Black Actresses Who Always Elevate the Movie They’re In

Black actresses have always been incredibly important to the film industry, frequently giving performances that are more powerful than the roles they’re given. Throughout Hollywood’s history, from its earliest days to today’s biggest hits, these talented women have consistently earned praise from critics and attracted audiences. Their skill at bringing complex characters to life and captivating viewers has changed the stories we see on screen and set a new standard for great filmmaking. This list celebrates women whose talent consistently elevates every film they’re in.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has made history as the first Black actress to win an Academy Award, an Emmy, and two Tony Awards – the ‘Triple Crown’ of acting. She first became well-known for her role in ‘The Help’ and later won an Oscar for ‘Fences’. More recently, she demonstrated her powerful presence and range in the historical film ‘The Woman King’. Davis is consistently praised for her captivating performances, whether she’s the star or a supporting player.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is celebrated for bringing powerful, true-to-life female characters to the screen. She first gained widespread recognition playing Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination. She was nominated for an Academy Award again for her work in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Throughout her long and successful career, she’s also starred in beloved films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’. Bassett consistently brings a sense of dignity and strength to all of her performances.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer gained widespread recognition after winning an Academy Award for her role in ‘The Help.’ She continued to receive critical acclaim with Oscar nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water.’ Known for her range, Spencer has successfully appeared in both historical dramas and thrillers, such as ‘Ma.’ A key strength of her acting is her ability to make even the most extraordinary or suspenseful stories feel relatable and human.

Regina King

Regina King started as a young actress on the show ‘227’ and has become one of Hollywood’s most admired performers. She’s won an Oscar for her work in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and multiple Emmys for ‘American Crime’ and ‘Watchmen’. King has also proven herself as a talented director with the highly praised film ‘One Night in Miami…’. Her acting is known for being both deeply moving and technically skilled.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o burst onto the scene with a stunning performance in ‘12 Years a Slave’, winning an Academy Award for her work. Since then, she’s successfully juggled major roles in popular franchises like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Star Wars’ with challenging leading parts in smaller films. Critics particularly loved her powerful and nuanced performance in ‘Us’. Nyong’o continues to be a significant presence in both independent and mainstream movies.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained recognition with an Academy Award nomination for her work in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.’ She became a household name playing Cookie Lyon on the TV show ‘Empire,’ winning a Golden Globe for the performance. She’s also starred in leading roles in popular films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Color Purple.’ Henson is celebrated for bringing incredible energy and genuine emotion to every character she plays.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly honored actress, having won four Emmy Awards throughout her television career. She’s also received critical acclaim for her work in film, including an Academy Award nomination for ‘Cross Creek’ and memorable roles in ‘Passion Fish’ and ‘Clemency’. Woodard is particularly skilled at portraying characters with rich inner lives, often without needing a lot of dialogue. Her long and impressive career shows a commitment to stories focused on compelling characters.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is a remarkably accomplished entertainer, having won an EGOT – that’s an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She was first recognized with an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘The Color Purple’ and later won for ‘Ghost’. Over the past four decades, she’s starred in a diverse range of films, from comedies like ‘Sister Act’ to dramas like ‘The Long Walk Home’, becoming a beloved and enduring figure in American movies.

Halle Berry

As a movie fan, I’ll always remember Halle Berry making history when she won the Best Actress Oscar for ‘Monster’s Ball’ – a truly groundbreaking moment. She’s had such a versatile career, from kicking butt as Storm in ‘X-Men’ to keeping me on the edge of my seat in thrillers like ‘The Call’. And her portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge? Incredible! She actually won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for that role. What I really admire about Halle is how easily she moves between really powerful, emotional dramas and physically challenging action movies – she’s just fantastic at both.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña has an incredible film career, appearing in three of the highest-grossing movies ever made: ‘Avatar’, ‘Avengers: Endgame’, and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. She’s a key player in popular franchises like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Star Trek’, but also shines in smaller, independent films such as ‘Colombiana’ and ‘Nina’. Saldaña is known for her dedication to physical roles and her talent for bringing relatable humanity to characters even in massive, visually impressive films.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a celebrated actress who first gained widespread recognition for her role in the award-winning film ‘Crash,’ earning her a BAFTA Award. She’s also known for her work on the popular series ‘Westworld,’ for which she received an Emmy. Notable films she’s appeared in include ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and ‘Beloved.’ Critics often highlight her talent for portraying characters who are both fragile and strong.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a critically acclaimed actress, earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for her work in ‘Moonlight’. She’s also become well-known for playing Eve Moneypenny in multiple ‘James Bond’ films, beginning with ‘Skyfall’. Early in her career, she gained attention for her role in the horror movie ‘28 Days Later’. Harris is praised for her versatility, effortlessly transitioning between realistic dramas and thrilling action roles.

