Black actors aren’t always given the recognition for their work that they deserve. Based on their past and upcoming works, these actors have what it takes to shine in 2013.
Joy Bryant
Bryant made her acting debut in Carmen: A Hip Hopera in 2001. Her breakthrough role was in Antwone Fisher. She appeared in Get Rich or Die Tryin. Bryant is currently starring in the television show, Parenthood. This year she also was in the film Hit and Run.
Michael B. Jordan
Best known for his roles in The Wire, Friday Night Lights and Parenthood, Jordan started his career in Cosby. This year, he starred in George Lucas’ Red Tails and Chronicle.
Jordin Sparks
American Idol winner Jordin Sparks made her film debut in Sparkle, alongside the late Whitney Houston. Next year, she stars in The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.
Amandla Stenberg
This teen actress first appeared in a feature film playing a younger version of Zoe Saldana in Columbiana. Her breakout role was as Rue in The Hunger Games.
Jurnee Smollett
Smollett is well known for being on critically acclaimed TV series Friday Night Lights. She won an NAACP Image Award for The Great Debaters, and in recent years was on The Defenders.
Mehcad Brooks
Brooks, a former model, began acting in ABC’s TV drama Desperate Housewives. He also played Tia Mowry’s boyfriend, Jerome in The Game. Brooks had his breakout role in the second season of HBO’s True Blood. He’s now on the USA series Necessary Roughness.
John Boyega
The British-Nigerian actor is best known for playing Moses in the 2011 film, Attack the Block. This year, he was cast in the film version of Half of a Yellow Sun.
Eric West
Actor and Singer Eric West was in HBO’s Miraculous Year with Susan Sarandon. He also was on 30 Rock. West is currently busy working on World War Z alongside Brad Pitt.
Paula Patton
Patton got her first role in a small part in Hitch. She’s well known for her role in Precious, as a teacher and mentor and Jumping the Broom. She also landed the lead female role in Mission Impossible- Ghost Protocol, alongside Tom Cruise.
Derek Luke
Luke made his debut in Antwone Fisher, which was directed and produced by Denzel Washington. In 2011, Luke was cast in Captain America: The First Avenger. This year, he was in Sparkle and Seeking A Friend for the End of the World.
words by: Stephanie Lauredent
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