Black Actresses Who Should Be A-Listers By Now
The landscape of Hollywood is often defined by those who reach the highest levels of stardom, yet many immensely talented performers remain just on the cusp of becoming household names. Black actresses, in particular, have frequently delivered powerhouse performances that garner critical acclaim without always translating into the consistent A-list status seen by their peers. This list highlights several actresses whose work across independent cinema, major television networks, and streaming platforms demonstrates the range and star power required for top-tier industry standing. These women have proven their ability to lead diverse projects and captivate audiences globally.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Gugu Mbatha-Raw first gained international recognition for her lead role in the period drama ‘Belle’. She followed this success with a critically acclaimed performance in the romantic drama ‘Beyond the Lights’. Her work spans various genres, including science fiction in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Loki’. Despite consistently receiving high praise for her versatility and screen presence, she remains a performer who deserves more mainstream blockbuster lead opportunities.
Nicole Beharie
Nicole Beharie established herself as a formidable talent through her performances in ‘Shame’ and the historical drama ’42’. She gained a significant following as the lead in the supernatural series ‘Sleepy Hollow’, where her performance was a central draw for the audience. More recently, she earned critical acclaim for her role in the independent film ‘Miss Juneteenth’ and the drama ‘Breaking’. Her ability to convey deep emotional complexity has led to frequent discussions regarding her potential for top-tier leading roles in major studio productions.
Teyonah Parris
Teyonah Parris made her breakthrough in the AMC series ‘Mad Men’ before taking on a lead role in the acclaimed independent film ‘Dear White People’. She collaborated with director Spike Lee for the satirical drama ‘Chi-Raq’, earning a nomination for an NAACP Image Award. Parris has since expanded into the superhero genre, portraying Monica Rambeau in ‘WandaVision’ and the feature film ‘The Marvels’. Her diverse filmography demonstrates a range that encompasses both high-stakes action and nuanced character studies.
Thuso Mbedu
South African actress Thuso Mbedu rose to prominence with her harrowing performance in the limited series ‘The Underground Railroad’. For this role, she became the first South African actress to lead an American television series and won an Independent Spirit Award. She continued her upward trajectory by starring alongside Viola Davis in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’. Critics have frequently highlighted her physical commitment and expressive acting style as traits of a future global superstar.
KiKi Layne
KiKi Layne became an overnight sensation after her debut lead performance in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She successfully transitioned into the action genre by starring in ‘The Old Guard’ alongside Charlize Theron. Her career includes roles in the psychological thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the comedy-drama ‘Native Son’. Layne has demonstrated a consistent ability to hold the screen in both intimate dramas and large-scale ensemble casts.
Danielle Deadwyler
Danielle Deadwyler received widespread critical acclaim and several award nominations for her portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley in the biographical drama ‘Till’. Her performance was noted for its profound emotional depth and was considered one of the strongest of the year by various critics’ circles. Prior to this, she appeared in the Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the HBO miniseries ‘Station Eleven’. Deadwyler’s rapid ascent in the industry has established her as a powerful dramatic force in contemporary cinema.
Ruth Negga
Ruth Negga earned an Academy Award nomination for her understated yet powerful performance in the historical drama ‘Loving’. She is also well known for her role as Tulip O’Hare in the supernatural series ‘Preacher’, showcasing her ability to handle action and dark comedy. Her work in the period film ‘Passing’ further solidified her reputation for delivering complex, layered performances. Negga’s extensive background in theater and film has made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Aja Naomi King
Aja Naomi King became a household name for her role as Michaela Pratt in the long-running legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She earned critical praise for her performance in the historical film ‘The Birth of a Nation’, which showcased her dramatic range. King has continued to work in high-profile projects, including the Apple TV+ series ‘Lessons in Chemistry’. Their career trajectory shows a steady progression toward leading roles in major cinematic features.
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Renée Elise Goldsberry is a Tony Award-winning performer known for her iconic portrayal of Angelica Schuyler in the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’. She successfully moved into screen acting with significant roles in the science fiction series ‘Altered Carbon’ and the musical comedy ‘Girls5eva’. Her film work includes the critically acclaimed drama ‘Waves’, where she delivered a grounded and emotional performance. Despite her immense talent and vocal range, her transition to lead roles in major cinematic blockbusters is still highly anticipated.
Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Smollett began her career as a child actress in ‘Eve’s Bayou’ before taking on more mature roles in projects like ‘The Great Debaters’. She gained widespread recognition for her leading role as Letitia Lewis in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Her entry into the superhero genre as Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’ showcased her potential as a physical and charismatic lead. Smollett has consistently demonstrated the ability to carry high-concept television and film projects with ease.
Please share which of these talented actresses you believe most deserves a major leading role next in the comments.