Who are the greatest Black actors in history?

From Oscar winners who redefined dramatic acting to comedic legends and superhero icons, this lineup spans generations and genres — some timeless classics, others modern game-changers. Who truly stands above the rest?

1

Denzel Washington

Two-time Oscar winner known for roles in Training Day, Malcolm X, and Fences.

2

Sidney Poitier

Groundbreaking actor and first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, known for Lilies of the Field and In the Heat of the Night.

3

Morgan Freeman

Oscar-winning actor with an iconic voice, known for The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, and Se7en.

4

Will Smith

Global superstar and Oscar winner known for Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness, and King Richard.

5

Eddie Murphy

Comedy legend and dramatic talent known for Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Dolemite Is My Name.

6

Laurence Fishburne

Tony, Emmy, and Oscar nominee known for Boyz n the Hood, The Matrix trilogy, and What's Love Got to Do with It.

7

Samuel L. Jackson

The highest-grossing actor of all time, known for Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

8

Jamie Foxx

Oscar and Grammy winner known for Ray, Django Unchained, and Collateral.

9

Forest Whitaker

Oscar winner known for The Last King of Scotland, Bird, and Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.

10

Idris Elba

BAFTA-winning British actor known for The Wire, Luther, Beasts of No Nation, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

11

Chadwick Boseman

Acclaimed actor who portrayed T'Challa in the Black Panther franchise and iconic figures like Jackie Robinson and James Brown.

12

Louis Gossett Jr.

First Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, known for An Officer and a Gentleman and Roots.