Are you looking for beautiful black women who can inspire you? Your search is over. Here’s a list of gorgeous black celebrity women who have done it all. This is a list that pays homage to the grandeur, finesse, success, and accomplishment of these beautiful celebrity women. You’re about to be amazed and inspired by these smart and industrious women who have weathered the storm and paved the way for themselves in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
1. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a beautiful black woman known for her prolific business acumen. She is an amazing television show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Oprah is the first black female billionaire in America. She hosted her television show for 25 years.
She is known for her acts of philanthropy. Oprah has gotten a couple of awards, and one of them is the presidential medal of freedom. She has also been introduced to the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
2. Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira is one of the black celebrity women known to play powerful characters. No wonder, in 2018, she played the role of Okoye in the Marvel film Black Panther. In the film Black Panther, Okoye was a member of the Dora Milaje, representing the female special forces team for Wakanda in the film.
Danai is also well known for her role as Michonne, which she took in the AMC horror television series titled The Walking Dead. Apart from acting, she is a role model for women.
3. Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson rose to prominence after reaching the final stage of American Idol season three. In 2006, she debuted as an actress in the film Dream Girls. She has a couple of awards with her name on them. They include a Golden Award, a BAFTA Award, an Academy Award, etc.
Worthy of note is the award for being the best supporting actress for her role in a movie. The award was presented by the Screen Actors Guild. Jennifer has an R&B album, for which she won a Grammy. She has performed on Broadway and at the Super Bowl halftime show.
4. Gina Torres
Gina Torres became well known when she played the Zoe Washburne role in Firefly, the western space drama. She has also starred in and acted in lots of successful films. She played a role in the legal drama “Suits” and The Matrix franchise. Interestingly, she has also provided voiceovers for a lot of video games.
5. Casandra Elizabeth Ventura – Cassie
Cassie launched her career as a model and dancer. Then other artistic endeavors were added to her portfolio. She sings, acts, and writes songs with such a unique prowess and expertise. On another note, she has served as a representative for well-known fashion brands. She has also been featured in a couple of top lifestyle magazines.
6. Eva Marcille
Eva Marcille is well-known as the winner of America’s Next Top Model’s third season. She has appeared on the front pages of notable fashion and lifestyle magazines like Essence. Eva Marcille has portrayed top designer brands like CoverGirl and DKNY. She has also made social appearances in reality TV shows and fiction in the course of her career.
7. Arlenis Sosa
As a representative of major fashion houses globally on the runway, Arlenis Sosa is a force to reckon with. Some of the fashion houses include Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Diane Von Furstenberg. Arlenis Sosa is doing well as the spokeswoman for Lancome.
8. Laila Ali
Just like her father, Laila Ali took the professional boxing path. However, she was able to create a successful acting and athletic career for herself. She has lots of super-weight titles in WIBA, IBA, WBC, and IWBF. Ali has made grand appearances on numerous reality TV shows.
9. Beyonce Giselle Knowles – Beyonce
Beyonce is an amazing black woman with a distinctive glow. She has conquered the music and movie industries with her fantastic singing prowess. She’s also a very good songwriter, music producer, dancer, and actress. She is a member of the popular 90’s group Destiny’s Child, who became the biggest pop and R&B solo artist.
Beyonce has received 70 Grammy Award nominations and has won 24 of them as a solo artist. When talking about the most awarded artist in the history of the MTV Music Awards, Beyonce is the name that pops up. She has won awards for her meritorious contributions to the world at large through her work in films, television shows, journalism, and philanthropic acts.
10. Robyn Rihanna Fenty – Rihanna
Rihanna is one of the forces to reckon with in the global music industry. She has a voice, and she is a voice. Rihanna is one of the best-selling musical artists. She has numerous Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards to her name.
Amazingly, she has business world records too. In addition to her successful music career, she is also a fantastic philanthropist and fashionista. She is well known for her Fenty brand and the Clara Lionel Foundation. Rihanna is indeed one of the most popular black celebrity women in the world.
11. Kerry Washington
Remember Olivia Pope from the popular television program Scandal? Kerry Washington took that role as the first major black actress in a network TV program in decades. She has a couple of nominations for notable awards. Such awards include Emmy awards, SAG awards, and Golden Globes. In recent times, she starred as an actress in Little Fires Everywhere, a Hulu Original Series.
