Let’s be real: Hollywood hasn’t precisely rolled out the red carpet for Black women. Behind each awards show smile is a history of being overlooked, underestimated, or flat-out ignored. The industry has for too long treated Black talent as an afterthought—but Black women have never asked for permission. They’ve been rewriting the narrative, breaking barriers, and demanding respect with every role they accept.
From pioneering legends to up-and-comers disrupting the status quo, these 10 Black actresses have transformed Hollywood in ways that Hollywood can’t help but recognize—even if it continues to try not to. And no, they’re still not quite getting the recognition they so rightly deserve.
10. Halle Bailey
If you somehow overlooked Halle Bailey’s name, you’ve either been off the grid or under a rock. Her casting as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid was controversial, but her acting silenced the critics. Elegant, fearless, and captivating—Bailey owns the iconic mermaid. As Refinery29 noted, she pulled off a pitch-perfect blend of innocence and strength, showing that she is more than just a new Disney princess, but also a leading lady in her own right. And let’s be clear: she’s just getting started.
9. Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Some performers create a scene; Da’Vine Joy Randolph creates a film. Her supporting turn in The Holdovers left critics asking why it had taken her so long to shine. According to Refinery29, Randolph infused her performance with warmth, heft, and gravitas, delivering a performance that begs to be noticed. If you’re not yet smitten with her work, believe—it’s only a matter of time.
8. Teyana Taylor
Every so often, an actress comes along with such raw, undeniable talent that you immediately know she’s been around for a while. That was Teyana Taylor in A Thousand And One. Her take on Inez—a hard, loving mother struggling to make ends meet in New York—was electric. Refinery29 described it as both personal and universal, and it’s not hard to understand why. Taylor didn’t simply act the part—she inhabited it on screen.
7. Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is not only versatile—she’s unstoppable. One of the few artists to capture the elusive EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), Goldberg has been breaking the rules since The Color Purple. Her unforgettable, Oscar-winning turn in Ghost was the perfect marriage of humor and heart that no other could bring. As The A&T Register reminds us, she pushed past countless stereotypes and obstacles and demonstrated that being different can be your superpower.
6. Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer’s path is one of perseverance. She worked hard for years before The Help won her that richly deserved Oscar. Biography does her story justice: from supporting roles to full-blown recognition, Spencer’s ascension has been steady, uplifting, and hard-earned. Whether she’s having you in stitches or shattering your heart, there’s no escaping her screen presence and durability.
5. Taraji P. Henson
Need someone to laugh, cry, and cheer in the same scene? Call Taraji P. Henson. Her range is unparalleled, from comedies such as Think Like a Man to her tour-de-force turn as Cookie Lyon on Empire. As ranked by Ranker Film, Henson consistently creates complex, unforgettable characters, and her singing in The Color Purple was nothing short of beautiful. She’s a chameleon, and people can’t seem to get enough.
4. Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett oozes strength in all her performances. Her film portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It is still one of the best performances never to have taken home an Oscar. REVOLT described it best—Bassett didn’t act Tina, she embodied her. From biopics to the Marvel franchise, Bassett ignites fire and grace in every single performance. Her recent honorary Oscar is long overdue, but her influence has never required a plaque to be felt.
3. Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson did not simply act—she turned every performance into a statement. A trailblazer with over 60 years of experience, Tyson turned down roles that degraded or stereotyped Black women. As The Holly Spirit points out, her career was an ongoing fight for powerful, meaningful storytelling. She paved the way for all that followed—and her legacy continues to illuminate the path ahead.
2. Halle Berry
Hard to believe, but Halle Berry is still the sole Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress. Her Monster’s Ball victory was historic, but her career is characterized by so much more. As The A&T Register reports, she’s done it all—romantic leads, action heroes—breaking down barriers every step of the way. Berry didn’t simply open doors; she kicked them wide open.
1. Viola Davis
Viola Davis is just in a class by herself. The first Black thespian to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting” (Oscar, Emmy, Tony), Davis has redefined greatness on screen. Her performances in Fences and How to Get Away with Murder are rich, powerful, and unforgettable. The A&T Register reminds us that she has more Oscar nominations than any Black actress alive—and quite frankly, she should have more. When Davis speaks, rooms listen. When she acts, they tremble.
These women didn’t only act—they called out an entire industry to do more. Hollywood has a long way to go regarding equality, but because of these icons, that journey is forever altered. Whether the Academy notices or not, we do. And we’re watching, we’re celebrating, and we’re cheering them on every step of the way.