Black Actresses Who Deserve A Lot More Respect

Black actresses have long been the backbone of the film and television industry, delivering powerful performances across various genres. From historic period dramas to modern blockbuster franchises, these women bring depth and authenticity to every role they undertake. Many of these performers have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of talent in Hollywood. Recognizing their contributions is essential for understanding the evolution of contemporary storytelling.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first Black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Academy Award and an Emmy Award and two Tony Awards. She gained widespread recognition for her role in ‘The Help’ and continued her success with ‘Fences’ where she won an Oscar. Her performance as Annalise Keating in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ made her a household name in television. She remains one of the most respected figures in the industry for her intense and emotional range.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is renowned for her portrayal of strong real life figures like Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She earned critical acclaim for her role as Queen Ramonda in the ‘Black Panther’ film series. Her extensive career includes notable performances in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘American Horror Story’. Bassett is frequently celebrated for her physical presence and authoritative acting style.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child actress on the sitcom ‘227’ before transitioning into a major film star. She won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and several Emmys for her work in ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Seven Seconds’. King has also established herself as a successful director with the film ‘One Night in Miami’. Her versatility allows her to move seamlessly between comedic and dramatic roles.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has earned numerous accolades including four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe over her long career. She is known for her work in films such as ‘Cross Creek’ and ‘Passion Fish’ where she displayed remarkable emotional depth. Her television credits include powerful performances in ‘Miss Evers’ Boys’ and ‘Luke Cage’. Woodard is widely considered one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for her breakout performance in ‘The Help’ and received further nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She has starred in a variety of projects ranging from the thriller ‘Ma’ to the biographical series ‘Self Made’. Spencer often portrays characters with immense resilience and quiet strength. Her consistent high quality work has solidified her place as a leading talent in Hollywood.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She became a cultural icon for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the television series ‘Empire’. Her filmography includes leading roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Proud Mary’. Henson is known for her energetic screen presence and ability to lead both ensembles and solo projects.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington gained international fame for playing Olivia Pope in the political drama ‘Scandal’. She has appeared in significant films such as ‘Ray’ and ‘Django Unchained’. Washington has also received praise for her work in the miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. Her ability to portray complex and powerful women has made her a prominent figure in the industry.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a British actress who gained recognition for her role as Tia Dalma in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film ‘Moonlight’. Harris also portrayed Eve Moneypenny in several installments of the ‘James Bond’ series. Her diverse filmography showcases her talent in both independent dramas and major studio blockbusters.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw rose to prominence with her leading role in the period drama ‘Belle’. She has since starred in projects like ‘Beyond the Lights’ and the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’. She has also appeared in major productions like ‘Loki’ and ‘The Morning Show’. Her performances are often noted for their grace and emotional sensitivity.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won an Academy Award for her film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’. She has gone on to star in the ‘Black Panther’ films and the horror hit ‘Us’. Nyong’o also provided the voice and motion capture for Maz Kanata in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. Her work is characterized by physical transformation and a deep commitment to her characters.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson first garnered attention for her roles in ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Selma’. She became a global star playing Valkyrie in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ and starring in the ‘Creed’ franchise. Thompson has also been praised for her work in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. She is known for choosing unconventional roles that challenge societal expectations.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the historical drama ‘Loving’. She is well known for her role as Tulip O’Hare in the television series ‘Preacher’. Negga has also received acclaim for her work in ‘Passing’ and various stage productions. Her acting is often described as subtle yet incredibly powerful.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a Tony and Grammy award winner who moved from Broadway to the big screen with ‘Widows’. She received two Academy Award nominations for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in ‘Harriet’. Erivo has also starred in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and the series ‘Genius: Aretha’. She is recognized for her incredible vocal talent and dramatic range.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris had her breakout role in ‘Dear White People’ and later joined the cast of ‘Mad Men’. She received critical acclaim for her performance in ‘Chi-Raq’ and appeared in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Parris entered the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Monica Rambeau in ‘WandaVision’. Her career continues to grow as she takes on prominent roles in major franchises.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the film ‘Till’ which garnered numerous award nominations. She has appeared in ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the miniseries ‘Station Eleven’. Deadwyler is known for her ability to convey deep sorrow and strength through her expressions. Her work in independent film has established her as a formidable talent in the industry.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu gained international recognition for her lead role in the series ‘The Underground Railroad’. She followed this success by starring alongside Viola Davis in ‘The Woman King’. Mbedu had already established a strong career in South African television before moving to Hollywood. Her performances are often noted for their raw intensity and vulnerability.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch made history as the first female 007 in the film ‘No Time to Die’. She has appeared in ‘Captain Marvel’ and played a key role in ‘The Woman King’. Lynch also starred in the musical film ‘Matilda the Musical’. She is celebrated for her athletic ability and commanding presence on screen.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘King Richard’. She has had a long career with significant roles in ‘The Help’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. Ellis-Taylor is known for her consistent and grounded performances in both film and television. She continues to be a highly sought after actress for complex dramatic roles.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste became the first Black British actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for ‘Secrets & Lies’. She is well known for her long running role on the procedural drama ‘Without a Trace’. Her recent work includes acclaimed performances in ‘In Fabric’ and the series ‘Broadchurch’. Jean-Baptiste is respected for her naturalistic acting style and longevity in the industry.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Hotel Rwanda’. She has appeared in numerous high profile projects like ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘Ratched’. Okonedo is also a celebrated stage actress with a Tony Award to her credit. Her ability to inhabit a wide range of characters has made her a staple of British and American cinema.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is famous for voicing Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and starring in ‘Dreamgirls’. She has an extensive background in theater and won a Tony Award for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Rose has also appeared in television series like ‘Power’ and ‘The Good Wife’. Her career spans voice acting, singing, and dramatic live action roles.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise is known for her powerful roles in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Beloved’. She received critical praise for her performance in ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and ‘For Colored Girls’. Elise has a reputation for taking on emotionally demanding characters in social dramas. Her work often highlights the experiences of Black women in challenging circumstances.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is well known for her roles in classic films like ‘Love & Basketball’ and ‘The Best Man’. She has appeared in action movies such as ‘Alien vs. Predator’ and dramas like ‘Out of Time’. Lathan also voiced Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’ for several years. Her career demonstrates a successful balance between romantic leads and genre fiction.

