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Black America Web
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Up-and-Coming Black Actresses You Need to Know
Source: Anadolu / Getty The entertainment industry is seeing an exciting wave of new, talented Black actresses who are shaping the future of television and film. These rising stars are breaking barriers with their performances, tackling diverse roles, and changing the landscape of Hollywood. It's truly a beautiful sight to witness, as Hollywood has not always been welcoming to our melanated queens. Before the 1950s, Black actresses were rarely seen on the big screen, and when they did appear, their roles were often relegated to harmful stereotypes, failing to capture the full breadth of the Black experience. The Civil Rights movement ushered in a new page for Black female stars, where their roles began to expand to include ' more diverse' and 'complex character development,' according to Duke University Libraries. Related Stories While things have slowly improved over time, with Black women increasingly taking on a powerful array of roles for major film projects, there's still much work to be done to ensure they receive their rightful recognition. Only 10 Black actresses have ever won an Oscar in the acting categories, the LA Times notes . Halle Berry remains the only Black woman to win Best Actress (for Monster's Ball in 2002). The other nine have won in the Best Supporting Actress category. With stars like Danielle Deadwyler, Wunmi Mosaku, and Taylor Russell dominating the big screen in recent years, these rising talents are pushing boundaries and paving the way for our future queens on screen. Here are seven Black actresses that we are excited to see make waves in the film world. MORE: Young Black Actors To Watch In 2025 Up-and-Coming Black Actresses You Need to Know was originally published on Source:Getty Danielle Deadwyler's breakout performance in The Harder They Fall (2021) as Cuffee was a showstopper. The 43-year-old's portrayal of a Black woman in the Old West made her a standout in the star-studded cast. She also received critical acclaim for her role in Till (2022), where she played Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, and received praise for this year's chilling horror film The Woman In The Yard. Deadwyler's commanding presence and emotional depth make her one of the most exciting actresses on the rise. We think she's poised for even greater roles in both historical dramas and modern works, and can't wait to see what she takes on next. Source:Getty Dominique Thorne, 27, made an unforgettable impression with her breakout role in Barry Jenkins' If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), where she played the role of the compassionate and determined Sheila Hunt. More recently, she is known for her role as the tech-savvy Riri Williams, the leading star of the wildly popular Disney+ series Ironheart , which debuted in June. The role continues the story of her character introduced in 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Thorne's impressive range as an actress has fans spellbound, a testament to her true devotion to the craft. During an interview with Essence in 2023, the star revealed that she has always wanted to act ever since high school. 'In my mind, wanting to become an actor started when I had to apply to high schools because that's the first time that I said, 'Yes, this is what I want to do,' she explained. 'I only want to go to performing arts schools.' But the more I talk to family, the more they remind me that this has been something that I've been interested in since I was a child. Over the holidays, actually, they were reminding me about auditions we used to go on from ads that you'd hear on the radio, back when they still did that. My dad would faithfully drive me to each and every one that we heard. I was probably around nine or 10 at that time, but high school's when it got serious.' Source:Getty Taylor Russell's breakout role came with Trey Edward Shults' Waves (2019), where she starred as a teenage girl navigating the grief of losing a family member. Her sensitive and powerful performance garnered significant praise. She also appeared in the Escape Room series and was a standout in the scary horror film Bones and All (2022), where she starred opposite Timothée Chalamet. Fans are excited to see what the 31-year-old Canadian actress has in store for a possible third edition of Escape Room, but a release date and production details are murky. Interestingly, an X account called Film Updates alleged on July 21 that the beautiful Hollywood actress had been tapped to star in Frank Ocean's directorial debut alongside Industry star David Jonsson, but details are unclear. Here's what we do know: Russell's impressive range and emotionally charged performances are driving her toward a promising career. Her roles in both independent films and big-budget projects signal that she is ready for even bigger things. Source:Getty Jayme Lawson, 27, gained attention for her role in Ridley Scott's The Last Duel (2021), where she portrayed the character of Princess Isabelle. She has also starred in a variety of stage productions and is a rising star in the theater community. Her presence in film is now growing, with her poised performances marking her as a future leading lady. Fans are excited to see Lawson shine in The Running Man, which is set to debut on Nov. 7. The film will serve as an adaptation of Stephen King's critically acclaimed novel of the same name, according to Variety. Lawson will star alongside Glen Powell, Michael Cera, and