12. Kelly Rowland
Kelendria Trené “Kelly” Rowland is an American singer and songwriter also known to be an astute television personality, songwriter, and actress. Her journey to fame was fast-tracked by being a member of Destiny’s Child in the 90s. Destiny’s Child was then in most of the world’s best-selling girl groups. Ever since then, she has built a beautiful career for herself and risen far above her peers. She also takes part in numerous charitable acts.
13. Gabrielle Union
As the classic face of the ’90s and early 2000s, Gabrielle Union played fantastic roles in movies like Bad Boys 2, Bring it On, etc. Later, Gabrielle Union delved into activism, writing, and political activities. She made her judicious contributions while working under President Obama’s administration. Then, she worked with the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women.
14. Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel, is an American model born in the early 90s. She ventured into modeling as early as the age of 15 and has grown to become an authority in that niche. She had her first commercial ad campaign in 2010 for Gap and UGG Australia. Her success in her modeling career is an inspiring one that says, “you can start early and win.”
15. Aja Naomi King
Aja Naomi King is well known for her role in the ABC television series “How to Get Away with Murder.” To this end, she was nominated for an award by the NAACP in recognition of her excellent performance as a supporting actress. Her acting career is fruitful as she was a part of many successful film projects, television shows, and personal/independent projects.
16. Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o began her acting career in the United States as far back as the early 2000s before she went back to Kenya. Lupita was raised in Kenya, and on returning there, she acted in the show Shuga. She has been featured in lots of movies and won numerous awards.
She featured in 12 Years a Slave and was awarded by the academy as the best supporting actress. She also featured in Black Panther, the wildly successful Marvel movie. Lupita is the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to have an academy award to her name.
17. Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks has a rich and notable personality with a prolific career. She started by putting the right foot forward in the modeling industry. Her early work distinguished her and propelled her to the top three on the list of the world’s highest-paid models.
She also took part in minor aspects of many television shows and movies. Thereafter, she developed the long-term reality show America’s Next Top Model. This show ran for 22 full seasons.
18. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell has done well in her lifetime. She is on the list of the most successful supermodels of her dispensation. Campbell was the first black female model to be revealed in Time Magazine. On her career path, she has delved into things like songwriting, singing, acting, producing, and reality TV shows. She is actively involved in philanthropy and charitable works.
19. Ciara Princess Wilson – Ciara
Ciara’s name has been featured many times on the Billboard Hot 100. She has won some awards as an artist, such as BET Awards and MTV Music Video Awards. Ciara has also won a Grammy for her craft. She has sold over 23 million records globally. She sets the pace as a black female actress and model.
20. Janelle Monae
The list of black celebrity women wouldn’t be complete without Janelle Monae. She has many areas of interest and expertise. She is a fantastic rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. Janelle has acted in major motion pictures such as Hidden Figures.
She was also part of the cast of Moonlight, an academy award-winning best picture winner. Amazingly, she has eight Grammy nominations and awards to her name. On the list of her awards, you’ll find the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award and the MTV Music Video Award.
21. Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys wears many hats, each of which signifies the different roles that she plays in life. She is a well-known musician, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist. She has also exercised her writing prowess to deliver best-selling novels to numerous readers across the world.
Alicia Keys has also worked as a talent judge for a reality TV show, where she exercised her unbiased and distinctive quality of integrity. She has 15 Grammy Awards attached to her name and a long list of achievements. With her # NoMakeup campaign, she aims to celebrate women’s natural beauty while also challenging societal beauty expectations.
22. Zoe Saldana
The last several decades have been notably engaging for Zoe Saldana. That’s because she has been involved in notable franchises where she has starred and acted. Speaking of blockbuster movies where she played notable roles, Zoe is indeed a celebrity.
Such movies include “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” etc. And the interesting part is that these movies have grossed over $11 billion.
23. Winnie Harlow
Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young, also known as Winnie Harlow, is a Jamaican-Canadian fashion model. She is also known to give her voice to critical issues, specifically those about the skin condition vitiligo. Her fame rose when she opted in as one of the contestants in the 21st season of America’s Next Top Model.
She has a couple of awards in her portfolio, one of which is the role model award, presented at the GQ Men of the Year event in 2015. She has appeared in music videos and performed numerous other feats. Her life and career send a message of hope and resilience to other black women who may have one or more ” so-called” limitations.