Kerry Washington

I’ve been consistently impressed with Kerry Washington, and while a lot of people discovered her through ‘Scandal,’ she’s built a really solid film career. I remember her fantastic turn as Broomhilda in ‘Django Unchained,’ and she was compelling even in a smaller role in ‘Ray.’ But it’s her ability to handle incredibly tense, intimate dramas, like we saw in ‘American Son,’ that really sets her apart. She just has this knack for delivering lines with such precision and bringing a real intelligence to every character she plays.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall initially became well-known for playing Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ films. Since then, she’s taken on more challenging and nuanced comedic roles, notably starring in ‘Support the Girls.’ Her performance in ‘Girls Trip’ was a huge hit with both audiences and critics, solidifying her reputation as a top comedic actress. Hall is frequently praised for her perfect comedic timing and ability to excel in any role.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae started her career with the popular web series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ and then went on to create and star in the acclaimed show ‘Insecure’. She’s also appeared in several films, including ‘The Photograph’, ‘The Lovebirds’, and the hit movie ‘Barbie’, and provided the voice for Jess Drew in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. Rae is celebrated for her realistic acting and her talent for depicting everyday relationships.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe first became famous as a musician, but she’s also achieved success in film, with memorable performances in movies like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She challenged herself with a complex leading role in the horror film ‘Antebellum’, and received excellent reviews for her nuanced work in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe is known for being able to pull off a wide range of styles and captivate audiences on screen.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a well-known actress who gained international fame playing Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’. She’s also become a major action star thanks to her role as Okoye in ‘Black Panther’ and other Marvel movies. Beyond acting, Gurira is a talented and award-winning playwright, and this background adds nuance and depth to her performances, which are often marked by strong physicality and a powerful voice.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright is famous for playing Shuri in the Marvel movies, including leading the film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She first gained attention for her work on the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Black Museum’, and showed her acting skills in the film ‘The Silent Twins’, a smaller, character-focused drama. Wright is known for bringing both a vibrant energy and a thoughtful depth to her roles.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is an award-winning performer, having earned Tonys, Emmys, and a Grammy. She successfully moved into film with roles in ‘Widows’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’, and received two Academy Award nominations for ‘Harriet’ – one for her acting and another for a song she helped write. Currently, she’s preparing to play Elphaba in the upcoming movie adaptation of ‘Wicked’. Erivo is known for her incredibly strong voice and her ability to deeply connect with and portray emotions.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is a highly acclaimed actress, recognized for her powerful and nuanced performances. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Mildred Loving in the film ‘Loving’, and is also known for her work in the series ‘Preacher’ and the film ‘Passing’. Critics particularly praised her subtle performance in ‘Passing’, and she’s often noted for her ability to communicate complex emotions through her expressive eyes.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw first gained recognition for her leading role in the historical drama ‘Belle’. She continued to impress critics with her performance in ‘Beyond the Lights’, and her work in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ is considered a career highlight. Mbatha-Raw is celebrated for bringing both grace and emotional depth to a wide range of roles, spanning genres like science fiction and drama.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch first became well-known for playing Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’. She then made history in ‘No Time to Die’ as the first woman to be given the 007 code name. More recently, she impressed audiences with her physically demanding role and strong performance in ‘The Woman King’. Critics and fans alike often point to Lynch as one of the most promising up-and-coming actors in action and dramatic films.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson initially became well-known for her work in films like ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Selma’. She then became a regular face in popular movie series, including ‘Creed’ and as Valkyrie in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. Critics especially loved her performance in ‘Passing’ with Ruth Negga. Thompson is celebrated for choosing diverse roles and for bringing a sense of realism to science fiction and fantasy projects.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a versatile actress with a successful career spanning comedy and drama, including her memorable work on ‘Reno 911!’. She’s received praise for her acting, particularly in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’, and won an Emmy for her role in ‘Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Nash-Betts is known for seamlessly transitioning between energetic comedic roles and powerfully realistic dramatic performances.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is a highly acclaimed actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Oracene Price in ‘King Richard’. Throughout her extensive career, she’s delivered memorable performances in films like ‘The Help’, ‘Ray’, and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Critics also praised her work in the series ‘Lovecraft Country’. Ellis-Taylor is particularly skilled at bringing a sense of grace and inner strength to the characters she plays.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks became well-known for her role as Taystee Jefferson on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She then gained critical acclaim in film, receiving an Oscar nomination for her performance as Sofia in ‘The Color Purple’. Brooks has also been recognized for her work on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination. She’s celebrated for her powerful voice and energetic performances.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

I was so thrilled when Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Oscar for ‘The Holdovers’! I first really noticed her talent when she was in ‘Ghost’ on Broadway – she was amazing. Then she was hilarious in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’, and she’s popped up in everything from ‘The Lost City’ to ‘Only Murders in the Building’. What I love about her is that she’s genuinely funny, but she can also completely break your heart with a dramatic scene. She’s a truly gifted actress.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is famous for playing Maxine Shaw on the popular show ‘Living Single’. She’s also appeared in films like ‘Get Out’ and gave a particularly impressive performance in ‘American Fiction’. In addition to her film work, she’s had roles in TV series such as ‘Bosch’ and ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’. Alexander is known for her clever humor and consistently creating characters that audiences remember.

