The Strongest African-American Actresses in Hollywood

The history of Hollywood has been profoundly shaped by the contributions of African-American actresses who have broken barriers and redefined cinematic excellence. From the pioneering achievements of the early 20th century to the powerhouse performers of the modern era, these women have garnered the industry’s highest honors. Their work spans across genres, including groundbreaking dramas, high-octane action films, and influential television series. This list highlights the actresses whose talent, commercial success, and critical acclaim have established them as the strongest figures in the entertainment industry.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first African-American performer to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, having won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the 2008 film ‘Doubt’, which earned her an initial Oscar nomination. In 2016, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in ‘Fences’. She also made history as the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘How to Get Away with Murder’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is widely recognized for her powerful portrayals of real-life historical figures, including Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. This performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and her first Academy Award nomination. In 2023, she became the first actor from a Marvel Studios film to receive an Oscar nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Bassett was honored with an Academy Honorary Award in 2024 for her contributions to the film industry. Her career spans decades of significant work in both film and television, including the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, meaning she has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. She made her film debut in ‘The Color Purple’, for which she received her first Academy Award nomination. Goldberg later won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Oda Mae Brown in ‘Ghost’. Beyond her film career, she has been a long-standing moderator on the talk show ‘The View’. Her influence extends to voice acting and producing various Broadway and film projects.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 when she became the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She has appeared in several high-profile franchises, including her role as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ series. Berry also gained attention for her performance as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’. In addition to her acting accolades, she has ventured into directing with the 2020 film ‘Bruised’. She remains a prominent figure in Hollywood with a career spanning over three decades.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer rose to international prominence after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Help’. She is the first Black actress to receive two consecutive Oscar nominations in following years for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer’s career includes diverse roles in both independent films and major studio productions like ‘Fruitvale Station’. She has also found success in television, starring in the Apple TV+ series ‘Truth Be Told’. Spencer is frequently cited for her ability to bring depth and nuance to supporting characters.

