Any list of the most popular Hollywood actors has to include some of the most engaging and famous black actors in the business today. In this article, we discuss the top 10 most popular African American actors in Hollywood today.
After last year’s #Oscarssowhite fiasco, the industry is aware of its past bias. This year’s Golden Globes even had an issue with differentiating between two different movies starring mostly African American casts. So let’s forget the white folks for a minute; it’s overdue.
Science Behind the Rankings:
The list that follows is highly scientific, with lots of analytical extrapolations about z-scores, box office receipts, and Twitter followers. These are scientifically proven to be the 10 most popular African American actors in the world. Just don’t ask to see our work!
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Top 10 Famous Black Actors in Hollywood
1. Most Famous Black Actor: Denzel Washington
Denzel may be an old man of the group these days, but he still tops any list. At 62 years old, Washington is still bringing the heat. This most famous black actor is nominated for Best Actor at this year’s Oscars, 25 years after being nominated for his starring role in Malcolm X. Another Best Actor win (his first came in 2001 for Training Day) will solidify his spot for years to come.
2. Michael B. Jordan
The other Michael Jordan may not be getting the award recognition yet, but he is a legitimate movie star. After breaking out on television in The Wire and then Friday Night Lights, Jordan has been garnering lead roles in huge films of varying genres. From the sci-fi drama, Chronicle, to Fruitvale Station to a superhero film and then a Rocky movie, Jordan can do it all.
3. Will Smith
Though Will Smith has been around for years now, he continues to be highly regarded in the film industry. And he certainly isn’t past his prime. Smith starred in three major movies over the past two years alone. His supporting role in Suicide Squad was a new spot for him, but Smith handled it well. And in case fans were worried, more Bad Boys films are coming down the pike!
4. Donald Glover
No one is having a bigger year than Donald Glover. After quitting television to become a rapper, it was unlikely the term Hollywood actor would ever be applied to Glover. Instead, he has come back a with vengeance. His own TV show was a massive hit, and now he is set to star in Lion King, Spider Man, AND the new Han Solo film.
5. Chiwetel Ejiofor
Ejiofor has not be quiet after his breakout in the Oscar-nominated 12 Years a Slave. His role in the Marvel, superhero universe has made sure of that. After a Doctor Strange supporting role, Ejiofor is primed for another Mordo film in the coming years.
6. Chadwick Boseman
Speaking of superhero flicks, Chadwick Boseman is ironing out his own circle. Between Captain America, Black Panther, and The Avengers, Boseman is going to be very busy in the most popular box office films going today.
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7. Anthony Mackie
Almost a forgotten man in the superhero world these days, Mackie remains a Hollywood star. He was Boseman before Boseman became Boseman, and rightfully belongs on the list of famous black actors.
8. Forest Whitaker
The kids may not relate to old Forest these days, but the dude continues to churn out great work. He won his Oscar more than 10 years ago at this point, but that hasn’t stopped Whitaker from having major roles in Star Wars, superhero, and award-nominated films since.
9. Mahershala Ali
Ali is just bursting onto the scene, joining the ranks of the Hollywood actors and becoming a desired man. He is entering with a bang. Ali is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Moonlight at the 2017 Oscars, becoming just the second African-American actor of the past decade to be nominated in that category.
10. Cuba Gooding Jr.
We have to give acknowledgment to Cuba for his massive 2016. Though he technically didn’t grace the silver screen, his role as O.J. Simpson on last year’s breakout drama, The People v. O.J. Simpson, is hard to ignore. Let’s hope we see him in movies again real soon.
Conclusion
Who did we leave out or overlook? There are so many great famous black actors to consider. Get back to us with your top-10 choices that failed to make the cut! Remember, don’t just rely on the Academy of Motion Pictures to tell you who is the hottest black actor, because surely they will leave many great famous black actors off their list.
