Movies starring Black people have impacted the culture for decades. Black actors tell stories, make us laugh, and reveal history for years. These actors are loved by many in the Black community, the women who keep Black Hollywood together. “It Girls” in Black films have played the characters we resonate with most.
Whether it’s romantic comedies or thrillers, Black actresses have captured the beauty and complexity of being a Black woman on screen. Without Taraji P. Henson, there would be no “Baby Boy,” nor would we have “Love and Basketball” without Sanaa Lathan. These characters have been cemented as classics due to the actresses’ performances, making them official “It Girls” of film.
Here are five more “It Girls” in Black films that continue to inspire us!
1. Zendaya
Zendaya rose to fame while portraying Rocky Blue on Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up.” Since entering adulthood, she has starred in the hit drama “Euphoria” and entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as MJ in the “Spiderman” franchise.
In 2021, she starred alongside John David Washington in “Malcolm & Marie.” She portrayed Marie, a former actress in a relationship with Malcolm. The film takes audiences through the ups and downs of the couple’s middle-of-the-night argument. The film beautifully displays the dynamics of two Black people in love. Zendaya’s performance was praised, solidifying her as an “It Girl.”
2. Storm Reid
Although she is just 20, Storm Reid lives up to her name and has already taken Hollywood by storm. She began acting as a young girl and gained popularity after starring in Ava Duvernay’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” She gained further acclaim when she starred in the Netflix limited series, “When They See Us.”
Reid has also starred in several movies, including “Missing,” where she played June, the daughter of Nia Long’s character Grace. As she continues acting, Reid cements her place in Hollywood and Black films.
3. Nia Long
Nia Long has been an “It Girl” in several movies, serving beauty and superior acting skills that few others can surpass. She first caught our attention as Brandi in “Boyz n the Hood.” She later starred in classics like “Friday,” “The Best Man,” and “Love Jones.” Long is a generational fan favorite who continues to portray characters that Black women identify with.
4. Gabrielle Union
Like Nia Long, Gabrielle Union has starred in many classic Black films. Her career expands over 30 years, making each character feel like no one else could do it. She began small with roles in TV shows like “Friends.” Although it is not a Black film, she was the ultimate “It Girl” as Isis in “Bring It On.” 24 years later, the character is still referenced and is a cult-favorite pop culture staple. Additionally, Bring It On was the first time many millennial and Gen Z Black girls saw themselves represented on film.
5. Issa Rae
Issa Rae has come a long way since her “Awkward Black Girl” web series. She has become a highly respected writer, creator, and producer. Rae often flexes her acting skills as she has taken on the lead role in several of her projects, including the fan favorite “Insecure.” Additionally, she has started in classic Black films like “The Photograph” and “The Hate U Give.”
Black actresses in Hollywood have beautifully portrayed the lives of characters we love many years later. The “It Girl” characters are easily relatable and inspire us to be our authentic selves.
Who is your favorite “It Girl” in the Balck film space? Let us know in the comments below.
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