The Best Black Actors Of 2022

Updated May 15, 2024 25 items

Ranked By

687 votes

136 voters

1 reranks

Inclusion and diversity in Hollywood is more important than ever, so it's nice to see great Black actors get the recognition they deserve. Daniel Kaluuya is launching into 2022 with Jordan Peele's Nope after starring in the dramatic biopic Judas and the Black Messiah. We're also excited to see John Boyega in The Woman King. But watch out for Michael B. Jordan who is sure to be awesome in Creed III and we can't wait for it to come out later this year. With so many great Black and African American actors working today it's hard to determine the best, but that's where your vote can help.

Vote up all your favorite Black actors that are having their moment in the spotlight this year. Then check back to see if one of them made it to the top of the list. Who knows, you might be able to use this list to predict an Oscar winner in 2023.

1
Samuel L. Jackson
Age: 75
56 votes
Commanding the screen with his powerful presence, Samuel L. Jackson has played memorable roles in films like Pulp Fiction, The Avengers, and the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Apart from acting, he is also a film producer and a civil rights activist. With over 150 film credits to his name, Jackson is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
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2
Idris Elba
Age: 51
56 votes
Best known for his captivating performances in Luther and The Wire, Idris Elba is a versatile British actor who has graced both the small and big screens. Nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, Elba has also starred in numerous films such as Thor, Pacific Rim, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. In addition to acting, he is an accomplished DJ and musician.
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3
Michael B. Jordan
Age: 37
64 votes
With an impressive range of roles under his belt, Michael B. Jordan has captivated audiences in films like Creed, Black Panther, and Fruitvale Station. Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world, he is also actively involved in social activism. Jordan's production company, Outlier Society, is dedicated to promoting diversity in the entertainment industry.
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4
Daniel Kaluuya
Age: 35
69 votes
Thrilling audiences with his breakthrough performance in Get Out, Daniel Kaluuya is an English actor who has quickly risen to fame. His other notable works include Black Panther, Widows, and the recent Oscar-nominated film Judas and the Black Messiah. Despite his young age, Kaluuya has already proven his acting prowess and continues to take on complex and diverse roles.
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5
Donald Glover
Age: 40
47 votes
A multi-talented performer, Donald Glover first gained recognition with his role on the comedy series Community. As an actor, writer, and musician, Glover has demonstrated his versatility in various projects including the critically acclaimed series Atlanta and his music career under the stage name Childish Gambino. Glover also took on the iconic role of Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story.
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6
Jamie Foxx
Age: 56
44 votes
Oscar-winning actor, musician, and comedian, Jamie Foxx has had a long and successful career in Hollywood. His critically acclaimed performances in Ray, Django Unchained, and Collateral have solidified his status as a versatile and talented actor. Foxx is also a Grammy Award-winning musician with several chart-topping hits to his name.
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7
Lakeith Stanfield
Age: 32
41 votes
Rising to fame with his role in Short Term 12, Lakeith Stanfield has quickly become a recognized talent in Hollywood. His captivating performances in Get Out, Atlanta, and Sorry to Bother You highlight his ability to play diverse and complex characters. In 2021, Stanfield earned his first Academy Award nomination for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah.
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8
John David Washington
Age: 39
42 votes
Son of legendary actor Denzel Washington, John David Washington has created his own path in the world of acting. He rose to prominence with his role in the HBO series Ballers, and later starred in critically acclaimed films such as BlacKkKlansman and Tenet. With his undeniable charisma and talent, Washington has become a formidable force in the industry.
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9
Winston Duke
42 votes
Born in Tobago, Winston Duke made his mark on the Hollywood scene with his portrayal of M'Baku in Black Panther. He continued to impress audiences in films like Us and Spenser Confidential, showcasing his talent for playing multifaceted characters. Duke's commanding screen presence has quickly established him as a sought-after actor in the industry.
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10
Leslie Odom Jr.
Age: 42
19 votes
Acclaimed for his Tony Award-winning performance as Aaron Burr in the Broadway sensation Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. is a true multi-hyphenate talent. A skilled singer, actor, and dancer, Odom has brought his talent to both the stage and screen, appearing in films like Murder on the Orient Express and One Night in Miami. His recent Oscar nomination further solidifies his status as an acting powerhouse.
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11
John Boyega
Age: 32
34 votes
Gaining international recognition with his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, British actor John Boyega has shown his acting prowess on both stage and screen. In addition to his success in blockbuster films, Boyega has earned critical acclaim for his work in dramas such as Detroit and Small Axe. He is also actively involved in social activism and charity work.
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12
Anthony Mackie
Age: 45
45 votes
With a career spanning over two decades, Anthony Mackie has proven himself as a versatile and skilled actor. Known for his role as Sam Wilson/Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mackie has also appeared in films such as The Hurt Locker and 8 Mile. His recent performance in the Disney+ series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier has garnered critical praise.
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13
Jeffrey Wright
Age: 58
31 votes
An accomplished stage and screen actor, Jeffrey Wright has earned numerous awards for his work in productions like Angels in America and Basquiat. His filmography includes roles in Casino Royale, Westworld, and the most recent James Bond film, No Time to Die. Wright's impressive acting range has made him a consistent presence in Hollywood.
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14
Tyler James Williams
Age: 31
22 votes
Beginning his career as a child actor, Tyler James Williams found early success with his starring role on the popular sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. He went on to showcase his acting range in films such as Dear White People and TV series like The Walking Dead. Williams' ongoing work highlights his continued growth as a skilled and versatile performer.
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15
Corey Hawkins
35 votes
After graduating from the prestigious Juilliard School, Corey Hawkins quickly gained attention with his portrayal of Dr. Dre in the biopic Straight Outta Compton. He then starred as the lead in the TV series 24: Legacy and appeared in films like Kong: Skull Island and BlacKkKlansman. Hawkins' talent and versatility have positioned him as one to watch in Hollywood.
16
Aldis Hodge
Age: 37
36 votes
Starting his career as a child actor, Aldis Hodge has grown to become an accomplished performer with roles in TV series such as Leverage and City on a Hill as well as movies like The Invisible Man and One Night in Miami. Hodge's dedication to his craft has earned him a reputation for bringing depth and authenticity to his characters.
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17
Jonathan Majors
65 votes
Making a splash in Hollywood with his debut in the film The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Jonathan Majors has quickly become one of today's most promising actors. His performances in Lovecraft Country and Da 5 Bloods have earned him widespread acclaim. With an already extensive list of dynamic roles, Majors continues to captivate audiences with his unique talent.
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18
Damon Wayans, Jr.
Age: 41
21 votes
Following in his famous father's footsteps, Damon Wayans, Jr. has made a name for himself as a talented comedic actor. With standout roles in TV shows like Happy Endings and New Girl, as well as films such as Let's Be Cops and Big Hero 6, Wayans continues to showcase his natural ability for comedic timing and likability.
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19
O'Shea Jackson Jr.
23 votes
The son of Ice Cube, O'Shea Jackson Jr. made his acting debut playing his father in the critically acclaimed biopic Straight Outta Compton. Since then, he has starred in films such as Den of Thieves and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. With undeniable talent and charisma, Jackson is quickly carving out a successful career in Hollywood.
20
Jacob Latimore
Age: 27
19 votes
A multi-talented performer, Jacob Latimore began his career in music before transitioning to acting. With standout roles in films like Sleight and Collateral Beauty, and the TV series The Chi, Latimore has quickly established himself as a talented young actor in Hollywood. His ability to balance both acting and music careers speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft.

