15 Young Black Actresses Who Are Destined To Win An Oscar

One of the most rewarding aspects of awards season is discovering new talent. Each year brings a wave of impressive performances, and these young Black actresses are quickly making a name for themselves with notable roles and awards recognition. They’re appearing in critically acclaimed films, popular franchises, and festival favorites, gaining significant attention. As awards season progresses, these are the actresses you’ll want to watch.

Zendaya

Zendaya has quickly become a celebrated actress, winning Emmys for her role in ‘Euphoria’ and proving her talent in films like ‘Challengers’ and ‘Malcolm & Marie’. She successfully combines mainstream appeal, with roles in blockbusters like ‘Dune’, and critically acclaimed performances in more character-focused projects. Working with leading directors and writers, she’s demonstrated her versatility in genres like romance, science fiction, and intense drama. Beyond acting, Zendaya also influences the music and public conversation surrounding her films.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri has quickly become a major talent, winning awards for her TV work in ‘The Bear’ and then gaining attention for her memorable roles in films like ‘Bottoms’. She recently voiced a character in ‘Inside Out 2’, reaching a wide international audience. Known for choosing strong, independent projects, she consistently demonstrates excellent comedic and dramatic skills, appealing to a broad range of industry voters.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright first gained international fame in ‘Black Panther’ and continued to impress with a moving performance in the sequel. Her work in ‘Small Axe’ was critically acclaimed and earned her awards recognition. Wright consistently chooses roles in both historical and modern stories, showcasing her versatility and subtle acting style. Early in her career, she was recognized as a promising talent with the BAFTA Rising Star award.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback first gained recognition for her performance alongside an Academy Award winner in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She then captivated audiences with a striking lead role in the TV series ‘Swarm’, earning her numerous award nominations. Fishback’s film work is incredibly diverse, ranging from large-scale action movies like ‘Transformers’ to smaller, character-driven stories that highlight her acting range. Industry professionals consistently choose projects for her that are likely to receive awards attention and positive reviews.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell is quickly gaining recognition as a rising star. She recently won the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival for her role in ‘Bones and All,’ signaling significant industry respect. She first gained attention for her complex and moving performance in the film ‘Waves.’ Russell skillfully balances independent and mainstream projects, setting her up for success with both critically acclaimed films and wider audience releases. She’s become a regular presence at major film festivals and is frequently included in year-end ‘best of’ lists.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu gained international recognition for her performance in ‘The Underground Railroad’ and received several award nominations. She showcased both strength and determination in ‘The Woman King’, acting alongside well-known actors. Her background in stage acting in South Africa, combined with her training, gives her a natural and believable presence on screen. Being multilingual and having a growing international reputation allows her to take on a wide variety of roles with different studios and in different countries.

Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney gained recognition for her role as Venus Williams in ‘King Richard,’ earning nominations from several prominent critics groups. Before that, she appeared in acclaimed films like ‘Fences’ and ‘Hidden Figures,’ giving her early experience working with respected directors. Sidney consistently delivers well-prepared and compelling performances, particularly when portraying real people. She continues to choose roles in biographical and dramatic films, the kind that often attract awards attention.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne first gained recognition for her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk,’ which was highly praised. Since then, she’s shown her versatility, moving between action films like ‘The Old Guard’ and dramatic roles in movies like ‘Native Son’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’ Her background in physical training helps her tackle demanding roles, and she frequently collaborates with respected filmmakers known for creating award-winning projects.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg powerfully portrayed the lead in ‘The Hate U Give,’ earning praise for her emotionally honest and socially impactful performance. She’s also known for her roles in films like ‘Everything, Everything,’ and appears in a variety of popular genres. A classically trained musician – she plays both violin and sings – Stenberg brings impressive versatility to her work. Because of her talent, she consistently lands demanding leading roles in films and series seen around the world.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz has received Emmy recognition for her work on ‘Atlanta’ and has become well-known in film through roles in movies like ‘Joker’ and ‘Deadpool 2’. She carefully chooses projects that balance popular appeal with complex, character-driven stories. Growing up internationally and being multilingual gives her the ability to convincingly portray a variety of accents and characters. She consistently showcases her work at prominent film festivals, earning praise from critics for both short and feature-length films.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey starred as Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ delivering a powerful vocal performance in a big-budget film. She also played Nettie in ‘The Color Purple,’ earning recognition for her compelling and emotional acting. As a singer, she brings strong performance skills and a natural musicality to her roles. Her connections with major film studios position her well for successful awards consideration.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid recently won an Emmy for her guest appearance on ‘The Last of Us’ and previously starred in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She’s known for her work in the series ‘Euphoria’ and also takes on roles in thrillers and films that explore important social issues. Throughout her career, she’s steadily moved from playing child characters to leading young adult roles. By appearing in both streaming series and movies released in theaters, she consistently stays in the spotlight with industry voters.

Coco Jones

Coco Jones shines in ‘Bel Air’ while also building a thriving music career, notably winning awards for her song ‘ICU’. Her experience as a touring and recording artist gives her a natural confidence and skill on screen. Casting directors appreciate her ability to both sing powerfully and deliver compelling dramatic performances. This broad appeal from both her music and acting fans is a significant asset for promotion and awards campaigns.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin made history as the youngest executive producer of a major movie with ‘Little,’ and she also acted in it! She’s well-known for her role on ‘Black-ish,’ where she showed off her talent for both comedy and serious acting. Her work as a producer is giving her valuable experience in choosing and developing scripts. She’s now focusing on projects about families and growing up – stories that connect with both viewers and award voters.

Kiersey Clemons

I’ve been a fan of Kiersey Clemons ever since ‘Dope’ – she really stood out! She’s consistently delivered great performances, like in ‘Hearts Beat Loud’, and it’s cool to see her move between big superhero movies like ‘The Flash’ and smaller, more intimate indie films. You can tell she’s got a background with music, because her performances always feel so natural and she just commands the screen. It’s a smart career move, balancing those big studio projects with festival favorites – it really establishes her as a consistently reliable and talented actress.

Share the young performers you think belong on this list in the comments.

2025-11-04 14:21