Nia Long

Nia Long became a household name with roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Friday’. She is recognized for her long running parts in ‘The Best Man’ series and ‘Soul Food’. Long has also had a prolific career in television appearing in ‘Empire’ and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’. She remains a significant figure in Black cinema and romantic comedies.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall rose to fame through the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise and has since become a leading comedic actress. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the independent film ‘Support the Girls’. Hall has appeared in hits like ‘Girls Trip’ and the series ‘Black-ish’. Her ability to blend comedy with grounded drama has made her a versatile star.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union gained fame in teen films like ‘Bring It On’ before moving into leading roles. She starred in the long running drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ where she received several awards. Union has also written multiple books and become a prominent advocate for social issues. Her career continues to flourish with roles in both film and television.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is widely recognized for her leading roles in the sitcoms ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She has won a Golden Globe and multiple NAACP Image Awards for her comedic work. Ross has also explored dramatic roles and executive produced several projects. Her fashion sense and comedic timing have made her a beloved public figure.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her web series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ before creating the hit show ‘Insecure’. She has since moved into film with roles in ‘The Photograph’ and ‘American Fiction’. Rae is also a successful producer and entrepreneur who champions diverse storytelling. Her work often focuses on the authentic experiences of modern Black women.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a child star on the Disney Channel to a two time Emmy winner for ‘Euphoria’. She has starred in major blockbusters including the ‘Spider-Man’ films and ‘Dune’. Zendaya is also known for her work in ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Malcolm & Marie’. She has quickly become one of the most influential and sought after actresses in Hollywood.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child actress in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and has maintained a steady presence ever since. She starred in the horror series ‘Scream Queens’ and the film ‘Hustlers’. Palmer received widespread praise for her lead role in the Jordan Peele film ‘Nope’. Her career spans acting, singing, and television hosting.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid had her breakout role in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and later appeared in ‘The Invisible Man’. She is well known for her role as Gia Bennett in the series ‘Euphoria’. Reid also starred in the thriller ‘Missing’ and the television adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. She is considered one of the most talented young performers of her generation.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. She made history as the youngest person to ever executive produce a major Hollywood film with ‘Little’. Martin has won numerous awards for her comedic performance and business ventures. Her success as both an actress and a producer has set a high bar for young talent.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback received critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She starred in the series ‘The Deuce’ and played the lead in the psychological thriller ‘Swarm’. Fishback also appeared in the blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. Her performances are often noted for their emotional complexity and depth.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram rose to prominence with her role in the miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ which earned her an Emmy nomination. She played a significant part in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. Ingram also appeared in the film ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ directed by Joel Coen. Her rapid rise in the industry highlights her exceptional acting talent.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph earned significant acclaim for her role in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’. She has appeared in the series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and ‘The Idol’. Randolph won an Academy Award for her performance in the film ‘The Holdovers’. Her career includes a wide variety of roles in both comedy and drama.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is famous for her portrayal of Suzanne Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won two Emmy Awards for this role in both the comedy and drama categories. Aduba has also starred in ‘Mrs. America’ and the reimagined series ‘In Treatment’. Her work is often praised for its intensity and unique character choices.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became a global star playing Michonne on the series ‘The Walking Dead’. She gained further fame as Okoye in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ appearing in ‘Black Panther’. Gurira is also an acclaimed playwright whose work has been performed on Broadway. She is known for her physical roles and her dedication to complex storytelling.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright is best known for her role as Shuri in the ‘Black Panther’ films. She has also appeared in the series ‘Black Mirror’ and the film ‘Sing 2’. Wright starred in the historical drama ‘The Silent Twins’ and ‘Aisha’. Her performances often combine intelligence with a strong emotional core.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel created and starred in the groundbreaking series ‘Chewing Gum’ and ‘I May Destroy You’. She won an Emmy Award for her writing on the latter project. Coel has also appeared in ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She is celebrated for her fearless approach to difficult subject matter.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim is a talented actress and musician who has excelled on the stage and screen. She starred in the film ‘The Woman King’ and the series ‘The Underground Railroad’. Atim has won two Laurence Olivier Awards for her theater work in the United Kingdom. Her presence is often described as magnetic and regal.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith gained significant attention for her leading role in the film ‘Queen & Slim’. She has since starred in ‘After Yang’ and played the title character in ‘Anne Boleyn’. Turner-Smith also appeared in the action film ‘Without Remorse’. She is known for her striking screen presence and bold choices in projects.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku earned critical praise for her role in the horror film ‘His House’. She has appeared in the series ‘Lovecraft Country’ and the show ‘Loki’. Mosaku also starred in the crime drama ‘Luther’ and the film ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’. Her performances are often noted for their vulnerability and strength.