Gabrielle Union

I’ve been a fan of Gabrielle Union ever since I first saw her in movies like ‘Bring It On’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’ back in the day! She’s been in so many great things since then – I remember really enjoying ‘Bad Boys II’ and ‘Breaking In’, and she was fantastic in ‘Being Mary Jane’ too. What I always appreciate about her is how real and down-to-earth she seems, even when she’s being funny or taking on a more serious role.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is a well-known actress who’s loved for her work in films like ‘Love & Basketball’ and the ‘Best Man’ series. She’s also a voice actress, having played Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show,’ and has appeared in action movies like ‘Alien vs. Predator.’ Lathan showed her commitment to telling meaningful stories with her role in the Netflix film ‘Nappily Ever After.’ She’s admired for her versatility and is particularly popular in romantic dramas.

Nia Long

Nia Long has been a familiar face in American movies ever since her breakout role in ‘Boyz n the Hood.’ She’s widely recognized for her performances in films like ‘Friday,’ ‘The Best Man,’ and ‘Soul Food.’ More recently, she proved her talent for leading suspenseful, tech-driven thrillers in ‘Missing.’ Throughout her career, Nia Long has been praised for both her lasting presence in Hollywood and her effortless charm on screen.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith started her acting career on the TV show ‘A Different World’ and then went on to star in popular films. Some of her well-known roles include ‘The Nutty Professor’, ‘Set It Off’, and two of the ‘Matrix’ movies. She also played a key role in the hit comedy ‘Girls Trip’. Pinkett Smith is known as a talented actress who can convincingly play both action-packed and funny roles.

Queen Latifah

I’ve always been a huge fan of Queen Latifah! It was so well-deserved when she got an Oscar nomination for ‘Chicago.’ She’s absolutely hilarious in comedies like ‘Bringing Down the House’ and ‘Last Holiday,’ but she’s also a seriously powerful actress – I still think about her amazing performance in ‘Set It Off.’ She just has this incredible way of commanding attention and connecting with everyone who watches her.

Mary J. Blige

As a movie fan, I’ve been really impressed with Mary J. Blige’s acting. She totally blew me away in ‘Mudbound’ – she even got two Oscar nominations for it! Since then, I’ve seen her in things like ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and the biopic ‘Respect’, and she’s consistently good. I’m also really enjoying her work on ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. What I love about her performances is that she brings this incredible raw emotion to every role, which I think comes from her background as a singer. She’s definitely proving she’s a force to be reckoned with on screen.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo is a highly acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in films like ‘Hotel Rwanda’ (which earned her an Academy Award nomination), ‘The Secret Life of Bees,’ and ‘Death on the Nile.’ She’s also a Tony Award-winning stage actress, celebrated for her skill and ability to convincingly portray challenging and historically-rooted characters.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste became famous internationally after starring in ‘Secrets & Lies’, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination. She’s also well-known for her many seasons on the TV series ‘Without a Trace’. Critics particularly praised her nuanced performance in the film ‘In Fabric’. Jean-Baptiste is celebrated for her realistic and subtle acting approach.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris started her career with roles in films like ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Chi-Raq’. She became widely known for playing Monica Rambeau in the Marvel films ‘WandaVision’ and ‘The Marvels’. Her powerful performance in ‘Candyman’ really showcased her emotional depth. Parris is praised for consistently portraying characters who are both smart and strong-willed.

Zendaya

Zendaya first became famous on the Disney Channel, but has since achieved critical acclaim, winning two Emmy Awards for her role in ‘Euphoria’. She’s also become a major film star, appearing in popular franchises like ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Dune’. Her recent work in ‘Challengers’ has solidified her status as one of today’s most prominent actresses. Zendaya is known for captivating audiences and successfully moving between large-scale blockbusters and critically-respected films.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a well-known actress, famous for starring in the TV shows ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She’s also been in films like ‘The High Note’ and ‘American Fiction’. Her work has earned her several Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe award. Ross is particularly praised for her comedic timing and her talent for blending humor with thoughtful social messages.

Cicely Tyson

As a critic, I’ve always been deeply impressed by Cicely Tyson. She truly broke ground for Black actresses, earning an Oscar nomination for ‘Sounder’ and building a remarkable career over seven decades. Many remember her unforgettable performances in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ and ‘Roots,’ and it was wonderful to see her receive an Honorary Oscar in 2018. But beyond the accolades, what always stood out to me was her dedication to playing strong, dignified Black women – that’s what defines her lasting legacy, and what I’ll always remember her for.

Let us know in the comments which of these actresses you think has the best collection of films!

2026-02-02 08:19