. She reprised her role as Sophie Dumond in the 2024 sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. In 2022, she appeared in the action-packed ‘Bullet Train’ as The Hornet. Beetz is also known for her voice work in the animated series ‘Invincible’, playing the role of Amber Bennett.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie delivered a powerhouse performance in the 2020 independent film ‘Miss Juneteenth’. This role earned her a Gotham Award for Best Actress and an Independent Spirit Award nomination. In 2021, she appeared in the HBO limited series ‘Scenes from a Marriage’. She joined the cast of ‘The Morning Show’ in 2023, playing the role of Christina Hunter.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim won a Laurence Olivier Award for her stage work before making a splash in film with ‘The Woman King’ (2022) as Amenza. she also appeared in the 2022 Disney live-action film ‘Pinocchio’. In 2021, she starred in the limited series ‘The Underground Railroad’. Atim is recognized for her powerful screen presence and her background in prestigious theater.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in ‘West Side Story’ (2021). She became the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar for acting. In 2023, she voiced the lead character Asha in the Disney animated film ‘Wish’. DeBose also hosted the Tony Awards for three consecutive years starting in 2022.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renée Elise Goldsberry stars in the hit musical comedy series ‘Girls5eva’, which moved to Netflix in 2024. She is widely known for her Tony-winning role as Angelica Schuyler, which was released as a filmed version of ‘Hamilton’ on Disney+ in 2020. In 2022, she appeared as Mallory Book in the Disney+ series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. Her career continues to bridge the gap between Broadway and major television success.

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Jasmine Cephas Jones starred in the television series ‘Blindspotting’ (2021–2023), reprising her role from the 2018 film. She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020 for her role in the short-form series ‘FreeRayshawn’. Her recent work showcases her ability to lead both comedic and dramatic narratives. Like her fellow ‘Hamilton’ alumni, she remains a prominent figure in the contemporary acting scene.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne starred in the 2020 action film ‘The Old Guard’ alongside Charlize Theron. She also had a significant role in the 2022 psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. In 2021, she appeared in the sequel ‘Coming 2 America’ as Meeka Joffer. Layne is known for her roles in both high-concept action films and stylish dramatic features.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid took on a lead role in the 2023 thriller ‘Missing’, playing a teenager searching for her disappeared mother. She also gained significant recognition for her recurring role as Gia Bennett in ‘Euphoria’. In 2023, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her guest performance in ‘The Last of Us’. Her career continues to grow with a mix of high-profile television projects and demanding film roles.

Tell us which of these powerhouse performers has delivered your favorite performance of the last five years in the comments.