21
Jay Ellis
Age: 42
14 votes
Known for portraying Lawrence on the critically acclaimed HBO series Insecure, Jay Ellis has become a prominent figure in Hollywood. With a background in modeling and appearances in shows like Grey's Anatomy and NCIS, Ellis has proven his versatility as an actor. His recent role in the film Top Gun: Maverick showcases his continued rise in the industry.
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22
Lance Gross
Age: 42
18 votes
Displaying a broad range of talent, Lance Gross first gained notoriety with his role as Calvin Payne on the TV series House of Payne. Subsequently appearing in both television and film projects like Crisis and Our Family Wedding, Gross has continued to demonstrate his ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt and engaging performances.
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23
Shameik Moore
19 votes
Rising star Shameik Moore first gained attention in the film Dope and later gained widespread recognition as the voice of Miles Morales in the animated hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Moore's natural charisma and unique talent have quickly established him as a sought-after performer in Hollywood. He has also ventured into music, with a debut album set for release.
24
Brian Tyree Henry
35 votes
With an extensive background in theater, Brian Tyree Henry has transitioned seamlessly into film and television. His work on the hit series Atlanta and films like If Beale Street Could Talk and Widows showcases his ability to deliver powerful and nuanced performances. Henry's acting range and strong screen presence continue to captivate audiences.
25
Daveed Diggs
16 votes
Originally gaining fame as a member of the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, Daveed Diggs has since expanded his career into television and film. His impressive range can be seen in projects such as Blindspotting, Snowpiercer, and The Good Lord Bird. As an actor, rapper, singer, and writer, Diggs is a multi-talented force in the entertainment industry.
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Corey Hawkins

Shameik Moore