Black Actresses Who Stole Every Scene from Their A-List Co-Stars

Supporting actors often provide a film’s emotional core and are surprisingly difficult to play well. These twenty actresses gave standout performances, frequently even overshadowing their more famous co-stars. Their talent is clear – they powerfully connected with audiences even with limited screen time or while acting alongside major stars.

Viola Davis

Though she’s only in one scene in the film ‘Doubt,’ Viola Davis delivers a powerfully memorable performance. As Mrs. Miller, she bravely confronts the principal about her son’s well-being, portraying a mother who is both fiercely practical and deeply loving. This short but impactful role earned her an Academy Award nomination and proved she could hold her own acting opposite Meryl Streep.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson’s performance as Effie White in the movie ‘Dreamgirls’ is incredibly memorable, especially her powerful rendition of ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.’ She truly shines in the role, captivating audiences with her emotional depth and vocal talent – even standing out amongst stars like Beyoncé and Eddie Murphy. This performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and helped establish her as a leading film actress.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o delivers a powerfully moving performance as Patsey in ’12 Years a Slave,’ portraying the horrific abuse she suffers with incredible depth. Despite limited dialogue, she brilliantly conveys both immense pain and remarkable strength. Nyong’o became the heart of the film, even alongside well-known actors like Michael Fassbender, and her debut performance was widely celebrated by critics.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg infuses ‘Ghost’ with both warmth and humor. As Oda Mae Brown, a reluctant psychic, she connects the living and the dead, offering a lighthearted contrast to the heartbreaking story of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore’s characters. This memorable role earned her a place in history as only the second Black woman to win an Academy Award for acting.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer delivers a compelling performance as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’, skillfully combining humor and emotional depth. Her character memorably challenges her prejudiced boss with a surprising act involving a pie. Spencer brings a vibrant energy to every scene she’s in, and the role showcases her talent for seamlessly blending comedic timing with serious dramatic moments.

Mo’Nique

The comedian delivered a shockingly powerful performance as the abusive mother, Mary, in the drama ‘Precious’. She portrayed the character with unsettling realism and a complete absence of guilt. A final, heartbreaking speech reveals the damaged person beneath the cruelty, leaving viewers stunned. The fearless performance earned her numerous awards when the film was released.

Regina King

Regina King plays Marcee Tidwell, a strong and assertive woman who holds her own against the energetic lead in ‘Jerry Maguire’. She portrays the wife of a football player, offering support while also demanding to be treated with respect. King skillfully balances Tom Cruise’s intensity with a sense of realism and confidence, demonstrating the powerful presence she consistently brings to her roles. This performance was an early example of her commanding talent.

Taraji P. Henson

I was absolutely captivated by Cate Blanchett as Queenie in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.’ She really was the emotional center of the whole story, acting as a mother figure to Benjamin and providing such a warm, grounding presence amidst all the film’s fantastical elements. What amazed me most was how she portrayed Queenie across so many decades, yet still managed to maintain this beautiful, consistent emotional core. It’s no surprise she received an Oscar nomination – she truly gave the film its heart, as far as I’m concerned.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish became a major star thanks to her energetic and honest comedy in the film ‘Girls Trip’. As the unpredictable character Dina, she delivered some of the movie’s most memorable lines. Her bold and physical humor allowed her to stand out alongside established actresses like Queen Latifah, and both audiences and critics quickly recognized her as the film’s breakout star.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is captivating as Matron Mama Morton in the movie ‘Chicago’. She powerfully and charmingly manages the female inmates at Cook County Jail. Her musical performance showcases her incredible voice and personality, standing out even alongside established stars like Renee Zellweger. The role firmly established her as a performer who can shine alongside Hollywood’s biggest names.

Naomie Harris

Naomi Harris filmed her scenes for ‘Moonlight’ in only three days, yet gave a deeply moving performance. She plays the mother of the main character, who is battling a severe drug addiction. Harris powerfully shows the character’s heartbreaking physical and emotional decline, and this performance was widely praised, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

In ‘King Richard,’ Ellis portrays Oracene Price, the often-unsung force behind the Williams sisters’ achievements. She skillfully prevents the mother’s vital role from being eclipsed by Richard Williams’ more dominant personality. A powerful kitchen argument scene highlights her acting ability, matching Will Smith’s intensity. Ellis delivers a nuanced performance that grounds the entire biographical film.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

In ‘The Holdovers,’ Randolph delivers a powerful performance as a cafeteria manager coping with grief at a boarding school. Though the film has comedic elements, her depiction of loss is remarkably moving and understated. She shares heartfelt scenes with Paul Giamatti, adding significant emotional depth to the story. Her authentic and graceful acting was a highlight of the awards season.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett delivers a powerfully majestic performance as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’. She naturally commands attention and respect, even amidst the film’s elaborate special effects. Her portrayal of grief and determination brings a classic, dramatic weight to the superhero story. Bassett made history as the first actor to be nominated for an Academy Award for a role in a Marvel Studios film.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira powerfully portrays Okoye, the unwavering general of the Dora Milaje, in ‘Black Panther’. She’s just as impressive physically in the action scenes as she is with her clever and pointed lines. Gurira often dominates a scene with a single glance or a sarcastic comment aimed at those in charge. Audiences immediately connected with her character’s strength and commitment.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga delivers a powerfully subtle performance as Mildred Loving in the historical film ‘Loving’. She conveys the couple’s fear and hope through nuanced expressions, particularly in her eyes. Negga grounds the film in realism, avoiding overly dramatic portrayals, and earned widespread praise for her understated yet impactful work alongside Joel Edgerton.

Sophie Okonedo

In ‘Hotel Rwanda,’ Okonedo delivers a powerful performance as Tatiana Rusesabagina, highlighting the human cost of the conflict. She expertly conveys both fear and a mother’s protective instincts, adding intense emotional weight to the film. Alongside Don Cheadle, she captivates viewers through the film’s most terrifying moments. Her work was critically acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer is a whirlwind of energy as Emerald Haywood in ‘Nope’. She brilliantly contrasts with the more reserved performance of her co-star, Daniel Kaluuya. A powerful speech she delivers during a commercial shoot immediately establishes the film’s unique vibe, and she confidently leads the film to its thrilling conclusion with a true action-hero spirit.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe delivers a powerful performance as Mary Jackson in ‘Hidden Figures,’ portraying her fight to overcome legal obstacles and become an engineer. Monáe brilliantly captures Jackson’s determination in the face of both racial and gender discrimination. Her energetic and captivating presence shines through, even among a talented group of actors. A particularly strong courtroom scene showcases her skill at combining warmth and sincerity with a serious purpose.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch delivers a confident and polished performance as the new 007 in ‘No Time to Die’. She brings a smart and capable energy that shakes up the usual Bond relationship, proving to be a strong match for Daniel Craig’s seasoned spy. This portrayal feels fresh and current, prompting discussion about where the Bond series might go next.

Please share your favorite performance from this list in the comments.

2025-12-04 12:16