Just a few short years ago, the entertainment industry was stifling creatives of color. Now, Black women in powerful positions—from directors’ chairs to C-suites—are presenting fresh narratives and taking their rightful place in the field.
As Hollywood catches up to our expertise, we’re showing the world who we really are. Meet the actresses who are setting the standard today.
01
Chanté Adams
A League of Their Own
Known for: Winning the Sundance Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Performance in 2017.
02
Uzo Aduba
In Treatment
Known for: Being one of only two actors to win an Emmy Award in both the comedy and drama categories for the same role.
03
Sheila Atim
The Woman King
Known for: Stealing scenes in The Underground Railroad and Bruised.
04
Tiffany Boone
Nine Perfect Strangers
Known for: Strong supporting roles in television dramas.
05
Tabitha Brown
Tab Time, The Chi
Known for: Turning cooking tutorials into a recipe for success as a professional actress.
06
Nicole Byer
Grand Crew, Nicole Byer: BBW (Big Beautiful Weirdo)
Known for: Earning Emmy nominations as the host of Nailed It.
07
Michelle Buteau
First Wives Club
Known For: Netflix greenlit her upcoming scripted series, Survival of the Thickest.
08
Viola Davis
The First Lady, The Woman King
Known for: Being the first Black actor to win an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony Award – the Triple Crown of Acting.
09
Danielle Deadwyler
The Harder They Fall, Station Eleven
Known for: Delivering unforgettable dramatic performances.
10
Aunjanue Ellis
King Richard, 61st Street
Known for: Dynamic supporting and lead roles, which have garnered Emmy and SAG Award nominations.
11
Cynthia Erivo
Genius: Aretha, Wicked
Known for: Winning Tony, Emmy and Grammy awards for her work in film and theater.
12
Tiffany Haddish
The Card Counter
Known for: Comedic acting and stand-
up routines, which have earned her a Primetime Emmy and a Grammy.
13
Reggina Hall
Master, Black Monday
Known For: Signing a first-look deal to develop and produce TV projects for Showtime.
14
Brittney Johnson
Wicked
Known for: Being the first Black woman to portray Glinda in Wicked.
15
Regina King
The Harder They Fall
Known for: Earning four Primetime Emmy Awards and an Oscar.
16
Nia Long
The Best Man: The Final Chapters
Known for: A film and television career spanning more than three decades.
17
Lashana Lynch
The Woman King, No Time To Die
Known for: Being the first Black woman to play a 007.
18
TS Madison
BROS, The Perfect Find
Known for: Being the first Black trans woman to star in and executive-produce her own reality show in 2021.
19
Marsai Martin
Black-ish
Known For: Creating production company Genius Entertainment.
20
Wunmi Mosaku
Loki
Known for: Winning a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Damilola, Our Loved Boy.
21
Niecy Nash
Claws
Known for: Being a three-time Emmy-nominated actress.
22
Ruth Negga
Passing
Known for: Films that have garnered Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
23
Thandiwe Newton
God’s Country
Known for: Winning a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Crash.
24
Keke Palmer
Nope
Known for: Being a daytime talk-show host and Emmy Award–
winning actress.
25
Teyonah Parris
WandaVision, The Marvels
Known for: Roles that establish Black women’s presence in both fictional worlds and real life.
26
Wanda Sykes
The Upshaws
Known for: Winning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Show.
27
Tessa Thompson
Passing
Known for: Being an all-around actress who has starred in everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the Creed franchise.
28
Zendaya
Euphoria
Known for: Being the youngest actress to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
29
Taraji P. Henson
Annie Live! Known For: Starring as Shug Avery in the upcoming remake of The Color Purple.
30
Tracee Ellis Ross
Black-ish Known For: Receiving five Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
31
Angela Bassett
9-1-1 Known For: Being the highest paid woman of color in Broadcast television history.