Regina King

Regina King has transitioned from a child actress on ‘227’ to one of the most respected figures in modern Hollywood. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2018 film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King has also earned four Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in ‘American Crime’, ‘Seven Seconds’, and ‘Watchmen’. In 2020, she made her feature film directorial debut with ‘One Night in Miami…’, which received multiple Oscar nominations. Her versatility as both an actress and a director has solidified her influence in the industry.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most decorated actresses in television history, having won four Primetime Emmy Awards. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the 1983 film ‘Cross Creek’. Woodard is known for her work in acclaimed films such as ‘Passion Fish’, ’12 Years a Slave’, and ‘Clemency’. She has also appeared in major television projects like ‘St. Elsewhere’ and ‘Luke Cage’. Her career is marked by a consistent commitment to dramatic roles that highlight complex social issues.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a legendary figure whose career spanned seven decades, focusing on the portrayal of strong African-American women. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in the 1972 film ‘Sounder’. Tyson won three Primetime Emmy Awards for her work in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ and ‘Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All’. In 2018, she became the first African-American woman to receive an Academy Honorary Award. Her legacy includes a Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to her in 2016.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a pioneering actress and civil rights activist who maintained a prolific career for over 60 years. She is perhaps best known for her role as Ruth Younger in both the stage and film versions of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. At the age of 83, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in ‘American Gangster’. Dee won an Emmy Award for ‘Decoration Day’ and a Grammy for a spoken word album. She was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime contributions to American culture.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to win an Academy Award, receiving the Best Supporting Actress trophy for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind’. Before her film career, she was a professional singer-songwriter and radio performer. Despite the era’s restrictive racial barriers, she appeared in over 300 films, though she only received screen credit for about 80. She was also the first Black woman to sing on radio in the United States. McDaniel’s historic win remains a significant milestone in Hollywood’s racial history.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Carmen Jones’. She was a successful singer and dancer who performed at venues like the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. Dandridge also starred in the notable 1959 production of ‘Porgy and Bess’, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Despite her talent, she faced significant systemic challenges in the industry during the 1950s. Her life story was later portrayed by Halle Berry in the television film ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a trailblazer who became the first Black woman to star in her own television series, ‘Julia’, in a non-stereotypical role. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for the 1974 film ‘Claudine’. Carroll was also the first African-American woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for ‘No Strings’. Later in her career, she gained further fame for her role as Dominique Deveraux in the prime-time soap opera ‘Dynasty’. Her career successfully bridged the gap between Broadway, film, and television.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained critical acclaim for her role as Queenie in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She became a household name for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the television drama ‘Empire’, winning a Golden Globe for the role. Henson also starred in the box office hit ‘Hidden Figures’ as Katherine Johnson. Her diverse filmography includes roles in ‘Hustle & Flow’ and the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. She is also a prominent advocate for mental health awareness within the Black community.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington achieved international stardom for her lead role as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama series ‘Scandal’. Her performance earned her several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and made her a prominent figure in television. In film, she has starred in ‘Ray’, ‘The Last King of Scotland’, and ‘Django Unchained’. Washington has also expanded her career into producing through her company, Simpson Street. She is frequently recognized for her activism and influence on fashion and political discourse.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’. She has since become a major star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing as Nakia in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel. Nyong’o received critical praise for her dual lead roles in the horror film ‘Us’, directed by Jordan Peele. She has also performed on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for her role in ‘Eclipsed’. Beyond acting, she is a published author and a fashion icon.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for her debut film role in ‘Dreamgirls’. She is an EGOT winner, having secured an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony over the course of her career. Hudson has starred in films such as ‘Sex and the City’ and the Aretha Franklin biopic ‘Respect’. She currently hosts her own nationally syndicated talk show, ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’. Her powerful vocal ability and dramatic range have made her a standout talent in multiple entertainment mediums.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique began her career as a stand-up comedian and starred in the popular sitcom ‘The Parkers’. She received universal critical acclaim for her harrowing performance as Mary Lee Johnston in the 2009 film ‘Precious’. This role earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, along with several other major industry honors. Despite a period of relative absence from major studio films, she made a return to the screen in the Netflix special ‘My Name is Mo’Nique’. She is known for her outspoken nature regarding industry standards and pay equity.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a Disney Channel star to one of the most influential actresses of her generation. She is a two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for her role as Rue Bennett in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. In film, she has starred in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and the ‘Dune’ series directed by Denis Villeneuve. She also headlined the romantic sports drama ‘Challengers’ in 2024. Zendaya is widely recognized for her impact on the fashion industry and her massive social media presence.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’, which she created and starred in. She went on to co-create, write, and star in the hit HBO series ‘Insecure’, which earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Rae has appeared in films such as ‘The Photograph’, ‘Barbie’, and ‘American Fiction’. She is the founder of Hoorae Media, a multifaceted media company aimed at elevating diverse voices. Her work is often celebrated for its authentic portrayal of modern Black life and friendship.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is best known for her lead roles in the long-running television series ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. Her performance in ‘Black-ish’ earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Ross has appeared in films like ‘The High Note’ and ‘American Fiction’, showcasing her range in both comedy and drama. She is the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross and has established her own distinct identity in Hollywood. Additionally, she is a successful entrepreneur with her hair care line, Pattern Beauty.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’, for which she received a Tony nomination. She has had a long career in television, with notable roles in ‘Moesha’ and ‘Instant Mom’. In 2022, she won her first Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Barbara Howard in the sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’. Ralph is also recognized for her long-standing activism, particularly in HIV/AIDS awareness. Her recent career resurgence has made her one of the most celebrated veteran actresses in the industry.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira gained widespread fame for her role as Michonne on the AMC horror drama series ‘The Walking Dead’. she later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, in ‘Black Panther’. Gurira is also an accomplished playwright, having written the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. Her work often focuses on stories of African women and the complexities of their identities. She balances her career between blockbuster film roles and significant theatrical contributions.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright achieved global stardom for her portrayal of Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther’. She reprised the role in subsequent films, eventually leading ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Wright has also appeared in the anthology series ‘Small Axe’ and the film ‘The Silent Twins’. She won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2019, marking her as one of the top talents in the industry. Her performances are often noted for their intelligence and emotional depth.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is an acclaimed actress and singer who won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She received two Academy Award nominations for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic ‘Harriet’. Erivo has also starred in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and the television series ‘The Outsider’. She is cast as Elphaba in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’. Her career is defined by her powerful vocal range and her ability to lead complex biographical dramas.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Mildred Loving in the 2016 film ‘Loving’. She has appeared in a wide variety of projects, including the AMC series ‘Preacher’ and the film ‘Ad Astra’. In 2021, she earned critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for her performance in ‘Passing’. Negga is also a seasoned stage actress, having performed in ‘Hamlet’ at the Gate Theatre. She is frequently praised by critics for her subtle and expressive acting style.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe established herself as a successful musician before making a significant impact in Hollywood with roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. Both films were nominated for Best Picture, with ‘Moonlight’ winning the top prize. She took on a lead role in the psychological horror film ‘Antebellum’ and appeared in the ensemble cast of ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe is known for her unique aesthetic and her ability to blend performance art with traditional acting. Her work often explores themes of identity, technology, and social justice.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith began her career in the sitcom ‘A Different World’ before starring in hit films like ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘Set It Off’. She appeared in ‘The Matrix’ sequels as Niobe and provided the voice for Gloria in the ‘Madagascar’ franchise. Smith also starred in the medical drama ‘Hawthorne’, for which she served as an executive producer. More recently, she gained attention as the host of the digital talk show ‘Red Table Talk’. Her career spans over three decades of work as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur.

