# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published April 8, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-are-the-greatest-black-actors-in-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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.

Tags: historical-figures, movies, celebrities, men, actors