There is something magical and beautiful about a confident woman of color owning her talent and natural beauty. This is the case with many black female celebrities in Hollywood – powerful and gorgeous black women who are amazing at what they do. These women have not only made strides for themselves, but have pushed the world to further embrace diversity, inclusion and equity in the entertainment industry. With black female role models like Rihanna, Halley Berry, Kerry Washington and Zendaya, young girls of color see themselves represented on the big screen, and know that they too can pursue similar aspirations. Although, there are many more beautiful women of color on the big screen, here are 12 of the most beautiful and inspirational black actresses of Hollywood.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington was born in The Bronx, New York in 1977, and is most known for her roles in “Scandal,” “Django Unchained” and “Save the Last Dance.”
Halle Berry
Halle Berry was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966, and is known for a plethora of memorable films, like “Catowoman,” “Monster’s Ball,” “Frankie & Alice,” “Perfect Stranger,” “X-Men,” “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” and many more.
Lupita Nyong’o
Born in 1983 in Mexico City, Mexico, became a household name with films like “Black Panther,” “Us,” and “12 Years a Slave.”
Angela Bassett
A legendary actress, Bassett is known for her memorable roles in films like, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “Black Panther,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” and the list goes on.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Born in Los Angeles in 1972, and daughter of iconic singer Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross became everyone’s favorite girlfriend with sitcom “Girlfriends,” and further cemented her career with “Black-ish.”
Taraji P. Henson
Born in Washington D.C, in 1970, actress and producer Taraji P. Henson is known for her roles in “Hidden Figures,” “Hustle and Flow,” and “Empire.”
Zendaya
Born in Oakland, California in 1996, Zendaya has transformed from a child star to a serious film actress, with recent roles in “Spider-man: Homecoming” and “The Greatest Showman.”
Tika Sumpter
Tika Sumpter was born in New York in 1980, and has become a major player in Hollywood, starring in films like “Think Like a Man,” “Southside with You,” and “Sparkle.”
Queen Latifah
A legend in the music industry, Queen Latifah has also found success in Hollywood with films like “Set it Off,” “Last Holiday,” “Hairspray,” and “Just Wright.”
Meagan Good
Meagan Good was born in Panorama City, California in 1981. She began acting at the age of 4 and quickly became a household with movies like “You Got Served,” “Deliver Us from Eva,” and “Think Like A Man.”
Nia Long
Born in Brookly, New York in 1970, Nia Long has starred in several classic films like “The Best Man,” “Big Momma’s House,” and “Soul Food.”
Jill Scott
Born in 1972 in North Philadelphia, Jill Scott got her start as a talented singer and successfully made the crossover to acting as well – starring in films and shows like “The First Wives Club,” “Black Lightning,” and “Why Did I Get Married?”