Nia Long

Nia Long is recognized for her roles in classic Black cinema, including ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘Friday’, and ‘Love Jones’. She starred in ‘The Best Man’ franchise, appearing in both the films and the subsequent television limited series. Long has had a steady career in television with roles in ‘Third Watch’, ‘Empire’, and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’. She is often cited for her longevity in the industry and her status as a leading lady in romantic dramas. Her work continues to be influential in the portrayal of Black professional women on screen.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union rose to fame with roles in teen films such as ‘Bring It On’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’. She transitioned into lead roles in films like ‘Deliver Us from Eva’ and the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise. Union starred as the lead character in the hit BET series ‘Being Mary Jane’, for which she received critical praise. She is also a best-selling author and an advocate for women’s rights and racial equality. Union remains a prominent producer in Hollywood through her company, I’ll Have Another.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall first gained fame for her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She has since established herself as a versatile actress in both comedy and drama, starring in ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘The Best Man’ films. In 2018, she became the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Support the Girls’. Hall also appeared in the acclaimed series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and ‘Black Monday’. Her ability to move seamlessly between raucous comedy and grounded drama has made her a mainstay in Hollywood.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is well known for her leading roles in ‘Love & Basketball’ and ‘The Best Man’ series. She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Lathan has appeared in several blockbuster films, including ‘Alien vs. Predator’ and ‘Contagion’. She also voiced Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’ and starred in the Netflix film ‘Nappily Ever After’. Lathan made her directorial debut with the 2022 film ‘On the Come Up’.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox had her breakthrough year in 1996 with starring roles in ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She followed this success with roles in ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’. Fox famously portrayed Vernita Green in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’. In addition to her film career, she has been a regular on television in series like ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Empire’. She has also become a prolific producer and host within the television industry.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became a cultural icon in the 1970s as the star of several blaxploitation films, most notably ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. Her career saw a major resurgence when she starred in the title role of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown’, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She also had a long-running role as Kit Porter on the Showtime series ‘The L Word’. Grier is often credited with being cinema’s first female action star. Her influence on the portrayal of tough, independent women in film remains significant.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a multi-talented performer known for her distinctive voice and career in music, film, and television. She is famously remembered for her role as Catwoman in the final season of the 1960s ‘Batman’ series. Kitt starred in the film ‘St. Louis Blues’ and later earned two Tony nominations for her work on Broadway. She also found success with a younger generation as the voice of Yzma in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’. Her career was marked by her resilience after being blacklisted in the U.S. for her political stances in the 1960s.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was the first African-American to star in her own television show, ‘The Ethel Waters Show’, in 1939. She was also the second Black person to be nominated for an Academy Award, receiving a nod for her role in ‘Pinky’. Waters was a celebrated jazz and gospel singer who successfully transitioned to dramatic acting on Broadway and in film. She is well known for her performance in ‘The Member of the Wedding’. Her career broke numerous racial barriers in the early days of the entertainment industry.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a legendary actress and singer who was one of the first Black performers to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. She starred in films such as ‘Cabin in the Sky’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ during the 1940s. Horne was a prominent civil rights activist who refused to play roles that were disrespectful to Black women. After facing the Hollywood blacklist, she enjoyed a major career revival on Broadway with her one-woman show, ‘Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music’. She was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors and multiple Grammy Awards.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson is best known for her long-running role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the ABC medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her performance has earned her four consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Before her television success, she had an extensive career in New York theater, appearing in productions like ‘Caroline, or Change’. Wilson has also directed numerous episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Scandal’. She remains one of the most recognizable and consistent figures in primetime television.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is widely recognized for her role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the long-running series ‘Law & Order’. She appeared in 391 episodes of the show, making her one of the longest-running cast members in the franchise’s history. Merkerson won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in the television film ‘Lackawanna Blues’. She currently stars as Sharon Goodwin in the NBC medical drama ‘Chicago Med’. Her work is often characterized by a commanding screen presence and authoritative delivery.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is primarily known for her historic success on Broadway, where she has won a record six Tony Awards. She has also maintained a strong presence in television and film, notably starring in ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Gilded Age’. In film, she appeared in the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and the Aretha Franklin biopic ‘Respect’. McDonald is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Her career demonstrates a rare ability to excel equally in musical theater and dramatic acting.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-talented actress, dancer, and director who rose to fame starring in the television series ‘Fame’. She has received five Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her work as a performer and choreographer. Allen has directed numerous television episodes for shows like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, where she also has a recurring role as Catherine Fox. She is the founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and has been a major force in arts education. In 2021, she was honored with the Governors Award at the Primetime Emmys for her career achievements.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashad became a household name for her role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’, which earned her two Emmy nominations. In 2004, she became the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She has appeared in films such as the ‘Creed’ trilogy and ‘For Colored Girls’. Rashad also served as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University. Her career is distinguished by her portrayal of dignified and intelligent matriarchs.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’. She is well known for her film roles in ‘Waiting to Exhale’, ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, and ‘For Colored Girls’. Devine won a Primetime Emmy Award for her recurring role as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She has also starred in several sitcoms, including ‘The Carmichael Show’ and ‘Family Reunion’. Her voice acting work and frequent appearances in independent cinema have made her a prolific figure in the industry.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is often referred to as the “Mother of Black Hollywood” due to her frequent roles as the mother of lead characters. She starred as Ruby Johnson in the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’ and had a major role in ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. Lewis has a significant background in musical theater and performed as a backup singer for Bette Midler. Her voice work includes the role of Mama Odie in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She is also a best-selling author and an advocate for mental health awareness.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a versatile character actress known for her roles in ‘The Shield’, ‘ER’, and ‘NCIS: New Orleans’. She has received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work in various television series. In film, she has appeared in major productions such as ‘Avatar’, ‘Face/Off’, and ‘Bagdad Cafe’. Pounder is also an advocate for the arts and sits on the board of several cultural organizations. Her career is marked by a consistent ability to portray authoritative and complex figures.