several other big-named stars. Source:Getty KiKi Layne's performance in If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) as Tish Rivers was an unforgettable showcase of her talent. She has since appeared in films like The Old Guard (2020) and Coming 2 America (2021), where she further proved her acting range. The 33-year-old standout recently appeared in The Old Guard 2 , continuing to expand her role as the fierce Marine-trained warrior, Nile Freeman. Speaking to MadameNoire at the Netflix Presents Black Excellence Brunch during the American Black Film Festival on June 13, Layne shared how 'amazing' it felt to reimagine her role as Nile for the second time. The 33-year-old star said she was honored to bring a fresh and powerful presence to the action genre, a category of film that 'hasn't always centered' Black women. For Layne, The Old Guard 2 is more than just a film; it's a moment of representation and creative evolution. 'It means everything to me,' the Hollywood standout shared. 'I'm always thinking about how we are being seen and how I am representing us in every project that I do. To be the lead of an action film, and to do that alongside Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman, these women who have kicked down so many doors for women in action. Now I get to take it to the next level and represent for Black women in action. It's amazing.' Source:Getty Ayo Edibiri is a rapidly rising actress, comedian, and writer who has garnered attention for her work in both television and film. Known for her sharp wit and emotional range, she has become a standout talent in the entertainment world. One of her most significant roles is in The Bear (2022–present), where she plays Sydney Adamu, a young chef navigating the intense and high-pressure world of fine dining. Her performance in the series has been widely praised for its blend of humor and vulnerability. Ayo has also gained recognition for her voice work in the animated series Big Mouth (2017–2023), where she voices a recurring character named Natalie. Additionally, she had a memorable guest appearance on the hit sitcom Abbott Elementary (2021–present), where she brought her comedic sensibilities to a unique role. In film, Ayo starred in Bottoms (2023), a raunchy teen comedy directed by Emma Seligman. The film follows two high school girls who start a fight club to increase their social standing, and Ayo's portrayal of the character PJ was praised for her ability to deliver both laughs and emotional depth. This year, the 29-year-old made her horror film debut in Opus, starring opposite John Malkovich, which sent chills down our spines. With her versatile skillset in full throttle, we cannot wait to see what she tackles next.
Black America Web
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
20 Black Women in Film Who Proved One Role Can Change Everything
Some Black women in film don't need a dozen chances to make their mark. One role. One performance. One unforgettable presence—that's all it took. This list honors 20 Black women in film whose breakout performances became instant cultural milestones. These weren't just great roles. They were turning points for Hollywood and for how we see Black women on screen. Take Halle Berry in Monster's Ball. She became the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress. That moment was historic, but it also exposed how rare those moments are. Lupita Nyong'o stunned the world in 12 Years a Slave. Her emotional performance earned her an Academy Award and solidified her place in cinematic history after just one role. Then there's Gabourey Sidibe in Precious. Her raw debut helped shift conversations about Black girlhood, poverty, and body image in mainstream media. Each of these Black women in film did more than act—they represented, they challenged, and they redefined what power looks like. Some lit up indie films. Others carried major blockbusters. All brought something fresh, honest, and unforgettable to the screen. Their performances proved that one moment—one chance—can change a life, spark a movement, and leave a legacy. This list isn't just about success. It's about visibility, impact, and the cultural weight these women carry every time their scenes replay in our heads. It's time to give them their flowers. Let's start with these 20. Viola Davis' Madame Tussauds Wax Figure Reveal Was A Whole Moment, Comes As Her New Film G20 Set To Air Tiffany Haddish Debunks Katt Williams Claim Live On Stage At The Improv Taraji P. Henson Gains Full Ownership Of Beauty Brand, TPH 20 Black Women in Film Who Proved One Role Can Change Everything was originally published on 1. Halle Berry – Monster's Ball (2001) Berry made history as the first Black woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress for her raw, emotional performance. 2. Lupita Nyong'o – 12 Years a Slave (2013) Her heartbreaking debut earned her an Academy Award and launched a global career rooted in grace and power. 3. Viola Davis – Doubt (2008) Davis stunned with just one scene, earning an Oscar nomination and proving her unmatched dramatic presence. 4. Whoopi Goldberg – Ghost (1990) Goldberg won an Oscar for her comedic and heartfelt role, showing the power of blending humor with soul. 5. Angela Bassett – What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) Bassett's fierce portrayal of Tina Turner remains one of the most respected biopic performances ever. 6. Gabourey Sidibe – Precious (2009) Sidibe's debut role was vulnerable, raw, and unforgettable—earning her Oscar nods and instant cultural relevance. 