24. Chanel Iman
Channel Iman is well known for her performance as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. The popular magazine Vogue included her in its list of the top 30 models of the 2000s. Her life speaks a resounding message of love and hope as she takes part in notable philanthropic activities.
She designed a backpack to raise money for the presidential campaign of Barack Obama in May 2011. “Black supporting black” was the message she projected.
25. Rosario Dawson
From Sin City to the DC Animated Movie Universe, Rosario Dawson made a swift movement just as her career took a toll in that direction. In the DC Animated Movie Universe, she provided the voice of Wonder Woman. She has a satellite award to her name for being the best-supporting actress in a motion picture. The award was in line with the role she played in the movie “Rent.” Rosario Dawson is active in politics, charity, and activism, and she uses these platforms to make an indelible mark as a black female celebrity.
26. Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer
Keke Palmer is an American actress, also reputed to be a singer and television personality. She has a beautiful and rewarding career. To this end, she has won a couple of awards, including five NAACP Image Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award. She ventured into the acting scene early in life, with her acting debut being in Barbershop 2: Back in Business.
She featured in The Wool Cap before her breakthrough movie, Akeelah and the Bee. Keke Palmer has continued to achieve greater career success amidst personal issues and struggles.
27. Jourdan Dunn
Jordan Dunn is a British model. 2006 was her golden year of discovery, and she was also signed to Squad Management, London. Fast forward to 2007, she started to appear on international runways. Then, in 2008, she became the first black model to walk a Prada runway in over 10 years.
She has won a couple of awards, like the Glamour Women of the Year award for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017. She also has music video appearances. One of them is “Regret in Your Tears,” a music video by Nicki Minaj.
28. Viola Davis
Viola Davis is the only black actress with the Triple Crown of acting. That’s because she has won an Emmy award, an Academy Award, and two Tony Awards. Interestingly, Time magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world in 2012 and 2017.
She acted in the popular drama series “How to Get Away with Murder” from the years 2014 to 2020. She is indeed breaking down barriers for black women through her notable feats and amazing contributions to Hollywood and the film industry at large.
29. Zendaya Coleman
Zendaya is an American actress and singer. However, her career started as a child model and then as a backup dancer. Her breakthrough role was between 2010 and 2013 as Rocky Blue in Shake It Up (the Disney Channel sitcom).
Her list of accolades is a long one, and on it, you’ll find a Primetime Emmy Award. She also has an MTV Movie and TV Award, two Saturn Awards, and many others crested with her name. Her life and career are beautiful ones, communicating hope to the less privileged through charity.
30. Adut Akech
Adut Akech is a black female celebrity, popularly known as a South Sudanese-Australian model. Models.com chose Adut as the model of the year in 2018 and 2019. She wears her color with pride and dignity and serves as a role model to many.
31. Lisa Bonet
Lisa Bonet is a black woman with an outstanding career as an American actress. She has won lots of awards, which included the Saturn Award, Young Artist Awards, etc.
32. Zuri Tibby
Zuri Tibby is an American model who was discovered in a shopping mall at age 15. In 2016, she received stunning news: she would be the first black model to appear as a spokesmodel at Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Interestingly, she appeared in the pink segment of the fashion show in 2016 and 2017.
33. Halle Berry
Halle Berry started as a model, and in those early days, she took part in notable pageants. Following her performance in the movie “Monster’s Ball,” released in 2001, Halle won an Academy Award for best actress. She is the only black actress to have been awarded that. She has also acted in films like John Wick, X-Men, James Bond, etc., which are all blockbusters.
34. Solange Piaget Knowles
Solange Knowles has carved out a career outside of her collaborative work with Beyonce. She once played the role of a backup dancer for the popular Destiny’s Child. Her career focus has now tilted towards songwriting, and she has a record of success as a producer, actress, dancer, and singer.
35. Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson started acting as far back as the late 90s, and she has gotten a couple of awards. Taraji has been awarded a SAG award, an Academy Award, and a Critic’s Choice Award. She featured in the film titled “Hidden Figures” in the year 2016.
That movie got nominated for Oscars and golden globes. Taraji also won an award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture presented by the Screen Actors Guild.
