It’s already difficult to be a woman in the movie industry. It’s even more challenging for black actresses, especially in Hollywood.
Women also face challenges in theater since most classics were written without female main characters, and with no black characters. The film industry is still a place where many actresses are undepaid. Although that’s the least of the problems since they make millions.
Be as it may, they undoubtedly deserve more attention. Therefore, here’s a best black actresses of all time list.
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard is a powerhouse of talent known for her impressive screen presence and complex performances.
With a long and impressive career across every medium, Alfre has won many awards, including a Golden Globe and Emmys. Moreover, she also has one Oscar nomination for her role in Cross Creek. Woodard is also a passionate advocate for diversity in Hollywood and social justice issues.
Whoopi Goldberg
When it comes to great black actresses, Whoopi Goldberg has to be on the list. Successful in comedy and drama alike, Whoopi is one of the few entertainers to have won every significant award at least once.
Known for her bold wit and distinctive voice, she broke barriers acting in The Color Purple and brought humor and humanity to Ghost. Beyond acting, she’s a respected talk show host and cultural commentator.
Halle Berry
One of the most famous black actresses, Halle Berry, has a legendary status. She made history as the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball. Berry became an inspiration to young black actresses by winning the top-level award in the film industry.
Her career reflects versatility, from action roles in X-Men to emotionally intense dramas. Berry remains a symbol of beauty, strength, and perseverance in an industry still grappling with representation.
Pam Grier
If there is a black actress who’s a cultural icon, it’s Pam Grier. She became the undisputed Queen of blaxploitation films, most notably in Foxy Brown and Coffy.
Her fierce, unapologetic portrayals of strong Black women laid the groundwork for future film artists. Grier’s later role in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown solidified her status as a legend in American cinema.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett is renowned for her queen-like presence and emotionally dominant acting performances. Playing the legendary Tina Turner made her even more acknowledged, and rightfully so.
She is a consistent force in both movies and television projects. Bassett blends elegance and intensity with grace, and continues to inspire with her electrifying performances in various genres.
Phylicia Rashad
Certainly one of the greatest black actresses, Phylicia Rashad is best known as the wise Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. However, she is a legend when it comes to theater and education.
Phylicia has long been revered as a beacon of class and intelligence on screen. A stage veteran and Tony Award winner, she’s also deeply involved in arts education, shaping the next generation of actors with her knowledge.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson was a pioneer whose legacy transcends acting. With grace and integrity, she portrayed complex, dignified Black women at a time when such roles were rare.
Tyson’s performances in Sounder, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and The Help are touchstones of storytelling. Her acting performances remain an inspiration and guidance for every young actress in the movie industry.
Dorothy Dandridge
Halle Berry was the first Oscar-winning black actress, but Dorothy Dandridge was the first black woman nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress.
She broke barriers during an extremely hard time when black people didn’t have rights in real life, let alone in the film industry. Despite facing systemic racism in Hollywood, she remained glamorous and proud, paving the way for future generations of black actresses.
Viola Davis
Currently, the most successful black actress, Viola Davis, is a performer who is the perfect definition of what a fantastic actress is.
As the first Black actress to win an Academy Award, Tony, and Emmy, she has redefined what it means to lead Hollywood. Her roles in Fences, Doubt, and How to Get Away with Murder have become modern classics. At the moment, she is definitely the number one option for leading female characters.
Condola Rashad
My favorite from this list, Condola Rashad, is extremely undervalued.
The New York-born actress has carved her distinct path in theater and TV, and she’s a multiple-time Tony Award nominee. She is widely respected for her brilliant stage appearance and spectacular performances. Whether in Shakespeare or contemporary drama, Rashad brings intelligence to every role she inhabits.
She gained popularity through the TV show Billions. However, her best screen performance so far is in Bikini Moon by Milcho Manchevski. Even though Manchevski saw hundreds of actresses for this role, once Dola Rashad appeared, he said it was her role without a doubt. I hope she gets more chances for movie roles since she is fantastic.
Now, let’s move on to some other best black actresses that also deserve attention.
Other Great Black Actresses Worth Mentioning
Here’s a list of other excellent black actresses who didn’t make the top list above, but also deserve attention:
- Regina King
- Octavia Spencer
- Ruth Negga
- Gina Torres
- Cynthia Erivo
- Taraji P. Henson
- Kerry Washington
- Queen Latifah
- Loretta Devine
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Gabrielle Union
- Sanaa Lathan
- Andra Day
These actresses have impressive careers in Hollywood and indie movies, too.
Final Words on Best Black Actresses
Here you have some of the greatest black actresses of all time. These women have made successful careers in the movie industry, but many have also been great on TV and in the theater.
Being a woman in the film industry is hard, but being a black woman is even more difficult. However, these actresses dared to prevail and made worldwide cinema better.
If you think some other black actresses should be on this list but aren’t, feel free to leave a comment below!
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