Niecy Nash

Niecy Nash-Betts began her career in comedy, starring in the series ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She received critical acclaim for her dramatic turn in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’, which earned her an Emmy nomination. In 2024, she won an Emmy Award for her role as Glenda Cleveland in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She has also hosted various television programs, including ‘Clean House’. Her recent transition into heavy dramatic roles has significantly elevated her status in the industry.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘King Richard’. She has appeared in several critically acclaimed projects, including ‘The Help’, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and ‘Lovecraft Country’. Ellis-Taylor starred as the lead in the miniseries ‘The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel’. In 2023, she took on a central role in the film ‘Origin’, directed by Ava DuVernay. She is noted for her intense emotional performances and commitment to historical narratives.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is a comedy veteran best known for her roles as Pamela James on ‘Martin’ and Rochelle on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. She has won several NAACP Image Awards for her work in television. Arnold currently stars in the CBS sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’ alongside Cedric the Entertainer. Her career also includes film appearances in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and ‘Wild Hogs’. She is frequently praised for her comedic timing and her ability to portray relatable, strong-willed characters.

Tasha Smith

Tasha Smith is well known for her roles in Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ films and the subsequent series ‘For Better or Worse’. She has also appeared in ‘Empire’ and the film ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’. Beyond acting, Smith has established herself as a prominent director, helming episodes of ‘P-Valley’ and ‘Mayor of Kingstown’. She is also a renowned acting coach who has worked with many top stars in Hollywood. Her influence extends through both her on-screen performances and her work behind the scenes.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise made her film debut in ‘Set It Off’ and has since become known for her powerful dramatic roles. She received critical acclaim for her performances in ‘Beloved’, ‘John Q’, and ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. Elise has won several NAACP Image Awards and has appeared in the television series ‘Hit the Floor’. Her work often involves intense emotional arcs and the exploration of complex social themes. She remains a respected figure in both independent and mainstream Black cinema.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph rose to prominence with her Tony-nominated performance in ‘Ghost: The Musical’. She garnered widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2023 film ‘The Holdovers’. Randolph has appeared in several popular series, including ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and ‘Empire’. She also had a standout role in the film ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ opposite Eddie Murphy. Her recent awards season sweep has established her as one of the most powerful new forces in Hollywood.

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