36. Zoe Kravitz
Zoe Kravitz created a successful career by herself, despite being the daughter of notable figures-Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. In recent times, she has starred in relevant TV programs like Highly Relevant and Big Little Lies. In the list of her filmography, you’ll find major franchises. Her franchises include Fantastic Beasts, Mad Max, Where to Find Them, etc.
37. Nykhor Paul
Nykhot Paul is a Sudanese fashion model. She belongs to the Nuer ethnic group. Though she was born in South Sudan, her family had to escape to Ethiopia due to the civil war. She has a record of modeling for big names like Rick Owens, Louis Vuitton, etc.
38. Nathalie Emmanuel
If you don’t know Missandei, the most trusted advisor to Daenerys Targaryen, then you probably haven’t watched Game of Thrones. Nathalie Emmanuel played the role of Missandei, and she was indeed a force to reckon with.
The interesting thing is that her work has paved the way for her beyond the HBO fantasy world. She now deals with the West End in London too. She has a couple of film franchises, like the Fast and Furious franchise and the Maze Runner franchise.
39. Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe Newton is an English actress. She has had a successful career as an actress, and that can be proven by the numerous awards, nominations, and recognition she has in her portfolio. She has a primetime Emmy Award, a British Academy film award, etc.
In 2018, she was ranked by a fashion website (Net-a-Porter) as one of the best-dressed women. She was also ranked as one of the 100 most influential black Britons that same year.
40. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A Nigerian female writer with prowess and diligence that goes far beyond the articulation of words. Chimamanda writes around themes of identity, womanhood, and storytelling. She has a TED talk titled “The Danger of a Single View” that has accrued over 15 million views. That TED talk is one of the most-watched TED talks ever. In 2008, Chimamanda was awarded the MacArthur Genius Grant in recognition of her work in non-fiction and fiction writing.
41. Ashleigh Murray
Ashleigh Murray began her career in acting in 2007, and, ever since then, has been featured as an actress in numerous notable series.
The CW show Riverdale had the honor of hosting Ashleigh Murray as a cast member when she played the role of Josie, lead singer of Rosie and the Pussycats. She also revised the role of Katy Keene for the spin of the series.
42. Normani Kordei Hamilton
Normani came to the spotlight when she took part in the X Factor in 2012, where she cautioned as a solo artist. She is an American singer and dancer with many collaborations. One of her notable feats is her duet with Khalid, which was certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. That same song became one of the top ten in the US at that time.
43. Meagan Good
Meagan Good has an acting career that started early on Nickelodeon. Then she got starred and acted in a good number of TV shows and films. She also has a record of doing voiceovers for video games. Good has gotten so established that she runs her own production company known as Freedom Bridge Entertainment.
44. Selita Ebanks
Selita Ebanks is a well-known, notable, and highly successful model and actress. Back in the early 2000s, she acted as Victoria’s Secret angel. She also has a record of representing top-profile fashion brands. Evan’s pictures have graced the pages of magazines like Glamour, Vogue, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
45. Noemie Lenoir
Noemie Lenoir is a well-known model from France. She has collaborated with top brands and photographers globally. Her profile is top-notch and highly desirable as she has represented clothing brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, L’Oréal, etc. She also makes grand appearances in music videos and films.
46. Yaya DaCosta
Yaya DaCosta has carved out a career in the fields of modeling and acting. She was the runner-up in America’s Next Top Model’s third season. She also has a few notable television appearances on notable television programs like Chicago Med and Ugly Betty. DaCosta represented Whitney Houston in the film titled “Whitney” in 2015.
47. Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jackson is an American singer-songwriter. She is well known for her sexually provocative and socially conscious records. She tops the ladder of innovation, and this is revealed in her style of music and career endeavors.
She broke racial and gender barriers with her work while growing MTV simultaneously. Her lyrical prowess and the direction of her music are major contributions to youth development. She is a role model for many black people.
48. Sanaa Lathan
Sanaa Lathan was a distinctive voice artist from 2009 to 2013. She is a renowned American artist who has starred in numerous movies. Such movies include Blade, The Best Man, The Family That Preys, and The Perfect Guy, to name a few.
Sanaa Lathan voiced the legendary Donna Tubbs in the Cleveland show. She has had a successful career, and her accomplishments are numerous.
Conclusion
Beauty and success are like conjoined twins. This has been exemplified by these black celebrity women. From career success to charity and philanthropic activities, these women have set a pace for many black women to follow. Hope you are inspired?
