Black Actresses Who Should Be A-Listers By Now

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Hollywood is full of incredibly talented actors, but only a few become true superstars. Black actresses, especially, often deliver amazing performances that critics love, yet don’t always lead to the same consistent level of fame as other actors. This list showcases actresses who have demonstrated the talent and appeal needed to be leading stars, through their work in independent films, television, and streaming series. They’ve proven they can carry a wide variety of projects and connect with audiences around the world.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw first became well-known for her starring role in the historical film ‘Belle’. She then earned critical acclaim for her work in the romantic drama ‘Beyond the Lights’. Since then, she’s proven her range by appearing in everything from the sci-fi episode ‘San Junipero’ of ‘Black Mirror’ to the Marvel series ‘Loki’. Though consistently praised for her talent and captivating presence, she’s a performer who deserves more leading roles in major blockbuster films.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie first gained attention for her strong performances in films like ‘Shame’ and ‘42’. She became widely known as the star of the TV series ‘Sleepy Hollow’, where she was a major reason people tuned in. More recently, she’s been praised for her work in the films ‘Miss Juneteenth’ and ‘Breaking’. Beharie is known for bringing a lot of emotional depth to her characters, and many believe she has the talent to become a leading actress in big-budget movies.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained recognition on the TV show ‘Mad Men’ and then starred in the highly praised film ‘Dear White People’. She worked with director Spike Lee on the comedy-drama ‘Chi-Raq’, which earned her an NAACP Image Award nomination. More recently, Parris has become known for her work in the superhero world, playing Monica Rambeau in ‘WandaVision’ and the movie ‘The Marvels’. Her career shows she’s a versatile actress, comfortable in both action-packed roles and more subtle, character-driven stories.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu, a South African actress, first gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance in the series ‘The Underground Railroad’. This role was groundbreaking, making her the first South African actress to star as the lead in an American TV show, and earned her an Independent Spirit Award. She continued to build her success by appearing with Viola Davis in the historical film ‘The Woman King’. Many critics have praised her dedication to physically demanding roles and her emotionally resonant acting, predicting she’s destined to become a major international star.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne quickly became well-known after starring in Barry Jenkins’ film, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She then proved her versatility by moving into action movies with ‘The Old Guard’, where she acted alongside Charlize Theron. Layne has also appeared in the thriller ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and the drama ‘Native Son’, consistently delivering strong performances whether she’s the focus of a quiet scene or part of a larger cast.

Danielle Deadwyler

Let me tell you, Danielle Deadwyler absolutely floored me in ‘Till’. Her performance as Mamie Till-Mobley is just… breathtaking. It’s a deeply emotional portrayal that critics, myself included, are calling one of the best of the year. You might recognize her from roles in films like the Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the HBO series ‘Station Eleven’, but ‘Till’ really cemented her as a force to be reckoned with. She’s quickly becoming one of the most compelling dramatic actors working today, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is a highly acclaimed actress known for her nuanced and compelling performances. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the historical film ‘Loving’ and is also popular for playing Tulip O’Hare in the series ‘Preacher,’ where she demonstrated her talent for both action and comedy. Her performance in ‘Passing’ cemented her reputation for portraying complex characters. With a strong background in both theater and film, Negga is considered one of the most respected actresses working today.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King is well-known for playing Michaela Pratt on the popular TV show ‘How to Get Away with Murder.’ She also received a lot of attention for her powerful performance in the film ‘The Birth of a Nation,’ demonstrating her ability to handle complex roles. King has consistently worked on notable projects, like the Apple TV+ series ‘Lessons in Chemistry,’ and her career is steadily moving towards starring roles in major films.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renée Elise Goldsberry is an award-winning actress, famous for playing Angelica Schuyler in the original Broadway production of ‘Hamilton’. She’s also made a strong move into television, appearing in shows like ‘Altered Carbon’ and ‘Girls5eva’, and gave a powerful performance in the film ‘Waves’. While she’s incredibly talented and has a remarkable voice, many are eager to see her take on leading roles in big-budget movies.

Jurnee Smollett

I’ve been following Jurnee Smollett’s career for a while now, and it’s been amazing to watch her grow. I first remember her as a kid in ‘Eve’s Bayou,’ and she’s just consistently taken on really interesting roles, like in ‘The Great Debaters.’ But she really blew up for me with ‘Lovecraft Country’ – she was incredible as Letitia Lewis, and totally deserved that Emmy nomination. Then she jumped into the superhero world with ‘Birds of Prey’ as Black Canary, and it was clear she has what it takes to lead a big, action-packed film. Honestly, she just seems to effortlessly carry these complex TV shows and movies, and I’m always excited to see what she does next.

Let us know in the comments which of these actresses you think is most ready for a big leading role!

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2026-02-17 14:15