7. Cynthia Erivo – Harriet (2019) Erivo embodied Harriet Tubman with strength and dignity, earning Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy nominations. 8. Danai Gurira – Black Panther (2018) As Okoye, she became a global symbol of power, loyalty, and Black female leadership on screen. 9. Tiffany Haddish – Girls Trip (2017) Haddish stole every scene and launched a comedy career off one unforgettable, meme-worthy performance. 10. Oprah Winfrey – The Color Purple (1985) Though known as a media mogul, Oprah's first major acting role earned her an Oscar nomination and deepened her legacy. 11. Taraji P. Henson – Hustle & Flow (2005) Her emotional performance and musical contribution ('It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp') helped the film win an Oscar. 12. Tessa Thompson – Dear White People (2014) Thompson brought sharp wit and emotional depth to a film that challenged race and identity in America. 13. Lashana Lynch – No Time To Die (2021) Lynch became the first Black female 007, breaking barriers in one of the world's biggest franchises. 14. Quvenzhané Wallis – Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) At just 9 years old, she became the youngest Best Actress Oscar nominee ever. 15. Adepero Oduye – Pariah (2011) Her role as a queer Black teen in this indie film was quietly groundbreaking and deeply human. 16. Aja Naomi King – The Birth of a Nation (2016) King's performance brought grace and grit to a controversial but historically significant film. 17. Kiki Layne – If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) Layne delivered softness and strength in a poetic adaptation of Baldwin's work. 18. Saniyya Sidney – King Richard (2021) Sidney's portrayal of Venus Williams added depth and energy to one of 2021's most celebrated biopics. 19. Tia Nomore – Earth Mama (2023) With little acting experience, Nomore's raw, natural performance earned critical acclaim and spotlighted motherhood in crisis. 20. Teyonah Parris – Dear White People (2014) Parris held her own with charm and fire in a satire that helped redefine modern Black cinema.
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Diddy Trial Verdict: Celebrities React—'Sick to My Stomach'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Celebrities are speaking out following Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile federal trial verdict on Wednesday. The rapper, 55, was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges and was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Newsweek reached out to Combs' representative via email for comment on Thursday. The Context Combs got his start as an intern at Uptown Records, and he founded Bad Boy Records in the early 1990s. The label signed notable artists like French Montana, Machine Gun Kelly, Janelle Monáe and Cassie Ventura. The New York native is also a three-time Grammy Award winning rapper, and he appeared in films like Get Him to the Greek, Godzilla, Monster's Ball and Bad Boys II. Prior to his legal troubles, Forbes said Combs was "on a glide path to becoming a billionaire." In 2019, the outlet reported his net worth to be approximately $740 million. Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (L) Aubrey O'Day attends the Creators Inc Art Week & Celebrity Fashion... Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (L) Aubrey O'Day attends the Creators Inc Art Week & Celebrity Fashion Show at Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach on December 8, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. (R) Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson attends the BMF/STARZ – For Your Consideration 2024 on May 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. More Bryan Steffy/WireImage;;for STARZ What To Know In November 2023, Ventura—who dated Combs on-and-off from 2007 until 2018—filed a lawsuit against him, alleging that he raped, sex trafficked and physically abused her over a 10-year period. In total, 120 people accused the music mogul of sexual misconduct, the Associated Press reported, and in March 2024, his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal agents. Combs was arrested in New York City in September and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all accusations against him. What People Are Saying Ventura's laywer, Douglas H. Wigdor, said in a statement: "This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. We must repeat – with no reservation – that we believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors." John Rich, one half of the country duo Big & Rich, wrote on X: "Wicked and perverted child abusers across America are celebrating the Sean Combs verdicts today. I'm sick to my stomach and can't stop gritting my teeth. I pray The Father exercises His judgement upon them beyond anything a court could ever do. Can I get an amen from the people of The Lord?" Kesha shared on X: "Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor." Rosie O'Donnell posted to Instagram: "i guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion- wow - they just think women stay because what? money - fame - 'they love the abuse' - what a f***ing joke - this decision got me angry #cassie." Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who often takes jabs at Diddy on social media, said on Instagram: "Diddy beat the Rico, that boy a bad man! he like the Gay John Gotti @50centaction." Danity Kane member Aubrey O'Day, an outspoken critic of her former mentor Combs, took to her Instagram Story, writing: "I am still unpacking the magnitude of it all. The cultural weight of this decision is immeasurable. It is heartbreaking to witness how many lives have been impacted by their experiences with Sean Combs—only for those stories to fall short in the eyes of a jury. I can only hope these jurors never have to watch someone they love endure what so many survivors have described." "My heart is with Cassie. A woman who could've had a life and career free of fear and control. A woman who told her truth in a courtroom, only to have the world dissect her credibility instead of her courage." "Let's be clear: the courtroom operates by the law, but that DOES NOT mean it delivers justice. Nor is it the best place to develop the moral compass this world so urgently needs. The pattern of behavior Sean Combs has shown us over the decades is not a mystery. It is a warning. And now, that pattern risks being reframed—and has now been legitimized by the system. This wasn't Bonnie and Clyde—this was control, coercion, and abuse - and we have to stop rewriting history and excuse the behavior and start normalizing accountability—no matter how powerful the person. That narrative is not just dishonest. It's dangerous." "Women, Nor men, Nor ANY ARTIST - are the property of those with the most wealth, fame & power. We are not disposable. 12 people on a jury will not be deciding that for us." What Happens Next Combs was denied bail by Judge Arun Subramanian while he awaits his sentencing. His sentencing date is currently set for October 3 this year.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diddy's ‘Monster's Ball' Inmate Costume Sold For Over $24,000
One of Sean 'Diddy' Combs' major film roles came in 2001 when he played inmate Lawrence Musgrove— Halle Berry's husband— in Monster's Ball. Amid his federal sex trafficking-racketeering trial, the costume from the film hit the auction block and was sold for $24,510. GWS Auctions, who oversaw the sale, noted that bidding began and ended on June 7. The ensemble, which consisted of a 'short sleeved white Hanes crew neck t-shirt, light grey crew neck sweatshirt with cut off sleeves, pair of Faded Glory blue jeans and pair of black canvas slip on shoes,' was a reported 'hot-ticket lot with 49 total bids.' The costume also comes with a production costumer's tag listing the items and scenes they appeared in. The official description read, 'This ensemble was worn by Sean (P. Diddy) Combs as he portrayed 'Lawrence Musgrove' in the 2001 romantic drama film, 'Monster's Ball.' The costume is worn by Combs during the beginning to middle of the film while in prison and meeting with his son and wife 'Leticia' (portrayed by Halle Berry) to say goodbye before being executed.' The costume was acquired from Star Wares of Los Angeles. A rep from GWS told TMZ an overseas collector spent $24,510 acquiring the ensemble. Meanwhile, his request for a mistrial was denied for a second time. Defense attorneys who previously alleged 'prosecutorial misconduct' in a motion to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, made his ruling Tuesday (June 10). The letter claimed 'the government has presented testimony that it knew or should have known was materially false related to its allegation that Mr. Combs dangled Bryana Bongolan from the balcony of Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura's apartment in September 2016.' Both Bongolan and Ventura have testified about the alleged incident. Combs' defense argued, 'The incident, as alleged, is disturbing and powerful evidence, and the government has used it to depict Mr. Combs in an extremely negative light, as an angry and dangerous man who terrified Ms. Ventura and her friends.' They also labeled Ventura's account of the alleged ordeal as 'demonstrably false.' More from Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Currently Reading This Book While On Trial Diddy's Ex-GF Shares Recording Of Him Asking For Friendship After Cassie Lawsuit Diddy Allegedly Continued "Freak-Offs" After Homeland Security Raided His Homes
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Is Currently Reading This Book While On Trial
If you're wondering what Sean 'Diddy' Combs is reading to keep his mind clear as he faces sex trafficking and racketeering charges, journalist Emilie Hagen has the answer. Attending the trial as a court reporter, Hagen took to her Instagram page Thursday to reveal that she 'spoke to Diddy' in the courtroom as he walked in with a book and took his seat with the defense. As he turned around to acknowledge the room, Hagen asked what he was reading, and he proceeded to hold up the tome for the room to see. 'He grabs the book and then he shows it to me then shows it to everyone else,' she shared. 'It was The Magic Of Believing, a book about how to use the power of the mind to tap into reality, to help manifest different thoughts and actions. 'It's like a self-help book that I would read,' she added. In a follow-up post, Hagen shared her belief that Diddy reading the book, which is properly titled The Magic Of Believing: The Classic Guide To Unlocking The Power of Your Mind, is an indication that he's trying to 'manifest his verdict.' If you're curious enough, you can pick up a copy via Amazon here. Since his September 2024 arrest, Combs has been jailed at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, where he'll remain throughout his trial, which officially began in early May. The Bad Boy Records founder has denied all charges against him. If found guilty, he could face 15 years to life in prison. More from Diddy's Ex-GF Shares Recording Of Him Asking For Friendship After Cassie Lawsuit Diddy's 'Monster's Ball' Inmate Costume Sold For Over $24,000 Diddy Allegedly Continued "Freak-Offs" After Homeland Security Raided His Homes
