Imagine a world without the incredible Black actors and actresses who broke barriers, challenged norms, and demanded recognition in Hollywood; it would not be the powerhouse of talent, diversity, and storytelling that it is today. From trailblazing Oscar wins to TV and streaming domination, these performers didn’t just make their mark-they reshaped the entire industry. Here’s a countdown of the 15 most influential Black actors and actresses who left an indelible impact on Hollywood.
15. Zendaya
At 24, Zendaya became the youngest-ever Emmy winner for Lead Actress in a Drama for playing Rue on Euphoria. Raw emotion flowed from her mesmerizing performance, which proved she is just as much an emerging acting star as she is a style icon.
14. Daniel Kaluuya
Londoner Daniel Kaluuya burst into Hollywood with Get Out, creating a critical buzz that preceded award recognitions; in 2021, he was the first Black British actor to take home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Judas and the Black Messiah. His rise is a testimony to the globe’s Black talent making waves in Hollywood.
13. Lupita Nyong’o
After winning her first Oscar for her debut in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong’o became a force to be reckoned with in blockbuster films from Star Wars to Marvel. An international icon, she proves Black women can be critically acclaimed and box office stars.
12. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is the embodiment of Hollywood gravitas. From Glory to Training Day, Malcolm X, and Fences, he’s redefined stardom by making a commanding presence and range an inspiration for scores of other actors.
11. Whoopi Goldberg
One of the few winners of the rare EGOT, Whoopi Goldberg excels in the fields of film, television, theatre, and music. From The Color Purple to Ghost, she has always broken boundaries, showing that talent has no limit.
10. Chadwick Boseman
While Chadwick Boseman was a go-to actor for legends such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall, it is his critically acclaimed role of T’Challa in Black Panther that solidified his legacy as a trailblazer for Black representation in Hollywood blockbusters.
9. Halle Berry
Halle Berry made history as the first-and still only-Black woman to take home the Best Actress Oscar, for Monster’s Ball. Her career has spanned action, drama, and sci-fi, proving Black actresses can dominate in both critical and commercial capacities.
8. Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett is Hollywood royalty. Known for playing icons like Tina Turner and Rosa Parks, she became the highest-paid Black actress on TV thanks to 9-1-1. Bassett’s fierce talent still inspires generations.
7. Oprah Winfrey
The impact of Oprah reaches far beyond the small screen. A true media mogul-actress-producer, she opened doors for scores of Black creatives while offering iconic performances in film, such as in The Color Purple and Selma.
6. Spike Lee
Spike Lee’s films are unapologetically bold and uncompromising, from Do the Right Thing to BlacKkKlansman. The way he tells a story tackles highly social issues head-on, and he is one of the most influential voices in American cinema today.
5. Cicely Tyson
She acted professionally for six decades, famously only taking roles that advanced racial equality. She was a true television and film pioneer, the first Black actress to receive an honorary Oscar, and she remains a symbol of principled artistry.
4. Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was the first Black actress to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for Carmen Jones back in 1954. A true Hollywood trailblazer, she faced systemic racism, breaking color lines throughout her career.
3. Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel made history as the first Black winner of an Oscar for Gone With the Wind. Not allowed to attend the premiere or sit with her castmates, her triumph opened doors for future Black performers.
2. Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier is an iconic figure in Hollywood history. The first Black man to earn Best Actor for Lilies of the Field, Poitier commanded a new respect for Black men on screen with his dignified, commanding presence.
1. Viola Davis
Viola Davis is the ultimate trailblazer, the first Black actress to have achieved the acting “triple crown” with an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony. From Doubt to Fences to How to Get Away with Murder, Davis has set a new gold standard in excellence and representation.
These actors and actresses didn’t just make headlines; they changed Hollywood forever. They opened doors, challenged narratives, and reminded the industry that talent, courage, and authenticity can’t be ignored.