It’s been ten years since Halle Berry graced the stage to accept her Academy Award as a lead actress in a film. Since then Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) and Mo’Nique (Precious) are the only black women to win Oscars and both were in supporting roles. Hollywood has to face facts: there is still an obvious bias against African-American actresses that is only solidified by the lack of versatility in roles they’re offered. But we know potential when we see it. These ten women have what it takes to cross genres but don’t necessarily get the shine they deserve.
1. Sophie Okonedo
The part Nigerian, part English actress seriously impressed us in her role with Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda, for which she received an Oscar nomination. Although she went on to star in The Secret Life of Bees and Mrs. Mandela, sadly, her name isn’t as recognizable as her face in the States.
2. Jurnee Smollett
Smollett’s talents are certainly not hidden, having had outstanding roles in Eve’s Bayou as an 11-year-old, The Great Debaters and the television show Friday Night Lights. Acting since the age of five like the now-wealthy Ashley Olsen, Mary Kate Olsen and Raven Symone, she has yet to receive any major award wins, or even nominations.
3. Kimberly Elise
The black community as a whole has a soft spot for the Minnesota-native who caught our attention as ‘T.T.’ Williams in Set It Off back in 1996. Since then, she has starred in many films and shows such as John Q, Girlfriends, Pride, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and For Colored Girls—to name a few. And with all these amazing roles under her belt, she has yet to truly be received by the ‘general’ public.
4. Tessa Thompson
Check the resume — this girl has got it going on! She’s been in dramas, thrillers and action flicks but the newcomer,who’s only been on the scene for six years, has a bit to go before reaching Oscar status. Tessa is no stranger to the world of entertainment having grown up in Los Angeles with a father who produced the music for “The Huey P. Newton Story” stage play. But she hasn’t made it to the A-list yet. We say: keep an eye out for her, she’s has some impressive acting chops.
5. Paula Patton
Who doesn’t love the ever-smiling, beautiful Paula Patton? Aside from her role in Precious, she’s pretty much stuck to rom-coms. Her depth as an actress hasn’t truly been tested yet and we think she has it in her to get to the next level — leading lady — if only Hollywood would give her that chance.
6. Rutina Wesley
True Blood fans are well acquainted with Wesley who got her first major role as a step dancer in How She Move (2007). But the Julliard-trained actress, with parents in the entertainment industry, hasn’t done much beyond her role as “Tara Thorton.” We sure hope she doesn’t get type casted into horror BFF roles —would be a tad limiting.
7. Octavia Spencer
Southern belle Octavia Spencer has a resume of film and television experience that cannot be messed with. The actress who studied at Auburn University in Alabama has been in everything from A Time to Kill to The X-Files, ER, Coach Carter, Spider Man and the list goes on-and-on-and-on. Even though many are just noticing her now from her standout role in The Help, we hope she continues to garner the success she deserves.
8. Aisha Tyler
Although Tyler has gone the stand-up comedy route these days, we’d love to see the actress in funny Maya Rudolph-type roles. Apart from her mean-standup routine, her filmotography shows her to be a versatile performer, with starring roles in television the dramas CSI, 24, Nip/Tuck and Ghost Whisperer.
Did we leave anyone out? Who are some other Hollywood actresses that you think are underrated?
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