Our screens will soon be dominated by these rising Black actors, who are all aged 30 and under. These young talents have been delivering outstanding on-screen and stage performances, and it’s high time they get the recognition they deserve. Here are 10 standout portrayals that have unequivocally etched each actor’s name in my memory.
In the spotlight is Miles Caton for his remarkable debut in the much-debated film Sinners. One particular scene that highlights his talent features his character Sammie, singing ‘I Lied to You’ in a lively juke joint. A powerful vocal performance is required to be the scene’s focal point amidst such chaos. In both a literal and metaphorical sense, Sammie, effectively encapsulates the film’s central motifs.
Next up is Hailey Kilgore, who has brilliantly portrayed Jukebox in the series Raising Kanan. Her character transformation from a relatable individual to a villain, reminiscent of the original Power series, is commendable. Notably, Kilgore’s mannerisms are impeccably synchronized with Anika Noni Rose’s interpretation of Jukebox.
Asante Blackk’s portrayal of Kevin Richardson in the mini-series When They See Us, based on the real-life tragedy of the Central Park 5, is another memorable performance. Though the series is so poignant that it’s hard to revisit, Blackk’s performance compels one to do so.
Another star from When They See Us is Jharrel Jerome. Selecting a scene that best represents his profound talent is a tall order, given his consistently powerful performance throughout the series. However, Part 4 stands out in particular – his emotive performance in the first half was utterly heart-wrenching.
Let’s shift focus to Euphoria and the unforgettable scene featuring Storm Reid: Rue’s mental breakdown. The primary focus in this scene is Rue, which only amplifies the magnitude of Reid’s depiction of Gia, making her performance legendary.
Lovie Simone’s act in Forever is another noteworthy representation of talent. Here, body language takes center stage, adding significant meaning to a teenager’s uneasy interaction with a parent. Simone masterfully articulates her character’s discomfort, underscoring every nuanced detail.
In the film Waves, Kelvin Harrison Jr. delivers a riveting performance. The scene where his character Tyler confronts his father, subsequently attending a party intoxicated and confronting his ex-girlfriend Alexis, is especially striking. The camera’s tour of the grand house in stark blue and red hues, sets a dramatic tone and underscores the scene’s gravity.
Lyric Ross made a tear-jerking impact in This Is Us. Following the introduction of her character Deja as a new member of the Pearson clan, numerous emotional scenes ensued depicting her interactions with Sterling K. Brown’s character, Randall.
Ayo Edebiri has charmed viewers with her portrayal of the quirky character Sydney in the show The Bear. However, in Season 3, episode 10, Sydney’s eccentricity temporarily diminishes: at a party, she sees an article on a refrigerator and starts to feel distressed – a striking moment in the series.
No list would be complete without the inclusion of Myles Frost, who embodied Michael Jackson in MJ the Musical on Broadway. The opening scene ‘Beat It’ is particularly compelling – Frost’s impressive depiction of Michael Jackson, from the humility in his voice to the iconic dance moves, is an ode to the legendary King of Pop.