- Photo:
- Bruce Almighty
- Spyglass Entertainment
From any era and genre, these are the greatest Black actors in film history, ranked by the community to determine who is the best of all time. These Black actors are the top in the business, and many are also among the best living actors today. From those who have portrayed classic Black characters in film, to award-winning actors, only the most deserving actors are on this list.
Who are the greatest Black actors in film? How about the most famous Black actors? From Oscar winners like Denzel Washington, classic African American actors like Sidney Poitier, and newer names such as English actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, each of the Black actors on this list has earned his place with an excellent body of work and memorable performances. Some Black comedians and rappers are also on this list, having found success in the world of film as well.
The actors that are featured on this list include some of the best actors of all time, including Morgan Freeman, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, Ossie Davis, Forest Whitaker, Danny Glover, and Eddie Murphy.
Scroll the list below, and vote up the Black actors that you think are best!
- 1
Denzel Washington is a powerhouse actor who has consistently delivered award-winning performances throughout his illustrious career. With noteworthy roles in films like Glory, Training Day, and Fences, Washington's dedication to his craft is evident. His commanding presence and versatile acting abilities have made him one of Hollywood's most respected talents.
- Credits (Film): Antwone Fisher, Book of Eli, American Gangster
- 2
Morgan Freeman is an iconic actor known for his deep, calming voice and his ability to portray complex characters with ease. He has graced the silver screen in unforgettable roles such as Red in The Shawshank Redemption and Lucius Fox in the Batman series. With an Academy Award and numerous other accolades to his name, Freeman continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
- Credits (Film): Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, Million Dollar Baby
- 3
Samuel L. Jackson is a larger-than-life actor whose charismatic on-screen presence frequently steals the spotlight. His memorable roles in Quentin Tarantino films like Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained showcase his ability to embody various characters with flair. Jackson is also widely recognized as the one-eyed Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, solidifying his place as a beloved figure in pop culture.
- Credits (Film): Pulp Fiction, The Avengers, Django Unchained
- 4
Forest Whitaker is an esteemed actor known for disappearing into his roles with remarkable depth and intensity. His raw, emotional portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland earned him a Best Actor Academy Award, solidifying his reputation in Hollywood. Whitaker continues to captivate audiences with a diverse array of memorable characters throughout his career.
- Credits (Film): The Butler, The Last King of Scotland, The Last Stand
- 5
Sidney Poitier is a trailblazing actor who broke racial barriers in Hollywood throughout the 1950s and 1960s. As the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, Poitier paved the way for future generations of talent. His inspiring roles in films like Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and To Sir, with Love have left an indelible mark on American cinema history.
- Credits (Film): Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, In the Heat of the Night, Fast Forward
- 6
James Earl Jones is an actor whose rich, booming voice has become synonymous with majesty and power. Responsible for breathing life into both Darth Vader and Mufasa, this legendary performer has transcended the silver screen to become a cultural icon. His acting prowess, however, is not limited to voice work, as Jones has also delivered powerful performances onstage and on-camera in works like The Great White Hope and Field of Dreams.
- Credits (Film): The Lion King, Return of the Jedi, Field of Dreams