Cush Jumbo

Cush Jumbo is well known for her role as Lucca Quinn in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘The Good Fight’. She has a strong background in theater and has performed extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Jumbo recently starred in the crime thriller ‘Criminal Record’. Her acting is characterized by its sharp intelligence and precision.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie starred in the series ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and received acclaim for the film ‘Miss Juneteenth’. She has appeared in ‘Shame’ and the miniseries ‘Scenes from a Marriage’. Beharie also joined the cast of ‘The Morning Show’ in its third season. She is highly regarded for her ability to ground intense stories in reality.

Emayatzy Corinealdi

Emayatzy Corinealdi had her breakout role in the film ‘Middle of Nowhere’ directed by Ava DuVernay. She has appeared in the series ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Ballers’. Corinealdi starred in the legal drama ‘Reasonable Doubt’ as Jax Stewart. Her performances are often described as nuanced and deeply emotional.

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye received critical acclaim for her lead role in the film ‘Pariah’. She has appeared in major films such as ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘The Big Short’. Oduye also had a role in the series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. She is known for her understated but powerful acting style.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis became the youngest Best Actress nominee in Oscar history for ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’. She went on to star in the remake of ‘Annie’ and appeared in ’12 Years a Slave’. Wallis has also starred in the television series ‘Swagger’. Her early success established her as a major talent to watch in the industry.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained fame as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. They have since starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. Stenberg also appeared in the horror comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the series ‘The Acolyte’. They are known for their advocacy and for choosing roles with social significance.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is best known for her role as Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ and its spin off ‘Grown-ish’. She voiced a lead character in ‘Smallfoot’ and played Tinker Bell in ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’. Shahidi is also a dedicated activist and has been a prominent voice for her generation. Her career successfully bridges the gap between entertainment and social engagement.

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier gained international recognition for her role in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. She delivered a strong performance in the film ‘BlacKkKlansman’ directed by Spike Lee. Harrier also starred in the miniseries ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘White Men Can’t Jump’. She is noted for her classic screen presence and versatile talent.

Tell us which of these incredible performers you think has given the most iconic performance in the comments.